01-09-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 9, 2021
Scripture: Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Thought for the Day: On this day in the year 1349, approximately 70 Jewish residents of the city of Basel (modern day Switzerland) were rounded up, locked inside a shed and burned to death. The plague known as Black Death was sweeping across Europe, and fearful people looked for an excuse, looked for someone to blame. The plague had not made its way to Basel at that point, yet unsubstantiated accusations suggested that Jewish people were poisoning wells. Other cities nearby blamed the Jewish people living among them and followed the lead of Basel. How is it that fear causes us to seek out someone to blame even when there is no evidence? How is it that we turn so easily on our neighbors in moments of crisis? Integrity is a wonderful attribute to guide people in wise and thoughtful ways. Too often the gift has not been present or not present with enough strength to hold off the fear among the masses. Let us always pray for there to be those with integrity who will be unafraid to offer their wise and calm counsel in our tense moments.

Prayer: O Provider of Peace, help me to always pause for a moment when fear seizes my heart. Give me a moment to breathe and to seek the counsel of those whose integrity can offer a trusted and wise word. Amen.

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