It’s not rocket science

Jane Denniston December 14, 2023 1 4

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Psalm 140: 12-13 (NRSVA)

12 

I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy,
    and executes justice for the poor.

13 

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
    the upright shall live in your presence.

Justice and mercy are constant themes throughout the Old and New Testament. Clearly God’s priorities are that we live together in harmony and share the world’s resources, yet somehow, weak and sinful creatures that we are, we constantly fail. Humanity’s innate selfishness is at war with our better natures, our compassion and altruism, and increasingly it seems, selfishness is winning. I confess I am often tempted to despair at the state of the world today.

Yet, we do have within us the capacity to make this world a better place, and I have to constantly remind myself that for every news story bringing bad news there is someone, somewhere quietly doing something good and positive for their fellow human beings. For every one who exploits there are more who care, for ever selfish act there are unselfish counterweights. However, it’s not easy to withstand the zeitgeist. I am reminded of a Practical Theology class of a number of years back when the lecturer was describing reflective practice: ‘It’s not rocket science’, she said. ‘Oh, no,’ replied one of the students who had a background in nuclear science, ‘it’s much harder than that!’ She wasn’t wrong, Practical Theology, unlike rocket science, has no definitive answers, and her comment applies to today’s challenge as well. To do the self-indulgent thing is always easier, but to live God’s way doesn’t just make the world a better place, it also has the capacity to make us happier.

Prayer:

God of Justice,

show us how to live justly

in our families and communities.

God of Mercy

help us to show mercy

to all who cross our path.

God of Humility,

help us not to think of ourselves as more deserving than others

but to recognise your likeness in everyone we meet.

God of Transformation

take the straws we offer you

and use them to make bricks

which will build communities of peace, Amen