Holy Week, Passover, and the Bombing of Syria
Yesterday's post about the bombing of Syria ordered by the U.S. government focused on the lack of evidence that the Assad government ordered the chemical attacks on innocent people. But there's a counter to that: the government knows more than we do. Okay, that's true. Common sense tells us that there's no way each of us can know even a fraction of the information that flows through our intelligence and other government agencies. And reason dictates that some of that information is not, indeed cannot, be revealed in the interests of national security. But even if we accept all that, experience teaches us to be cautious about how far we trust government officials. And when it comes to an act of war - which is what bombing another country amounts to - we need to do more than simply accept the government's judgement and actions. War kills people, frequently innocent people.
A comment about this idea of trusting the government: There once was a time when people trusted government more readily than they do today. The War in Vietnam put an end to ready trust. You can debate whether that was a good thing; but it's a fact. And yet many of us still go along with the actions of the government, in essence trusting their judgement. Perhaps we're driven by a politcial agenda: Those who want to oust Assad - for whatever their reason - will trust the government's action because it may spell an end to Assad.
But is there really any reason to trust government at all? If you asked our Founding Father's, the answer would be a resounding "No!". That's why they created a republican form of government riddled with checks and balances that would minimize the government's power. Trust simply wasn't part of the system they put in place. It wasn't needed and it wasn't wanted.
If you're looking for something, even better Somone, to trust, let's remember Monday's post about Holy Week and Passover. We're in the thick of it now. And guess what? Holy Week and Passover both reference the one true and lasting source of Trust that's always been there for all of us, Christians, Jews - everyone. If you're Catholic, you might recall one of the readings at Mass this week, from Isaiah, Chapter 50. The writer's in facing some tough going. Where does he turn? It's not the government.
Today is "Holy Thursday" for Christians. It's the first day of three known as the "Easter Triduum" where Christians recall the passion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. For Jews, Passover continues. As a Christian, since the next few days call for special attention, special devotion, I won't be posting anything. Maybe Holy Week will bring me the confidence to place my trust where it really belongs. I invite you to join me.
Until we meet again, I hope your Holy Week and/or Passover brings you peace and stability in a world fraught with challenge, even danger. Turn to the One and Only Source you can trust.
A comment about this idea of trusting the government: There once was a time when people trusted government more readily than they do today. The War in Vietnam put an end to ready trust. You can debate whether that was a good thing; but it's a fact. And yet many of us still go along with the actions of the government, in essence trusting their judgement. Perhaps we're driven by a politcial agenda: Those who want to oust Assad - for whatever their reason - will trust the government's action because it may spell an end to Assad.
But is there really any reason to trust government at all? If you asked our Founding Father's, the answer would be a resounding "No!". That's why they created a republican form of government riddled with checks and balances that would minimize the government's power. Trust simply wasn't part of the system they put in place. It wasn't needed and it wasn't wanted.
If you're looking for something, even better Somone, to trust, let's remember Monday's post about Holy Week and Passover. We're in the thick of it now. And guess what? Holy Week and Passover both reference the one true and lasting source of Trust that's always been there for all of us, Christians, Jews - everyone. If you're Catholic, you might recall one of the readings at Mass this week, from Isaiah, Chapter 50. The writer's in facing some tough going. Where does he turn? It's not the government.
"The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced: I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong? Lo, they will all wear out like cloth, the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the Lord, heeds His servant's voice, and walks in darkness without any light, trusting in the name of the Lord and relying on his God?"Would that I had such unshakable faith and trust!
Today is "Holy Thursday" for Christians. It's the first day of three known as the "Easter Triduum" where Christians recall the passion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. For Jews, Passover continues. As a Christian, since the next few days call for special attention, special devotion, I won't be posting anything. Maybe Holy Week will bring me the confidence to place my trust where it really belongs. I invite you to join me.
Until we meet again, I hope your Holy Week and/or Passover brings you peace and stability in a world fraught with challenge, even danger. Turn to the One and Only Source you can trust.
Happy Passover!
Happy Easter!
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