Sabbath Messages > Sabbath Message: July 1, 2006
Good Sabbath
July 1, 2006
And on the seventh month, what? July creeps in, along with humidity that breeds laziness and huffing and puffing, along with the most patriotic memories of our Independence-the freedom to huff, puff or rest.
We live in a time of terror and freedom, in a battle emanating out of that eternal conflict. As executive power seeks its points of elasticity--accepting no boundaries. It is the modern version of explorers seeking new territories in order to find riches and power. The wealthy have new territories to explore, finding privacy in a globe that seeks its extinction.
"If we permit extremes of wealth for a few and enduring poverty for many, we will create a social explosiveness and a demand for revolutionary change." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
One place ,in the center of cities, is the nest above the rest of the world-the penthouse. It perches, like an inanimate lioness, so that it has unobstructed view of humanity without having to become part of it. It is the environment based upon constant pampering, giving 5-star hotel services, 7/24, so that garbage is packaged-gift like, and sent off to a happy hunting resting place. A concierge obtains tickets to any event and catering is the lasting gift to any whim you have proved you can afford.
Then there are the highest peaks of achievement, a billionaire's status in the land of free and easy. The challenge is to seek what pampering can be shared with humanity, who can only look skyward towards the penthouses of unreachablity.. "The Economist" features a cover story wonderfully named, "Billanthropy", I guess for Bill Gates (and Melinda), his partner and lovely spouse is equal to the partnership. Then in comes a new partner, equally wealthy and wise, Warren Buffet, who joins a philanthropy that is the epitome of American free-enterprise and liberty, which allows discretionary possibilities to make heaven come-to-earth for a few moments, for people who have been priced out of everything else.
Fate can be very kind to those who convert their wealth into good deeds, unhindered by personal vanity. We remember that life is rife with good deeds undone by personal vanities which exceed wisdom and kindness. Each philanthropy must be accompanied by the realty of a watching God and an eager Madam Fate, ready and willing to embarrass the vain.
"This is the benign wisdom in an old man's eyes
And the hope in a youngster's fresh voice,
The roots into the past
And the arms stretching forward into the future."
(E.Grindell)
Despite the flaws of California, newcomers still flood towards the sunshine, ignoring traffic congestion. There is no hiding on the freeways of life, for once outside the hideaway, you are in it, another car or taxi, joining humanity in its various quests for parts of heaven, achievement, adult toys, even fulfillment. As we march or crawl towards fulfillment, we become part of a mob or more humane than thought possible. We care for others, rather than just to accumulate for ourselves. It is not wrong to achieve, but it is wrong to assume that power is your possession as others are denied the simplest rewards.
We must understand that most rewards come from each other, not the mysterious God who too often appears busy on another planet. But we are here, on earth, with our faith in that mysterious One, who is also part of our own souls as we care for one another.
sandy
