#delayed justice in Scripture

[pastorhogg]

When Justice Takes Too Long

 Life Lessons LearnedIsaiah 26 There are few things more frustrating in life than injustice. It has a way of stealing our peace, undermining our sense of stability, and challenging our faith. Whether it happens in a courtroom, a classroom, or a corporate boardroom, injustice stings—especially when we feel powerless to stop it. And sometimes, despite our best efforts to speak up, to protest, to…

[banana-with-a-bow-tie]

I have a friend who is a Christian who has started accepting LGBT lifestyles and claiming they are not actually sinful. Me and my friends have had meetings with them and given scripture but they refute it every single time and call us unloving. They don’t believe God actually said it’s a sin to be gay/trans and encourage other Christians to embrace the lifestyle to get closer to God. We aren’t even sure they read their Bible anymore, and if they do we aren’t sure how they can possibly ignore what it says. We have tried so many times to lovingly correct and they continue to tell people to go and sin because Gods word is outdated. What should we do now?

I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through that. Be encouraged that you were able to stand firm on the truth and loved your friend enough to offer correction.

As a random guy on the internet, I don’t have answers for what steps you should take in your situation or what your friend needs. I can only speak generally from the Scriptures. This is why the local church is important. Your pastor/mature Christian friend or leader can offer you much better wisdom and possess much better understanding of your situation up close than I can from a distance.

Ultimately “What you should do now” can only be determined through prayer and walking by faith in what you believe God has called you to do based on His Word. Here are few things I believe His Word says that would be helpful for situations like these.

Most importantly, only God can change a person’s heart. We can bring all the sound biblical arguments that we want, but our faith must be in God (1 Cor 2:4-5). It’s not our job to convince anyone, only lovingly present them with truth and action the way Jesus would and surrender them into His care. If there is a professing Christian who is falling for Satan’s lies, the Spirit weeps over that (Isaiah 63:10; Heb 10:29). God loves sinners and calls us to believe He has the power and desire to rescue those blinded by lies and imprisoned by sin (Isaiah 61:1).

If we believe that God wants to save people and is the only one who can save people, then before we do anything we must pray, pray, pray, and pray some more. Then when we are done praying, go and get some more believers and pray with them.

Ephesians 6:19

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

Phil 4:6

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Luke 18:7

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

Matthew 18:19-20

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

That last one is really important because in context Jesus is commanding us to pray together for the restoration of a sinning brother. When we pray together seeking God's will for helping those in need of His grace, we can be sure that He will respond and help us know what we need to do with confidence that it is right.

As we pray together with fellow believers for God's grace to work in the lives of those we love, we will find God working in our hearts to shape us into the image of Christ so that we can be used by Him the way He wants. Then we can act in faith to share what the sinning believer needs to know.

Matthew 18 also tells us that if the sinning believer refuses to repent, even after going to him/her with two or three witnesses and elders and even the whole church, then we surrender them to their choices and put them out of the church. If they don't want to follow God's ways, then they don't need to be in God's church. Let them live like the world and trust that God will do what is right.

I will be praying for you and for your friend as well.

[hyakinthou-naos]

can you share more information on the differences between mythic Zeus and cultic Zeus? i am interested in learning more but have no idea where to start or what sources are trustworthy.

- 🐝

Khaire 🐝,

Thank you for your question, and apologies for the delayed answer!

While I have no doubt that essays and academic papers exist that explore the difference between Zeus as depicted in myth and Zeus as revered in worship and cult, I will be choosing to answer this question based on my own understanding and contextual research.

In the myths and mythic retellings that we currently have, there is an abundance of evidence portraying Zeus as a disloyal spouse, an unjust ruler, and a self-serving god.

As one example:

"In the Orphic myths, the maiden goddess Persephone was seduced by Zeus in the guise of a serpent. She bore him a son, the godling Zagreus, who, when Zeus placed him upon the throne of heaven, was attacked and dismembered by the Titanes." - Source

In this myth, Zeus is unfaithful to his wife, Hera, and seduces Persephone—herself a married goddess—under false pretenses. He impregnates her with a child, Zagreus, whom he then allows to be attacked and dismembered.

(I could provide many more examples from myths and sources that do not reflect Zeus in a positive light, but I think the above suffices to demonstrate my point.)

This portrayal, however, stands in stark contrast to Zeus’ domains and the way he was revered by his worshippers:

"Zeus was the King of the Gods and the god of the sky, weather, law and order, destiny and fate, and kingship. He was depicted as a regal, mature man with a sturdy figure and dark beard. His usual attributes were a lightning bolt, a royal scepter and an eagle." - Theoi.com

"He [Zeus] was widely worshipped in ancient Greece and possessed numerous shrines and sanctuaries. Many of these were located on hill-tops or mountain peaks--sites where offerings were traditionally made to the rain-bringing god. He was also worshipped privately at small household shrines." - Theoi.com

When comparing Zeus’ portrayal in myth (Mythic Zeus) with how he was worshipped and honored (Cultic Zeus), it’s clear that conflating the two would cast ancient Greek worship in an unjustly negative light.

If Mythic Zeus and Cultic Zeus were identical, it would suggest that the Greeks believed a god who was unfaithful to his wife and abusive to his family was also morally right and just. However, this is not how ancient (or modern) Hellenic Polytheists view Zeus.

And that is because myths are not literal truths. Zeus did not literally impregnate Persephone while disguised as a snake (how would that even work?). Myths are fables, fictitious stories written by humans.

These myths, therefore, were tools—stories created to teach, entertain, or explain. Sometimes they existed to explain aspects of nature and humanity, and sometimes they existed to explain the gods’ nature in ways that are symbolic rather than factual. They are not "sacred scripture" in the same way the Bible is for Christians, nor were they treated as such by the ancient Greeks.

