Friday, January 23, 2015

Contemplating









" There are six things which the Lord hates,
seven which are an abomination to Him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that makes haste to run to evil,
A false witness who breathes out lies,
and a man who sows discord among brothers."

This week in my bible study class, our discussion was drawn to this verse.  Proverbs 6:16.  I had not read this before, but it has resonated with me these last few days in a huge way.  A somewhat repeat of the Commandments, it is that last phrase that captures me.  The Lord hates those first six vices, but He abhors the seventh.  Sowing discord.  Planting problems.  Being the accuser.  Not listening.  Not understanding.  Thinking of your own happiness.  Not walking in another's shoes.  I could continue, but those come quickly to mind.  That one little phrase captures so much.

I'm pondering these last days of how I can sow peace and happiness among those who are seeking the opposite.  How to see and plant the joy.

That chapter continues though....

" My son, keep your father's commandment,
and forsake not your mother's teaching.
Bind them upon your heart always;
tie them about your neck,
When you walk they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.

I've been thinking as I watch others these days at how many of our young adults in this culture of relativism have turned away from what they were taught at home.  Exposure to other thoughts and lives become bright when the culture of " having more" takes over.  When the idea of " what feels good is right" is pronounced as the Truth. This always cause me to turn back to scripture in search of the real Truth. What it says here is so profound though.  What you were taught should be so close to you that it NEVER leaves you.  It is always with you.  That I have to draw comfort from.  Knowing that even when I see what is painful, that what has been taught is somewhere in there and it will come back.

Someday I will tell my real story. It is not one I like to dwell on, but as I age I find myself thinking more and more about where I came from. As parents, we always hope that our children will not repeat our mistakes. I've  been blessed that my own children have escaped some of those mistakes, but cursed that they have wrapped themselves in others.  I think it is that sadness that has drawn me to these verses.  Isn't that the emotion of all parents?

Well, a little " downer" post today, but I felt called to write it and I have to remember that really this blog is to record those thoughts for myself and the rest of you just happen to stumble here:)

Oh.... and that bible!  A FB friend posted about it and my jaw dropped.  I have longed hoped for a bible that would connect scripture to Catechism.  After all, that is our Catholic faith; sacred scripture and the teaching of the Church.  Well here it is!  Didache means" The Twelve Apostles".  I love how that names these teachings for us....from the apostles.  The text size is very good for my aging eyes and the commentary is truly wonderful.  It references the verses and the Church's teaching together.  What a gift!  There are maps and spaced throughout the bible are apologetical explanations. The paper is thin but not too thin, but that kind of page that feels good in your hands.  I think this is perfect for me!









5 comments:

  1. I am glad you found a lovely Bible for you. In these times and days, I think all of us have come from places that has some real darkness. I remember also to focus more on Christ and the light He brings to the darkness; feed yourself on His love and freeing mercy. (((HUGS)))

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  2. What a wonderful and thought provoking post. I too will be pondering these words! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections! The Bible sounds like a wonderful interpretation and I always feel so confident with Ignatius Press.

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  3. Sowing discord is a good thing to meditate on. As a woman I am always challenged by scripture. The Lord has a good way of helping us get back on track, His Word is such a blessing and it goes right to the heart sometimes. But thank goodness his blood is our redemption. When I was young I naively thought I would be so much better at not sinning the more I aged but alas it hasn't been true. Sainthood will only be achieved in heaven, at least I hope!!! Haha Hope you have a wonderful weekend. That's a beautiful bible.

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  4. Thank you for your words, Wanda. They hit a resonance in my heart today.

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  5. Hello Wanda,
    I loved this post! The "world" just creeps in everywhere, doesn't it? The Bible looks amazing!! My son in the seminary would love one like this. I think I might need to get one for him (and me!)

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