One of the older theological ideas about heaven is that it consists of a place where all the souls departed from this earth gaze eternally upon the glory of God. Hear me out, this will become important in a moment. Psalm 17 from the Daily Office Morning Prayer for today is a cry of lament at how the just seem to suffer and the evil to thrive. Vs. 14-15 “Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *from those whose portion in life is this world; Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, * who are well supplied with children and leave their wealth to their little ones.” I’m noticing that mixed in with what I would call healthy social debate about CV-19 and what to do about it is an increasing rise of anger, self-righteousness, and a feeling that those “other” folks want to do evil against “we” righteous in order for “them” to stay rich, or content, or happy. I see this on both sides of the quarantine debate. Let’s take it down a notch. We’re all frustrated, scared, and confused. Let’s debate, sure, that’s smart and healthy. Let’s also remember that no matter what, Psalm 17:16 finishes with “But at my vindication, I shall see your face.* When I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.”
Pledge Letter