Zeus’ role as the god of justice, order, and kingship reflects how the ancients viewed him in their worship. He was the protector of oaths, the enforcer of xenia (hospitality), and the upholder of cosmic balance. These qualities were central to Zeus’ cultic worship, which focused on his benevolence, authority, and ability to bring stability to a chaotic world.

TLDR: The Zeus of myth is not a perfect figure, and he was never meant to be. The Zeus of cult/worship is a god of justice and order, worthy of veneration and respect. Hellenic Polytheists did not / do not view myths as factual narratives or holy truth - they viewed / view them for what they are - stories.

I hope this helped to answer your question.

As always if 🐝 or anyone else has additional or follow up questions, our ask box is always open. Replies will be a bit delayed as our steward, Aön, is still settling in to his new home follow his move - but we will respond as soon as we are able!

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

[brokendreamscreation]

Major Arcana

Bold those which apply to your muse:

[Part 1] (all three parts have been combined here!)

The Fool: spontaneity, optimism, follow your bliss, explore the unknown, live in the moment, be spontaneous, trusting in the universe, fearlessness, innocence, open-mindedness, take risks, believe in possibilities, recklessness, irresponsibility

The Magician: willpower, resourcefulness, power, manipulate, master your craft, practical knowledge, charisma, dexterity, problem-solving, innovation, belief in one's abilities, trickery, superficiality, arrogance, misuse of power, overconfidence

The High Priestess: wisdom, secrets, spirituality, listen to your intuition, connect with your spirituality, embrace silence, delving into mysteries, book of secrets, crystal ball, veil, pomegranate, river, labyrinth, meditation, spiritual insight, indecision

The Empress: beauty, luxury, blossom, celebrate life's pleasures, experiencing sensual pleasures, crown, garden, fruits, flowers, jewelry, artistic talent, belief in the importance of comfort, dependence, smothering, possessiveness, extravagance

The Emperor: leadership, discipline, ambition, organization, set clear boundaries, take decisive action, armor, shield, fortress, eagle, sword, authority, strategy, belief in authority, inflexibility, controlling behavior, stubbornness, domination, impatience

The Hierophant: conformity, mentor, preach, honor tradition and ritual, uphold moral values, religious scriptures, temple, altar, incense, wisdom-sharing, faith in institutions, belief in community, resistance to change, narrow-mindedness

The Lovers: duality, love, desire, choose with your heart, celebrate intimacy, emotional knowledge, wedding rings, two trees entwined, dove, sunset, rose, empathy, belief in soul connections, codependency, over-emotionalism, fickleness

The Chariot: determination, ambition, overcoming obstacles, drive towards success, assert your willpower, staying focused on goals, victory wreath, road, perseverance, focus, leadership under pressure, over-controlling, rash decisions

Justice: accountability, advocate, seek fairness and truth, advocate for equality, accept accountability, weigh options carefully, resolving disputes, blindfold, books, objectivity, integrity, truth-seeking, ethical decision-making, moral clarity

The Hermit: isolate, contemplate life's mysteries, find wisdom in silence, discover inner peace, withdrawing from society, cave, snow-capped peak, wise old tree, journal, self-awareness, reflection, independence, loneliness, escapism, secrecy

Wheel of Fortune: evolve, transform, adapt, trust in destiny's plan, adapt to unexpected twists, dice, pendulum, opportunity recognition, flexibility, change management, belief in fate, impulsive behavior, over-confidence

Strength: resilience, self-control, empowerment, overcome adversity with grace, stand firm in your beliefs, find courage in difficult times, showing compassion, taming impulses, oak tree, patience, bravery, physical strength

The Hanged Man: transform, accept delays gracefully, let go of control, sacrifice for greater good, halo, acceptance, non-conformity, belief in seeing things from a different perspective, passivity, feeling stuck, self-pity, victim mentality

Death: face inevitable changes, surrender to endings, embrace the unknown, embracing rebirth, releasing the past, facing mortality, feeling trapped, phoenix, acceptance of change, closure, belief in the inevitability of transformation

Temperance: patience, healing, compromise, calm, seek inner tranquility, flow with ease, practicing moderation, water, river, rainbow, moderation, diplomacy, peace-making, emotional stability, belief in finding middle ground, over-indulgence

The Devil: addiction, materialism, temptation, ego, fear, unhealthy attachments, dominate, corrupt, ensnare, obsess, embrace your desires, confront inner demons, mask, whip, flames, shadow, money bag, awareness of desires, manipulation

The Tower: liberation, chaos, face upheaval with courage, crumble outdated structures, confront chaos head-on, embody radical transformation, broken chains, shattered crown, lightning bolt, crisis management, liberation from oppression

The Star: spirituality, embrace hope and inspiration, follow your dreams, radiate positivity, believe in miracles, trust in a brighter future, feeling inspired, calm sea, belief in hope, escapism, detachment from reality, over-reliance on hope

The Moon: reflect, trust your instincts, surrender to the unknown, navigating uncertainty, wolf, dreamcatcher, night sky, imagination, emotional depth, belief in dreams, confusion, paranoia, fear, insecurity, nightmares, delusion

The Sun: warmth, positivity, bask in joy and vitality, embrace success and happiness, celebrate life's blessings, feel alive with energy, embody childlike innocence, child, sunflowers, crown of flowers, belief in the power of optimism

Judgement: absolve, reflect on past actions, embrace personal transformation, seek redemption and forgiveness, self-evaluation, self-doubt, fear of judgment, avoidance, inability to forgive, self-condemnation

The World: achievement, expand your horizons, reach your highest potential, feeling fulfilled, dancing, global awareness, belief in unity, unfinished business, disconnection, stagnation, lack of integration, fear of change, narrow perspective

