03-31-26

ECCLESIOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 31, 2026
So yesterday, I was driving on Strack, between Louetta and Cypresswood, and as I came to the School Zone (20 mph), I slowed down to about 21, maybe 22 mph. I am a pretty good rule follower, but I noticed the car behind me not slowing down. He tailgated me about as close as I have ever had someone tailgate me. In fact, he was so close, I could tell his frustration in regard to my speed. Here’s what really surprised me, though — as we got to the entrance to the Preschool, the car turned in. I think we can logically assume the individual driving the car had a child in that school, a child that was technically being kept safe by the School Zone. Into the emptiness of the car, I said out loud, “You’d think you would want people to drive slow if your kid was at that school!” But as the words spilled out of my mouth, I felt the need to revise what I had just said because it violated one of my most basic convictions—they are all my responsibility, every single child at the preschool and anywhere in the world is my responsibility. 

In one of my favorite TV series, West Wing, President Bartlet asked the question, “Why is a Kundunese life worth less than an American life” (Kundu is a fictional country in the Middle East according to the TV series)? Will Bailey, a speechwriter for the president, responded, “I don’t know, sir, but it is.” It is a powerful moment as the President is Catholic, and his faith is extraordinarily important, yet at times, it challenges him, and even leaves him verbally sparring with God. The question is important, and I think it challenges us today, especially as those who seek to follow in the ways of Jesus. From our faith, is there any way someone could argue that one human life, based on nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, etc., is worth less than another? I see Christians doing it all the time, yet I find great fault with their logic. I also do not believe we can agree with the premise of equal value in the theoretical and then explain it away when it comes to Gaza, Iran, Sudan, El Salvador, China, Israel, Alabama, Utah, or any other part of this planet. We either believe it or we do not.

Jesus made this tough, Merciful God, and so I guess that means that you made it tough. Continue to challenge us for the purpose of expanding our notion of love, value, worthiness, and what it means to be a beloved member of your family. Amen.