Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ex 16-18 Author, Critic....Really

January 23rd, Exodus 16-18

       I heard it again on the radio. The introduction of a guest. Part of introducing a guest is to let you know what they do for a living. It gives us a context to know what we're about to hear. Numerous times lately I hear people being introduced as "John Smith: Author and Critic." I understand author, but is "Critic" now a job title?
       Moses knew a few with the same job title."It was better in Egypt(maybe they forgot about their sons being murdered) where we had meat in our pots. Did you bring us out here to die?" "Hey... pass the water" This is all an extension of yesterday. When do people learn to ask God, trust in him, say thanks. Author is actually a difficult job, Critic: anyone can do that!
       Monastic living has identified grumbling as a top problem to community life. St Benedict is famous for saying, "Send two stout monks to explain the matter to him." The issue here is not difference of opinion, the issue is the manner in which it's presented. "We have a real need for food and water here. Moses can you ask God to help us?" This is a different question than  "Hey idiot, are you trying to kill us?" Let's work on "Author and People of Faith."
       And by the way, Chapter 17: God wins. Chapter 18: Your in-laws might have great advice so don't write them off just because they are your in-laws. New job titles for us...

Author-People of Faith-Witness of God's Power- Learner. 

Dump the "Critic" for one of the above!!

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