[feeling-horsey]

Major Arcana

[Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3]

Bold those which apply to your muse:

The Fool: spontaneity, optimism, follow your bliss, explore the unknown, live in the moment, be spontaneous, trusting in the universe, fearlessness, innocence, open-mindedness, take risks, believe in possibilities, recklessness, irresponsibility

The Magician: willpower, resourcefulness, power, manipulate, master your craft, practical knowledge, charisma, dexterity, problem-solving, innovation, belief in one’s abilities, trickery, superficiality, arrogance, misuse of power, overconfidence

The High Priestess: wisdom, secrets, spirituality, listen to your intuition, connect with your spirituality, embrace silence, delving into mysteries, book of secrets, crystal ball, veil, pomegranate, river, labyrinth, meditation, spiritual insight, indecision

The Empress: beauty, luxury, blossom, celebrate life’s pleasures, experiencing sensual pleasures, crown, garden, fruits, flowers, jewelry, artistic talent, belief in the importance of comfort, dependence, smothering, possessiveness, extravagance

The Emperor: leadership, discipline, ambition, organization, set clear boundaries, take decisive action, armor, shield, fortress, eagle, sword, authority, strategy, belief in authority, inflexibility, controlling behavior, stubbornness, domination, impatience

The Hierophant: conformity, mentor, preach, honor tradition and ritual, uphold moral values, religious scriptures, temple, altar, incense, wisdom-sharing, faith in institutions, belief in community, resistance to change, narrow-mindedness

The Lovers: duality, love, desire, choose with your heart, celebrate intimacy, emotional knowledge, wedding rings, two trees entwined, dove, sunset, rose, empathy, belief in soul connections, codependency, over-emotionalism, fickleness

The Chariot: determination, ambition, overcoming obstacles, drive towards success, assert your willpower, staying focused on goals, victory wreath, road, perseverance, focus, leadership under pressure, over-controlling, rash decisions

Justice: accountability, advocate, seek fairness and truth, advocate for equality, accept accountability, weigh options carefully, resolving disputes, blindfold, books, objectivity, integrity, truth-seeking, ethical decision-making, moral clarity

The Hermit: isolate, contemplate life’s mysteries, find wisdom in silence, discover inner peace, withdrawing from society, cave, snow-capped peak, wise old tree, journal, self-awareness, reflection, independence, loneliness, escapism, secrecy

Wheel of Fortune: evolve, transform, adapt, trust in destiny’s plan, adapt to unexpected twists, dice, pendulum, opportunity recognition, flexibility, change management, belief in fate, impulsive behavior, over-confidence

Strength: resilience, self-control, empowerment, overcome adversity with grace, stand firm in your beliefs, find courage in difficult times, showing compassion, taming impulses, oak tree, patience, bravery, physical strength

The Hanged Man: transform, accept delays gracefully, let go of control, sacrifice for greater good, halo, acceptance, non-conformity, belief in seeing things from a different perspective, passivity, feeling stuck, self-pity, victim mentality

Death: face inevitable changes, surrender to endings, embrace the unknown, embracing rebirth, releasing the past, facing mortality, feeling trapped, phoenix, acceptance of change, closure, belief in the inevitability of transformation

Temperance: patience, healing, compromise, calm, seek inner tranquility, flow with ease, practicing moderation, water, river, rainbow, moderation, diplomacy, peace-making, emotional stability, belief in finding middle ground, over-indulgence

The Devil: addiction, materialism, temptation, ego, fear, unhealthy attachments, dominate, corrupt, ensnare, obsess, embrace your desires, confront inner demons, mask, whip, flames, shadow, money bag, awareness of desires, manipulation

The Tower: liberation, chaos, face upheaval with courage, crumble outdated structures, confront chaos head-on, embody radical transformation, broken chains, shattered crown, lightning bolt, crisis management, liberation from oppression

The Star: spirituality, embrace hope and inspiration, follow your dreams, radiate positivity, believe in miracles, trust in a brighter future, feeling inspired, calm sea, belief in hope, escapism, detachment from reality, over-reliance on hope

The Moon: reflect, trust your instincts, surrender to the unknown, navigating uncertainty, wolf, dreamcatcher, night sky, imagination, emotional depth, belief in dreams, confusion, paranoia, fear, insecurity, nightmares, delusion

The Sun: warmth, positivity, bask in joy and vitality, embrace success and happiness, celebrate life’s blessings, feel alive with energy, embody childlike innocence, child, sunflowers, crown of flowers, belief in the power of optimism

Judgement: absolve, reflect on past actions, embrace personal transformation, seek redemption and forgiveness, self-evaluation, self-doubt, fear of judgment, avoidance, inability to forgive, self-condemnation

The World: achievement, expand your horizons, reach your highest potential, feeling fulfilled, dancing, global awareness, belief in unity, unfinished business, disconnection, stagnation, lack of integration, fear of change, narrow perspective

[publicabsent]

𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒.

bold what applies, italicize what sometimes applies. repost, don't reblog!

