Complain, Complain

This morning's lectionary reading from the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 17.1-7) finds us in familiar territory: the Israelites are complaining.  They seem to do this a lot.  One would think they might show a little bit of gratitude to God for leading them out of slavery but that act of grace seems to have been filed away to be forgotten.  Their interest is in what the Almighty can do for them now.  The ingrates!

Before we get too comfortable in our righteous indignation, we would do well to remember that we are as bad as they were.  As individuals, as communities, even the best of find ways to forget what God has done for us and to instead focus on what he has not done.  This seems to be a part of the human condition.  While wanting more, entertaining ambitions, and dreaming dreams can help us as individuals and as a people grow, we would do well to remember the blessings we currently enjoy.

This Lent, let us repent for our ingratitude and pray that God will renew our sense of thankfulness for all he has done, is doing, and most assuredly will do.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 51:1-18: Sacrifice

During Lent people often talk about the things they've given up as a sacrifice.  That offering can seem like a burden.  Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's not.  It's good when we part with something that matters so that we can deepen our faith.  It's not when in doing so, we act as if we're doing God some kind of favor, one that deserves praise and acknowledgment.  The psalmist, along with the prophets and others in Scripture, not to mention Jesus, knew this reality.  They knew that it was all too easy for people to fake sacrifice, to look like they were doing something for God but in reality were doing something to boost their own reputation righteousness.  Here, in verses 17 and 18 and Psalm 51 we are told what God really seeks from us: not an animal on an altar, but real introspection and an honest accounting of our sins.  "Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.  The sacrifice o
Read more

Shortest Day

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  You've probably heard by now about the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which should be quite a sight.  Of course, this being 2020, the sky will probably be overcast obscuring this celestial event. But rather than be pessimistic, I will indulge in some optimism, some hope, that we will be able to see what has been dubbed "The Christmas Star" - even though Christmas isn't until the 25th and Jesus was likely born in March.  Still, it's the thought that counts, right?  Advent is all about hopeful anticipation, and we're coming to its glorious conclusion. I choose to welcome Christ with an open heart.  What about you?  Will you join me?  Will you look heavenward, confident that, clouds or no clouds, Our Lord is coming to be with us?
Read more

Girl Power

I honestly don't know whether referring to "girl power" is, as they now say, "problematic."  I use it with reference to today's Scripture readings with only the greatest of respect.  The stories of Scripture are as much about women as they are men.  Consider Hannah, mother of Samuel, and Mary, mother of Jesus, who were two strong, empowered women whose faith guided their lives, example and morals shaped their sons, and witness that inspired the faithful for generations.  As we approach Christmas, let us remember these two women who have done so much to shape the faith through their commitment, grit, and love.
Read more