Shortly after September 11, I found the song inserted at the end of this post. It really moved me, although I am certain that others may find it disconcerting. The implication is that maybe we are not always the perfect nation. Maybe we are having problems as a result of the national sin we have committed. Maybe our arrogance, selfishness, and greed are being punished.
For a long time - perhaps too long - we have prided ourselves in being the Good Guys. Yet what have we done recently to earn that title? Even as I type, millions around this country are working to defeat Senators and Congressional Representatives who voted in favor of health care reform. A few dollars of their own are more important to them than the health of their neighbors.
I'm pretty sure this contradicts the message of Jesus: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me..." (Mt. 25:45)
So today I am celebrating my own kind of National Day of Prayer. Mine is not one where we all pray "Yay, God - aren't we great - give us more good stuff!" Rather, I will spend the day quietly begging forgiveness for not caring for the lives of our brothers and sisters...for despoiling the earth in search of profits...for believing having more stuff demonstrates righteousness...for assuming anyone who worships God as Allah is evil...for walking past one of God's Children who is stricken with illness, because I don't think I should get involved.
Perhaps you would like to join me?