oo. the fool: spontaneity, optimism, follow your bliss, explore the unknown, live in the moment, be spontaneous, trusting in the universe, fearlessness, innocence, open-mindedness, take risks, believe in possibilities, recklessness, irresponsibility

i. the magician: willpower, resourcefulness, power, manipulate, master your craft, practical knowledge, charisma, dexterity, problem-solving, innovation, belief in one's abilities, trickery, superficiality, arrogance, misuse of power, overconfidence

ii. the high priestess: wisdom, secrets, spirituality, listen to your intuition, connect with your spirituality, embrace silence, delving into mysteries, book of secrets, crystal ball, veil, pomegranate, river, labyrinth, meditation, spiritual insight, indecision

iii. the empress: beauty, luxury, blossom, celebrate life's pleasures, experiencing sensual pleasures, crown, garden, fruits, flowers, jewelry, artistic talent, belief in the importance of comfort, dependence, smothering, possessiveness, extravagance

iv. the emperor: leadership, discipline, ambition, organization, set clear boundaries, take decisive action, armor, shield, fortress, eagle, sword, authority, strategy, belief in authority, inflexibility, controlling behavior, stubbornness, domination, impatience

v. the hierophant: conformity, mentor, preach, honor tradition & ritual, uphold moral values, religious scriptures, temple, altar, incense, wisdom-sharing, faith in institutions, belief in community, resistance to change, narrow-mindedness

vi. the lovers: duality, love, desire, choose with your heart, celebrate intimacy, emotional knowledge, wedding rings, two trees entwined, dove, sunset, rose, empathy, belief in soul connections, codependency, over-emotionalism, fickleness

vii. the chariot: determination, ambition, overcoming obstacles, drive towards success, assert your willpower, staying focused on goals, victory wreath, road, perseverance, focus, leadership under pressure, over-controlling, rash decisions

viii. justice: accountability, advocate, seek fairness & truth, advocate for equality, accept accountability, weigh options carefully, resolving disputes, blindfold, books, objectivity, integrity, truth-seeking, ethical decision-making, moral clarity

ix. the hermit: isolate, contemplate life's mysteries, find wisdom in silence, discover inner peace, withdrawing from society, cave, snow-capped peak, wise old tree, journal, self-awareness, reflection, independence, loneliness, escapism, secrecy

x. wheel of fortune: evolve, transform, adapt, trust in destiny's plan, adapt to unexpected twists, dice, pendulum, opportunity recognition, flexibility, change management, belief in fate, impulsive behavior, over-confidence

xi. strength: resilience, self-control, empowerment, overcome adversity with grace, stand firm in your beliefs, find courage in difficult times, showing compassion, taming impulses, oak tree, patience, bravery, physical strength

xii. the hanged man: transform, accept delays gracefully, let go of control, sacrifice for greater good, halo, acceptance, non-conformity, belief in seeing things from a different perspective, passivity, feeling stuck, self-pity, victim mentality

xiii. death: face inevitable changes, surrender to endings, embrace the unknown, embracing rebirth, releasing the past, facing mortality, feeling trapped, phoenix, acceptance of change, closure, belief in the inevitability of transformation

xiv. temperance: patience, healing, compromise, calm, seek inner tranquility, flow with ease, practicing moderation, water, river, rainbow, moderation, diplomacy, peace-making, emotional stability, belief in finding middle ground, over-indulgence

xv. the devil: addiction, materialism, temptation, ego, fear, unhealthy attachments, dominate, corrupt, ensnare, obsess, embrace your desires, confront inner demons, mask, whip, flames, shadow, money bag, awareness of desires, manipulation

xvi. the tower: liberation, chaos, face upheaval with courage, crumble outdated structures, confront chaos head-on, embody radical transformation, broken chains, shattered crown, lightning bolt, crisis management, liberation from oppression

xvii. the star: spirituality, embrace hope & inspiration, follow your dreams, radiate positivity, believe in miracles, trust in a brighter future, feeling inspired, calm sea, belief in hope, escapism, detachment from reality, over-reliance on hope

xviii. the moon: reflect, trust your instincts, surrender to the unknown, navigating uncertainty, wolf, dream catcher, night sky, imagination, emotional depth, belief in dreams, confusion, paranoia, fear, insecurity, nightmares, delusion

xix. the sun: warmth, positivity, bask in joy & vitality, embrace success & happiness, celebrate life's blessings, feel alive with energy, embody childlike innocence, child, sunflowers, crown of flowers, belief in the power of optimism

xx. judgement: absolve, reflect on past actions, embrace personal transformation, seek redemption & forgiveness, self-evaluation, self-doubt, fear of judgment, avoidance, inability to forgive, self-condemnation

xxi. the world: achievement, expand your horizons, reach your highest potential, feeling fulfilled, dancing, global awareness, belief in unity, unfinished business, disconnection, stagnation, lack of integration, fear of change, narrow perspective

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion Call Upon The LORD To Be Your Help & Deliverance

