The Poor Among Us

In this Sunday's text, Jesus mentions that we will always have the poor among us. That often has been used to ignore the poor, or to rationalize our lack of action. But what really catches my attention are the words, "among us." The poor aren't among us, as church people, are they? They are out there somewhere, but certainly not among us. We do a good job of keeping them at bay. I belong to a downtown church, surrounded by poverty. There is nary a poor person among us Sunday morning. I guess we have our work cut out for us.

Wants vs Needs

I “need” a new computer. Mine takes so long booting up that I can get the mail, make a cup of coffee, do a crossword and still see the hourglass. Now that is hyperbole. But, yes it is slow. But do I need a new computer or just want one? Anyhow, I was thinking this: would I be willing to give an equal amount of money to feed the hungry, further the work of some church, as I would to buy a computer? As far as that goes, I am a season ticket holder of the Oshawa Generals hockey club. I spend at least 100 hours a year at the rink. Would I be willing to give an equal amount of time at a local soup kitchen, or volunteering at some other organization? It is so easy to put my wants before others’ needs.

Lent Begins

So begins Lent, a time for reflection, service, fasting. Again I have my Lenten regimen mapped out. I have given up sweets/dessert for Lent for so many years that I no longer consider this a fast—it was at the beginning, but now it’s just something I do for Lent, like putting up lights for Christmas. I do and don’t do other things that I am not inclined to share. This year I am going to blog some of my thoughts during Lent. I don’t promise to post a blog every day (promises are made to be broken), but I will attempt to be regular. Comment if you feel so moved.

Wind

Today the wind is blowing. Our neighbour's tree has a branch that has begun to tear away from the trunk. With every gust of wind, I envision the branch ripping loose and crashing into the house. That is what I foresee; hopefully, it won't come to pass. Another thing that has already happened: the wind tore a downspout off the house. I have no ladder that will reach high enough to reattach it, so until I rent one or borrow one, we have no downspout. Forget, "Rain, rain, go away." Let's sing, "Wind, wind, go away." Here endth the lesson.

What Difference Does It Make?

So the Ontario Liberal party elected an openly lesbian leader, our new Premier, Kathleen Wynne. Although this is a good thing for the gay community, I wonder what difference it makes? Will Kathleen's orientation affect the way she looks at transit, or economics, or poverty? Why does it really matter what she is or isn't? Why does it matter what I am or am not? Doesn't, really. Kathleen is Kathleen. I am me. A human being. A Canadian citizen. An Ontarian. Unless she is a criminal, why do we need to know any more. Let's leave religion, race, gender issues aside and welcome all people as just that--a person. Welcome Kathleen and good luck.

Good Things in 2013

Happy New Year everyone. Who knows what the year will bring. I am optimistic that many good things are going to happen, not only in my life, but around the world. Maybe that will be the focus of the blog: good things happening in 2013. Have to have a more catchy theme than that though, don't you think?