Inauguration
Well, the next four years have begun. On this day let me say that strength is not found in pride. So many times we see bumperstickers on which the phrase "Power of Pride" is emblazoned. Let me say on this particular inauguration day that George W. Bush has yet to grasp the full meaning of what it means to be a Christian. Perhaps he missed the teachings of humility which stand at the very certer of faith. Never before has a politician used his faith as a political tool in this way. Perhaps I should quote our President's favorite philosopher, "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces as to show others they are truly fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18
As I look out over the horizon that is approaching I see that George W. Bush wishes to see his faith as a tool which he can wield to win political victory. He is not the first person to wield faith in this way, ancient rulers did similar things to destructive ends. True faith is measured only by God and a person is not responsible for judgement on the faith of another. It is time that people stood up and took back Christianity from the arrogant and myopic and put it back into the hands of the almighty. God does not exist to serve us, we exist to serve him. Humility is a central characteristic of any righteous person. Arrogance is a product of ego and wordly power, humility is a product of love and a belief in something bigger.
I noticed while watching the ceremony that a prayer was given for a multitude of things, but I would like to share the following blessing on you all:
May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim connot be done.
And the blessing of +God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, +Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior, and the +Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide...be with you and remain with you, the day and forevermore. AMEN.
As I look out over the horizon that is approaching I see that George W. Bush wishes to see his faith as a tool which he can wield to win political victory. He is not the first person to wield faith in this way, ancient rulers did similar things to destructive ends. True faith is measured only by God and a person is not responsible for judgement on the faith of another. It is time that people stood up and took back Christianity from the arrogant and myopic and put it back into the hands of the almighty. God does not exist to serve us, we exist to serve him. Humility is a central characteristic of any righteous person. Arrogance is a product of ego and wordly power, humility is a product of love and a belief in something bigger.
I noticed while watching the ceremony that a prayer was given for a multitude of things, but I would like to share the following blessing on you all:
May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim connot be done.
And the blessing of +God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, +Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior, and the +Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide...be with you and remain with you, the day and forevermore. AMEN.