#DailyDevotion Call Upon The LORD To Be Your Help & Deliverance Psalm 70 Come quickly, O God, to rescue me, O LORD, to help me. Such is our cry when something is going wrong. Well, if it isn't, this is a good time to start. Why wait for this to get this to get worse? Jesus didn't wait. Jesus being a good Jew prayed this Psalm. It may have been one He prayed in the garden as He awaited to be betrayed by His disciple Judas. God helps those who earnestly call upon Him. How often does God, the LORD, invite us, command us to turn to Him for help but we believe the lie, “God helps those who help themselves,” and we don't pray? Put your trust and hope in God, Your Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ. 2May those who are trying to destroy me be disappointed and ashamed, and those who delight in harming me turn back in disgrace. 3May those who say, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled by their own shame. Indeed, such is the fate of those who without cause harm God's anointed One, Jesus Christ, who also did not repent of it. We can see how they were turned back in shame when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. They indeed were appalled by their own shame on that day. Yet, in baptism, as we are joined to Christ Jesus, we too are God's anointed. I know it seems like they get away with it when they cause us trouble. It was 40 years between Jesus' crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem. The LORD often gives ample time for people to turn from their sin and to turn to Jesus before executing justice for His people. He, and we should, desire people to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus. We want them to join us in our union with Christ Jesus. But if they do not repent, this curse shall be their end. 4But may all who look to You for help find joy and delight in You. May those who love You for saving them always say, “God is great!" This blessing will come upon all who look to the LORD and cry to Him for help. Jesus prayed this prayer in the garden. He is sitting at the right hand of God. When Jesus becomes our help, joy and delight, we are seated with Him in the heavenly places. In Revelation, Jesus tells us if we endure He will place us on His Father's throne. How often has God saved us, not only from our sin but many of the trials and tribulations of our lives? Should we not love Him for that? At the very least, we should recognize the great redemption and salvation He has provided us in Christ from sin and eternal death. That alone is enough for us to love Him and shout, “God is great!” 5I am poor and needy, O God, come to me quickly. You are my Helper and my Deliverer; O LORD, don't delay! Jesus indeed was poor and needy. He did not have a home to call His own to lay His head. He depended on the LORD to provide for Him. He prayed to God to come to Him quickly. The LORD, the Father, was His Helper and Deliverer. The Father raised Jesus from the dead on the third day. It may seem like the Father delayed, but Scripture had to be fulfilled. It may seem at times God is delaying answering our prayers. He is not. In His great wisdom, He knows what needs to come to pass, what other things He must bring about before our prayers can be answered. Of course, sometimes what we pray for is not what is best for us and for others. We must trust He is wiser than us. The prayer is not no, but not what you think is but what God knows is best. We can trust Him to be our Helper and our Deliverer in the day and the time of trouble. We are His dear children through faith in Jesus Christ. If you doubt that any, look to the cross of Christ and know how much He loves you to put His Son through that for your salvation. Merciful God and Father, be for us our Help and Deliverance in the day of trouble. May we in love, delight and joy shout God is great in the great assembly. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

[heatheredenlpc]

God’s plan for Justice and Redemption

🔷 1. God’s Justice Requires Dealing with Evil

From the beginning of Scripture, we see God as perfectly just. Evil, injustice, and rebellion must be dealt with—not ignored, excused, or swept under the rug. But God’s justice is also patient:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

This is why the final judgment hasn’t come yet—God is giving people time.

🔷 2. Jesus Came to Fulfill the First Part of the Plan

Jesus’ first coming was not to judge the world, but to save it:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17

He did this by living a sinless life, dying on the cross in our place, and rising again—defeating sin and death.

🔷 3. The Holy Spirit Now Prepares the World

Until Jesus returns, the Holy Spirit is at work in believers and in the world:

Convicting people of sin (John 16:8)

Comforting and guiding believers

Empowering the spread of the Gospel

So, we live in the “already-but-not-yet” tension. Jesus has already won the victory over evil—but evil has not yet been removed completely. This is what the final judgment will accomplish.

🔷 4. Jesus Will Return to Complete the Plan

At the second coming, Jesus will:

Judge the wicked

Vindicate the faithful

Wipe away all pain and evil

Reunite heaven and earth (Revelation 21)

So even though He said He didn’t know the exact time then, we’re told repeatedly that He is coming again, and we are to live ready.

Jesus limited His knowledge during His earthly mission out of obedience and humility.

God is delaying judgment out of mercy, giving more people a chance to repent.

The Holy Spirit is currently at work preparing hearts and guiding the Church.

Jesus will return to judge evil and bring complete redemption to those who trust Him.

[the-single-element]

Good morning.

Two years ago, the Lenten readings followed John's "signs" - miracles of Jesus which served as a jumping-off point for him to explain his own nature, and the nature of the sort of work that makes God's Kingdom come.

One year ago, we followed the logic of "covenants" - God's traditional way of laying the ground rules of his relationships with human beings. About why that paradigm had failed, and about what Jesus had (according to John's testimony) been doing in Jerusalem, during his annual Passover pilgrimages, to lay the groundwork for something that transcends that paradigm.

This year, though, we hear from Luke. And Luke, once again, shows Jesus at his most direct, throwing the straightest balls he's ever pitched over home plate for us to swing at.

It's a message that we'll keep hearing during this year's Lenten scripture, growing louder and louder as the season proceeds to its conclusion: God calling to us, "return to me, return to me".

And in today's readings we hear that message in stark, frightening terms.

Jesus is sure, first off, to remind us that this is not a matter of "bad people being punished". He opens this conversation by arguing against that paradigm, against the idea that if something bad happens to you it's because you "deserved" it.

Rather… he frames it as a matter of… "if this then that". Of cause and effect.

To live by this world's logic - by the false lessons this world has taught us about what is real, what is essential, what is important - is to live in a world we can't survive. A place where small errors - which everyone makes - result in horrible fates. A paradigm where death is inevitable, total, and final.

And his follow-up parable makes it equally clear: this is not justice.

Once again, Jesus uses people behaving in cartoonishly awful ways to drive his point home, albeit in a way that we might not be able to recognize, in an industrialized world where few of us are arborists. The landowner in today's parable is just such a person; he demands a fig tree be cut down after three years of not producing… but even in the best case scenario, fig trees take three years before they start bearing fruit, and sometimes they take as many as five years.

So if God isn't the landowner in this parable, he must be the gardener, who sees that looming injustice – knows what a shameful waste it would be – and decides, "I'll do everything I can to prevent such an outcome".

Paul, similarly, does not say that God struck down the Israelites in the desert. After all, God was trying to save them: speaking his name to Moses, identifying himself as the God of their forgotten heritage and homeland, and calling them to return to him.

Rather, he describes their deaths as being a result of their moral error, which happened despite everything God tried (leading them by the pillar of cloud and through the sea, giving them water to drink, and manna and meat to eat), and as a warning for us, echoing Jesus's, of the importance of getting our heads screwed on straight while we still can.

