January 22, Lunar new year
Fuente Mágica de Montjuic
Eileen and I celebrating our last night before the Camino. The server spilled wine on my jacket and dress. Perhaps an omen of the difficulties to come.
The group at our dinner, meeting most of my fellow pilgrims for the first time. A month of comradery!
Chinese New year, Lunar New Year 🧧 began again with a mass shooting outside of LA. I really don’t know how much carnage we will continue to endure as innocents die at the hands of assault weapons.
I attended a legislative conference yesterday. I probably have attended the conference yearly since the late 80’s or early 90’s. And what struck me yesterday is what little progress we have made in this state. And even with a sound budget, we have gone backwards. Our state funding for those in need is to provide $278 a month. Back in the day, it was $339. No child care for our children. A head start program that is hard to enter due to lack of space. An education system that requires more and more mandates, as we witness the crisis in education from the stay at home Covid years. I am beginning to feel hopeless and cynical. I know cynicism is not a good thing. So, a pastor friend yesterday suggested I read Ecclesiastics. I decided to start with Isaiah, as s/he is my favorite prophet.
So today, I read the first 7 chapters, from the Bible my parents gave us for our wedding!
I am struck by Isaiah’s commitment to justice! Chapter 1 reminds us: “learn to do good. Make justice your aim Come now, let us set things right….I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as in the beginning; After that, you shall be called city of justice, faithful city.”
It seems that justices throughout the world are being challenged. The United States appoints judges by party rather than ideology and “commitment to justice.” While these individuals may be committed to justice, they are jaded by their party affiliations. Israel is trying to change the laws so that parliament can override the court decisions. Both Poland and Hungary have faced sanction in the EU for reducing the powers of their judicial branch of government. Human rights watch website (hrw.org) has stated that in Central and South American countries: “Latin America is experiencing such an alarming reversal of basic freedoms that we now have to defend democratic spaces that we once took for granted,” said Tamara Taraciuk Broner, Americas acting director at Human Rights Watch. “Even democratically elected leaders attacked independent civil society, the free press, and judicial independence.” (Jan 13, 2022).
So today, as I ponder the chaos in-our world; I will try and concentrate on the luminous and radiant parts of our world. And I will maintain gratitude for all of which I have been blessed! And look for joy, and as Micah says: “What does the Lord require? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our Lord!”
Jeez Louise!
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