Fallen

The story hasn't generated much attention here in the States but the world of competitive dog shows in the UK has been rocked by an awful scandal.  Up to six dogs participating in Crufts, the British equivalent of the Westminster Kennel Club Show here in the US (recall the movie"Best in Show") have been killed by poisoning.  The authorities are working under the assumption that the guilty party is the owner of one of the other competitors.  This is appalling and sickening.  And, sadly, reflective of just how fallen humans can be.  Killing a helpless creature so you can walk off with a ribbon?  Really?  Something is very, very wrong here.  In the church, we name this "something" sin.  When we sin (and yes, that's we, not other people), ties are frayed, even broken.  Relationships are thrown off kilter. And, harm is done, sometimes, irreparably.

During Lent, we have the opportunity to reflect on how we sin, and to pray to God to help us turn in a new direction, and, if possible, stop before we start.  Because as we see in this sad story from Britain, anybody can be tempted and seduced by sin, and anybody can be hurt - including the sinner him or herself.  I don't mean to suggest that any of us would ever go so far as to killing another person's show dog simply to win a competition.  But I do know that each of us is flawed and that is better, wiser, and far more faithful, to turn to God for power and strength to live whole and holy lives.

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