"While we still can." We're almost halfway through this season already; it's just three and a half weeks until Lent runs out and the Passion begins. And we don't even know if that's the real deadline; in an uncertain, scary, luridly unfair world like this one, our own lives might end at any time and cut the project short.

And so God calls us. "Return to me, return to me."

That is the journey of Lent, upon which we've embarked.

So far we've heard encouraging words, urging us on and reminding of of the hope that lies ahead.

As our time begins to dwindle, we're reminded of the other half of the equation: this journey is also our only escape.

Let's not delay.

[groveraven]

major arcana.

Bold those which apply to your muse

THE FOOL. spontaneity, optimism, follow your bliss, explore the unknown, live in the moment, be spontaneous, trusting in the universe, fearlessness, innocence, open-mindedness, take risks, believe in possibilities, recklessness, irresponsibility

THE MAGICIAN. willpower, resourcefulness, power, manipulate, master your craft, practical knowledge, charisma, dexterity, problem-solving, innovation, belief in one's abilities, trickery, superficiality, arrogance, misuse of power, overconfidence

THE HIGH PRIESTESS. wisdom, secrets, spirituality, listen to your intuition, connect with your spirituality, embrace silence, delving into mysteries, book of secrets, crystal ball, veil, pomegranate, river, labyrinth, meditation, spiritual insight, indecision

THE EMPRESS. beauty, luxury, blossom, celebrate life's pleasures, experiencing sensual pleasures, crown, garden, fruits, flowers, jewelry, artistic talent, belief in the importance of comfort, dependence, smothering, possessiveness, extravagance

THE EMPEROR. leadership, discipline, ambition, organization, set clear boundaries, take decisive action, armor, shield, fortress, eagle, sword, authority, strategy, belief in authority, inflexibility, controlling behavior, stubbornness, domination, impatience

THE HIEROPHANT. conformity, mentor, preach, honor tradition and ritual, uphold moral values, religious scriptures, temple, altar, incense, wisdom-sharing, faith in institutions, belief in community, resistance to change, narrow-mindedness

THE LOVERS. duality, love, desire, choose with your heart, celebrate intimacy, emotional knowledge, wedding rings, two trees entwined, dove, sunset, rose, empathy, belief in soul connections, codependency, over-emotionalism, fickleness

THE CHARIOT. determination, ambition, overcoming obstacles, drive towards success, assert your willpower, staying focused on goals, victory wreath, road, perseverance, focus, leadership under pressure, over-controlling, rash decisions

JUSTICE. accountability, advocate, seek fairness and truth, advocate for equality, accept accountability, weigh options carefully, resolving disputes, blindfold, books, objectivity, integrity, truth-seeking, ethical decision-making, moral clarity

THE HERMIT. isolate, contemplate life's mysteries, find wisdom in silence, discover inner peace, withdrawing from society, cave, snow-capped peak, wise old tree, journal, self-awareness, reflection, independence, loneliness, escapism, secrecy

WHEEL OF FORTUNE. evolve, transform, adapt, trust in destiny's plan, adapt to unexpected twists, dice, pendulum, opportunity recognition, flexibility, change management, belief in fate, impulsive behavior, over-confidence

STRENGTH. resilience, self-control, empowerment, overcome adversity with grace, stand firm in your beliefs, find courage in difficult times, showing compassion, taming impulses, oak tree, patience, bravery, physical strength

THE HANGED MAN. transform, accept delays gracefully, let go of control, sacrifice for greater good, halo, acceptance, non-conformity, belief in seeing things from a different perspective, passivity, feeling stuck, self-pity, victim mentality

DEATH. face inevitable changes, surrender to endings, embrace the unknown, embracing rebirth, releasing the past, facing mortality, feeling trapped, phoenix, acceptance of change, closure, belief in the inevitability of transformation

TEMPERANCE. patience, healing, compromise, calm, seek inner tranquility, flow with ease, practicing moderation, water, river, rainbow, moderation, diplomacy, peace-making, emotional stability, belief in finding middle ground, over-indulgence

THE DEVIL. addiction, materialism, temptation, ego, fear, unhealthy attachments, dominate, corrupt, ensnare, obsess, embrace your desires, confront inner demons, mask, whip, flames, shadow, money bag, awareness of desires, manipulation

THE TOWER. liberation, chaos, face upheaval with courage, crumble outdated structures, confront chaos head-on, embody radical transformation, broken chains, shattered crown, lightning bolt, crisis management, liberation from oppression

THE STAR. spirituality, embrace hope and inspiration, follow your dreams, radiate positivity, believe in miracles, trust in a brighter future, feeling inspired, calm sea, belief in hope, escapism, detachment from reality, over-reliance on hope

THE MOON. reflect, trust your instincts, surrender to the unknown, navigating uncertainty, wolf, dreamcatcher, night sky, imagination, emotional depth, belief in dreams, confusion, paranoia, fear, insecurity, nightmares, delusion

THE SUN. warmth, positivity, bask in joy and vitality, embrace success and happiness, celebrate life's blessings, feel alive with energy, embody childlike innocence, child, sunflowers, crown of flowers, belief in the power of optimism

JUDGEMENT. absolve, reflect on past actions, embrace personal transformation, seek redemption and forgiveness, self-evaluation, self-doubt, fear of judgment, avoidance, inability to forgive, self-condemnation

THE WORLD. achievement, expand your horizons, reach your highest potential, feeling fulfilled, dancing, global awareness, belief in unity, unfinished business, disconnection, stagnation, lack of integration, fear of change, narrow perspective

stolen from: @helptheghosts

tagging: everybody!!!

[yokefellows]

God, The Righteous Judge

Today’s Saying:

Justice delayed is not justice denied when God is the Judge.

Today’s Scripture:

"For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all who wait for him." — Isaiah 30:18

Today’s Sermonette

Justice is a cry deeply embedded in the human soul.

