Saturday, October 10, 2020
This past week has seen surges and only slight reductions in the number of new coronavirus cases reported and not just in New Jersey. Governor Murphy extended the utility cutoff prohibition, and the NJ Department of Human Resources unveiled a new plan to help the many people struggling with rent and mortgage payments. Although we see some businesses looking for new employees, unemployment is still at an all-time high.
And Congress and the President are at loggerheads. This one wants that and that one wants this. They are like children pulling on a toy resulting in its being torn apart. The order of the day seems to be chaos rather than promoting the general welfare as called for in the Constitution.
As people of faith, we need to tell those who have the power to make decisions for our lives to find ways to serve the people rather than themselves. Too many lives depend on their decisions. As a community, we need to act for the good of our nation.
Prayer for the Day
Lord, we come caught by competing interests;
Help us to be focused only on you.
Lord, we come caught by the chaos of the lives we lead;
Shelter us in your loving arms.
Lord, make us servants of your truth, beacons of your mercy,
Living and sharing your love with all.
In the name of him who shared his life with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We in America do not have a government by the majority; we have a government by the majority who participate.
Thomas Jefferson, writer of The Declaration of Independence (1743–1826)
The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing up for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Senator from Maine (1897–1995)
Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
Psalm 85:4–7