Margin Call

As we enter the final days of Advent (December 17^th begins the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve) we again make a margin call. We are at an inflection point in our self-awareness.

Taxes

Well, if you are a stock investor such a margin call would cause heartburn. Stocks have been pounded lately due to the general disintegration of governance and the erosion of executive branch moral vision. This has placed in peril the future of these United States.  These supposed tax breaks are nearly worthless to me as millions like me. As I do a draft tax return (standard procedure this time of year) the impact is negligible, given the cost the people this is a disastrous legislative failure.

Immigration

How did we get here? How is it possible we are silent in the reality that we use military troops to repel men, women and children desperate for a new life? How can we just sit and watch people being marked with indelible ink on their arms with a serial number in the hope of an immigration interview.

What is your understanding of the vision? Is this really your vision?

We have always struggled with the best way to be a friend in our own hemisphere. While the task is difficult it is not one we must abandon to this new xenophobic executive branch.

In December 1961 by President Kennedy’s initiative the Alliance for Progress was started. Faulty and never fully implemented it was an expression of a desire to find common good and hospitality among our neighbors. It was a ten year progressive plan with a peaceful pan-America as the aim – which is well beyond the current guttural vision. We can do better.

The O Antiphons

These last Seven Days we observe the O Antiphons as the antiphons for the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer. The Magnificat already is known to be a recognition that the plan of the Lord is to lift up the lowly and that the hungry are to be fed by us. All of us.

We’ll step through the O Antiphons now. Perhaps we can break through your fear and anxiety and find in charity is true freedom.

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

We can know and should know the will of God that is to defend the widow and orphan. All who are without power.

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

Laws are meant to rescue and protect.  Right relation is expressed in the common good. Barbed wire is an evil barrier between friends.

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

The bounty of God’s love is for all. The riches of the earth are for all too.

O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

People excommunicate themselves when they have been radicalized by the new nationalists.

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Who will be satisfied? Do we need to see piled bodies of serial marked arms laying in desolation? Why are we desecrating the land of the free?

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Who among us are above being dust? Who can account our riches to our efforts alone? No, it is a bounty from God.

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

Indeed save us Lord from the anxiety of wealth!!

The darkness grows day by day. We need our Advent light.

Blessings,

Deacon Gerry