Throughout history, the oppressed, the abused, and the mistreated have lifted their voices, pleading for fairness, longing for righteousness.

They echo the words of Revelation 6:10: “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”

Perhaps you have felt this weight—waiting for justice, wondering if your pain has been ignored.

The world may seem silent, and injustice may appear to prevail, but God has heard you.

Unlike the unjust judge in Luke 18, our God is neither indifferent nor slow. He is a righteous judge who sees every wrong and will act in His perfect time.

While we may seek earthly justice, we must ultimately trust in the divine courtroom where no injustice goes unaddressed.

James 5:9 reminds us: “The judge is standing at the door!” God’s justice is certain, and His judgment is sure.

Hold on to your faith. Your cry has reached the ears of the Almighty, and He will not fail you.

Today’s Supplication:

Father, The Righteous Judge, I bring my burden before You. I struggle with the wait, and my heart aches for justice. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your perfect timing. Let me rest in Your righteousness, knowing You see all and will act. Give me peace as I wait, and may I never lose heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Fri Jan 31st, 2025 ... Friday of The Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year C/Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest

Reading 1

------------

Hebrews 10:32-39

Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened, 

you endured a great contest of suffering.

At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction; 

at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated.

You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison 

and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, 

knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; 

it will have great recompense.

You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.

    For, after just a brief moment,

        he who is to come shall come;

        he shall not delay.

    But my just one shall live by faith,

        and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.

We are not among those who draw back and perish, 

but among those who have faith and will possess life.

Responsorial Psalm

---------------

Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40

R.    (39a)  The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Trust in the LORD and do good,

    that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.

Take delight in the LORD,

    and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

R.    The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Commit to the LORD your way;

    trust in him, and he will act.

He will make justice dawn for you like the light;

    bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. 

R.    The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, 

    and he approves his way.

Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate,

    for the hand of the LORD sustains him.

R.    The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;

    he is their refuge in time of distress.

And the LORD helps them and delivers them;

    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

    because they take refuge in him.

R.    The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Alleluia

---------

Matthew 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;

you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

---------

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds:

“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;

it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land

and would sleep and rise night and day

and the seed would sprout and grow,

he knows not how.

Of its own accord the land yields fruit,

first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once,

for the harvest has come.”

He said,

“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,

or what parable can we use for it?

It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground,

is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.

But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants

and puts forth large branches,

so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”

With many such parables

he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it.

Without parables he did not speak to them,

but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Encountering the Word of God

 

1. THE SEED THAT IS SOWN: The Three Parables in Mark’s Gospel about the Kingdom of God are all connected by the word “seed.” The first parable, which we heard on Wednesday, spoke about the sowing of the seed and how it is rejected or welcomed by someone. The parable teaches us that God sows everywhere, almost indifferent to how human beings will welcome his Word. The main contrast is between those who do not bear lasting fruit in the Kingdom and those who do. The parable invites us to reflect on how we respond to God’s Word: indifferently, superficially, half-heartedly, or as we should. Is the Word of God bearing fruit in my life thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or one hundredfold?

 

2. THE SEED THAT GROWS: The second parable, which we read today, focuses not on the sowing of the seed and how it is rejected or welcomed, but on its mysterious growth. Just as a farmer is not the primary cause of the growth of the seed, we are not the primary cause of the growth of the Kingdom of God. We are only secondary and collaborating causes. The seed needs the heat of the sun, time in the earth, nutrients, and water. The farmer can facilitate these elements of growth but always occupies a subordinate role. The entire process of a seed becoming a living plant remains mysterious and beyond our understanding. In the same way, the growth of the Kingdom of God is primarily and mysteriously caused by God and only secondarily caused by our collaboration. 

 

3. THE SEED THAT WELCOMES: The third parable, which we read today, focuses not on the sowing of the seed or how it mysteriously grows, but on the result of the seed. The Kingdom is compared to a mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds. The Kingdom of God, Jesus predicts, will be small in its beginning but grow, like a mustard seed, into a very large and invasive plant. If we look at history, we see how this prophecy of Jesus has been fulfilled. The Kingdom of God was so small in the beginning – just twelve apostles, several dozen disciples, and a group of women who provided for Jesus and his disciples. The Kingdom has, over two thousand years, grown to international dimensions. The birds of the sky that dwell in the branches of the mustard plant are an image of the Gentile nations dwelling in the Church, the beginning and seed of the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

CONVERSING WITH CHRIST: Lord Jesus, enlighten my mind to know the mystery of your Kingdom revealed in your parables. Allow me to see how the seed of your Word has grown in the garden of my heart and understand what it needs to flourish and bear supernatural fruit.

 

LIVING THE WORD OF GOD: How is the Kingdom of God growing in my life? Does Jesus reign more fully each day in my life, my family, and my workplace?

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint John Bosco

(August 16, 1815 – January 31, 1888)

Saint John Bosco’s Story

John Bosco’s theory of education could well be used in today’s schools. It was a preventive system, rejecting corporal punishment and placing students in surroundings removed from the likelihood of committing sin. He advocated frequent reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion. He combined catechetical training and fatherly guidance, seeking to unite the spiritual life with one’s work, study and play.

Encouraged during his youth in Turin to become a priest so he could work with young boys, John was ordained in 1841. His service to young people started when he met a poor orphan in Turin, and instructed him in preparation for receiving Holy Communion. He then gathered young apprentices and taught them catechism.

After serving as chaplain in a hospice for working girls, Don Bosco opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Several wealthy and powerful patrons contributed money, enabling him to provide two workshops for the boys, shoemaking and tailoring.

