A House Divided

Mass Readings: February 28

First:	Jeremiah 7:23-28
Resp:	Psalm 95:1-2,6-9
Gospel:	Luke 11:14-23

Psalms 95:2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

When I think about what divides us and what unites us as a people I see that things like politics and "religion" tend to divide, yet we tend to unite around things like holidays and birthdays and weddings and funerals. What I see is that we unite around times of being thankful and celebrating life. In the realm of ideas and struggle for power, however, there is no way to unite unless we follow something or someone greater than ourselves. We will always fight and struggle if our own ideas and power is at stake.
Jesus says that a kingdom divided cannot stand. I fear for our country these days because we are so divided. In times when we are able to count our blessings we have a chance to unite. When we are rich and all we do is defend what we have and want, then we will fail. How hard it is for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. I think the secret for our survival is to start by being thankful to God everywhere and in all times.

Father, I give you thanks. I ask for your blessing to remain upon our country and that the people will see that it is your love and grace that sustains us. Without you we can do nothing. Help us, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, to be humble and thankful in your presence.

Amen