Greetings on this the Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 4:1-15, 25; Psalm 50:1,8, 16bc-17, 20-21; Mark 8:11-13
President’s Day
Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, was designated by Congress as a holiday for all federal workers in 1885, and in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Law changed the date to the third Monday in February, according to the National Archives.
In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course, which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.
—George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
Washington to Washout
Washout – a period that is spoiled by constant corruption, a breach of norms.
Reflection from four years ago.
Nothing has changed except the point is even clearer.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.
The American Experiment in Crisis
The warnings, contrasts and evidence are simply not enough to preserve the American Experience. We have to want to be a land of our myths not by crookery but by true virtue. True virtue, in common, we call it public morals for public people is always birthed in the private virtue and morals of the soul.
The light at the end of this tunnel is a freight train of disaster. You have chosen poorly.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Thank you for sharing Washington’s statement and statesmanship. Yes, the former Senate Majority Leader’s stand alone statesmanship 4 years ago was AWOL.
We are in uncharted territory.