For in a multitude of dreams there is futility, and ruin in a flood of words: but do you fear God. If you see in a province the poor oppressed and justice and right violently taken away, do not be amazed at the matter; for the high official is watched by a higher, and yet there are higher ones over them.    Ecclesiastes 5:7, 8 (KJV)

This scripture speaks to me of what is happening today. Our Executive Branch is being investigated by our Legislative Branch. The Legislative Branch is closely examining each and every facet of the lives of nominees for the Judicial Branch. Rhetoric of varying qualities is flying about in massive quantities from all political factions.

It seems to me that things have not improved that much in over 2000 years. A French philosopher once said, and I paraphrase, "The more things change, the more they remain the same." How very true!

So, how do we make changes? WE start within ourselves and hope for the best. WE try to lead by example rather than by the sword. The second great commandment Jesus laid upon us was "to love our neighbors as ourselves."

One of the two most poignant films I had seen was "Pay it Forward." In it, a young boy posited that we ought to do something kind or good for someone else with no strings attached except to "pay it forward" for still another person. The film showed how that idea started very slowly but then spread rapidly throughout the land.

The other film that comes to mind is "Enemy Mine," based upon a science fiction short story in which two enemy combatants found themselves marooned on a small planet with a hostile environment. They have to make peace with each other and themselves in order to survive. That relationship, in the end, stopped an intergalactic war and made for peace and respect between two very different sentient races.

Then, how do we make this change in us?
We pray and listen for the answer.

Merciful Father ... We offer with joy and thanksgiving what You have first given us - our selves, our time and our possessions, signs of Your gracious love. Amen    LBW, p67
   Let us share our gifts!

Contributed by Michael
Sunday February 5, 2006
Liturgical Year B Week 11