Oh Sinnerman, where you gonna run to?
Sinnerman, where you gonna run to?
Where you gonna run to?
All along dem day
Well I run to the rock, please hide me
I run to the rock,please hide me
I run to the rock, please hide me, Lord
All along dem day
Don't you know I need you Lord
Don't you know that I need you
Don't you know that I need you
Power, Lord!
Afro-American Spiritual
The RCMP allege a Canadian senator, and another dramatically claims innocence on the floor with no one buying his story. The Prime Minister of the nation changes his story repeatedly while saying "let me be very clear" in parliament, over and over again. The mayor of the largest city in the country would be a laughingstock if it weren't apparent that he is in serious denial about the effects of his behavior and the company he keeps, not to mention what he might be smoking.
In nearly six decades as a citizen of this country I can't remember a time when more shameful activity has been brought to light about politicians, and less willingness to "come clean." Well, the gang in Quebec would give them a run for their money, probably literally.
Today in worship we hear the story of Zaccheus, a shady tax-collector, or at least that is the way he is perceived by his peers. It is a rich story on the day we ponder saints and sinners. When are we willing to acknowledge our failures and shortcomings and even make restitution if need be.
In her thoughtful book Speaking of Sin: The Lost Language of Salvation Barbara Brown Taylor points out that we have confused the issues of sin by calling lying "spin" and greed "motivation." Sound familiar.
There is still a place for acknowledging our sins and our sin and choosing a different path. For Christians there is the Good News that we can be forgiven and reconciled. Perhaps the individuals above need to do a little "knee time." Then again, don't we all?
Thoughts?
1 comment:
Thought yesterday as I flipped through the front section of The Globe that our country was in a mess, or many messes.
We talked at bible study not long ago about "sin"....from the perspective of being sinners not because of mistakes we make but because of times of broken relationship with God....which leads us to make mistakes.
So yes, we all have reason to ask for forgiveness....politicians included.....
Love sharing the Zaccheaus story with the kids....this short,little man gets them thinking about why they need Jesus in their lives, stereotypes,transformation etcetc....they loved Jesus and Zack on youtube......
I think Toronto's mayor did confirm that he wasn't perfect (kinda goes without saying) on radio today but no sign of apology or changing ways.....
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