In our Sunday School days we were given palm branches to wave in jubilation as Jesus entered Jerusalem. But Jesus entered the city not in celebration, because he was fully aware of what lay ahead as he challenged the ruling authorities, especially those in the temple. Told to silence the crowd d by some of the Pharisees, he responded that the very stones would cry out.
In today’s world, if we like Jesus, challenge oppressors, will face a similar kind of fate. Not crucifixion in the literal sense, but attempts to destroy our resolve through attacks on our motives, even our families through social media and control of our personal data.
Just as Jesus faced oppressive power, so do we. The Musk midgets have been given access to our personal data. Our response cannot be like the Luddites who smashed the new weaving machines but a return to the rule of law, which is being abrogated by the new regime. We must do more than simply cry out.
Prayer for the Day
Architect of grace, we come to you, O God,
To praise you for the promise of justice given us;
Framer of our existence, we are in trepidation,
For the forces of oppression are all around us.
Sustainer of the weary, give us strength for the days ahead,
That we fail not those around us or you.
In the name of the One who persevered,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We are living in a moment of extraordinary danger, and how we respond to this moment will not only impact our lives but it will affect the lives of our kids and future generations. We are living in a moment where a handful of billionaires control the economic and political life of our country.
Bernie Sanders, yesterday in Los Angeles
They have not demonstrated a single case in which fraud detection has required some universal governmental access to everybody’s data. In fact, the creation of a monster uniform database of all information on all citizens will be an invitation to fraud and political retaliation against the people.
Jamie Raskin, Member of Congress (D-MD)
Ala for you who get evil gain for your house, setting your nest on high,
To be safe from the reach of harm. You hae devised shame for your house,
By cutting off many peoples; you have forfeited your life.
The very stones will cry out from the wall, and the plaster will collapse.
Habakkuk 2: 9-11