August 24, 2021
Good afternoon,
I repeat, let no one think that I am a fool; but if you do, then accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord’s authority, but as a fool; since many boast according to human standards,* I will also boast.
2 Corinthians 11:16-19
In September/October I will be speaking on four contemporary issues. On September 13, I will start with Indigenous Conversations. I know/suspect we are at different spots on this idea. I feel a little like Paul. I feel like a fool, speaking on issues around First Nations, when I am not Indigenous. Well, I guess we have to start somewhere.
WhenPaul writes, ” I am not saying this with the Lord’s authority “, it complicates the Biblical record . What are the ideas of God and what are the ideas of Paul ( or even Fred !) Is Paul saying that this is not God’s word ? But Paul never intended to write Scripture; it was the church that made it Scripture nearly three hundred years after Paul wrote his letters.
So, I am fine with saying things from the pulpit, that might be from God, and might be from Fred. They might intersect into some holy moment, but if Paul can call himself a fool, so can I.Paul’s humanity makes his works of grace and Gospel so much more sacred. Does that make sense ? I believe Paul’s foolish words are beautiful and life giving .
September 12 Indigenous Conversations
September 19 Guaranteed Basic Income
September 26 Palestine/Israel
October 3 Technology – Robots
These are the topics that I have selected from hundreds of ideas I could have chosen from our world. Maybe I am foolish . I know even before I speak, we will disagree, but we need to love each other when we might not speak the same words. God will be here, to call us wise or fools ! See you on the 13th.
Prayer ( Serenity )
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
one from the other. Reinhold Niebuhr (1944)
Fred
Soaring like Vultures
Lifted up by unseen Hands
Trust, silent enters my fears Monica Pieper Landoni 2021
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