By 1856, the institution had grown to 150 boys and had added a printing press for publication of religious and catechetical pamphlets. John’s interest in vocational education and publishing justify him as patron of young apprentices and Catholic publishers.

John’s preaching fame spread and by 1850 he had trained his own helpers because of difficulties in retaining young priests. In 1854, he and his followers informally banded together, inspired by Saint Francis de Sales.

With Pope Pius IX’s encouragement, John gathered 17 men and founded the Salesians in 1859. Their activity concentrated on education and mission work. Later, he organized a group of Salesian Sisters to assist girls.

Reflection

----------

John Bosco educated the whole person—body and soul united. He believed that Christ’s love and our faith in that love should pervade everything we do—work, study, play. For John Bosco, being a Christian was a full-time effort, not a once-a-week, Mass-on-Sunday experience. It is searching and finding God and Jesus in everything we do, letting their love lead us. Yet, because John realized the importance of job-training and the self-worth and pride that come with talent and ability, he trained his students in the trade crafts, too.

Saint John Bosco is a Patron Saint of:

Boys

Editors

Educators/Teachers

Youth

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[affectionate-remedy]

The Major Arcana

Bold those which apply to your muse: (sourced from here, here and here.)

The Fool: spontaneity, optimism, follow your bliss, explore the unknown, live in the moment, be spontaneous, trusting in the universe, fearlessness, innocence, open-mindedness, take risks, believe in possibilities, recklessness, irresponsibility

The Magician: willpower, resourcefulness, power, manipulate, master your craft, practical knowledge, charisma, dexterity, problem-solving, innovation, belief in one's abilities, trickery, superficiality, arrogance, misuse of power, overconfidence

The High Priestess: wisdom, secrets, spirituality, listen to your intuition, connect with your spirituality, embrace silence, delving into mysteries, book of secrets, crystal ball, veil, pomegranate, river, labyrinth, meditation, spiritual insight, indecision

The Empress: beauty, luxury, blossom, celebrate life's pleasures, experiencing sensual pleasures, crown, garden, fruits, flowers, jewelry, artistic talent, belief in the importance of comfort, dependence, smothering, possessiveness, extravagance

The Emperor: leadership, discipline, ambition, organization, set clear boundaries, take decisive action, armor, shield, fortress, eagle, sword, authority, strategy, belief in authority, inflexibility, controlling behavior, stubbornness, domination, impatience

The Hierophant: conformity, mentor, preach, honor tradition and ritual, uphold moral values, religious scriptures, temple, altar, incense, wisdom-sharing, faith in institutions, belief in community, resistance to change, narrow-mindedness

The Lovers: duality, love, desire, choose with your heart, celebrate intimacy, emotional knowledge, wedding rings, two trees entwined, dove, sunset, rose, empathy, belief in soul connections, codependency, over-emotionalism, fickleness

The Chariot: determination, ambition, overcoming obstacles, drive towards success, assert your willpower, staying focused on goals, victory wreath, road, perseverance, focus, leadership under pressure, over-controlling, rash decisions

Justice: accountability, advocate, seek fairness and truth, advocate for equality, accept accountability, weigh options carefully, resolving disputes, blindfold, books, objectivity, integrity, truth-seeking, ethical decision-making, moral clarity

The Hermit: isolate, contemplate life's mysteries, find wisdom in silence, discover inner peace, withdrawing from society, cave, snow-capped peak, wise old tree, journal, self-awareness, reflection, independence, loneliness, escapism, secrecy

Wheel of Fortune: evolve, transform, adapt, trust in destiny's plan, adapt to unexpected twists, dice, pendulum, opportunity recognition, flexibility, change management, belief in fate, impulsive behavior, over-confidence

Strength: resilience, self-control, empowerment, overcome adversity with grace, stand firm in your beliefs, find courage in difficult times, showing compassion, taming impulses, oak tree, patience, bravery, physical strength

The Hanged Man: transform, accept delays gracefully, let go of control, sacrifice for greater good, halo, acceptance, non-conformity, belief in seeing things from a different perspective, passivity, feeling stuck, self-pity, victim mentality

Death: face inevitable changes, surrender to endings, embrace the unknown, embracing rebirth, releasing the past, facing mortality, feeling trapped, phoenix, acceptance of change, closure, belief in the inevitability of transformation

Temperance: patience, healing, compromise, calm, seek inner tranquility, flow with ease, practicing moderation, water, river, rainbow, moderation, diplomacy, peace-making, emotional stability, belief in finding middle ground, over-indulgence

The Devil: addiction, materialism, temptation, ego, fear, unhealthy attachments, dominate, corrupt, ensnare, obsess, embrace your desires, confront inner demons, mask, whip, flames, shadow, money bag, awareness of desires, manipulation

The Tower: liberation, chaos, face upheaval with courage, crumble outdated structures, confront chaos head-on, embody radical transformation, broken chains, shattered crown, lightning bolt, crisis management, liberation from oppression

The Star: spirituality, embrace hope and inspiration, follow your dreams, radiate positivity, believe in miracles, trust in a brighter future, feeling inspired, calm sea, belief in hope, escapism, detachment from reality, over-reliance on hope

The Moon: reflect, trust your instincts, surrender to the unknown, navigating uncertainty, wolf, dreamcatcher, night sky, imagination, emotional depth, belief in dreams, confusion, paranoia, fear, insecurity, nightmares, delusion

The Sun: warmth, positivity, bask in joy and vitality, embrace success and happiness, celebrate life's blessings, feel alive with energy, embody childlike innocence, child, sunflowers, crown of flowers, belief in the power of optimism

Judgement: absolve, reflect on past actions, embrace personal transformation, seek redemption and forgiveness, self-evaluation, self-doubt, fear of judgment, avoidance, inability to forgive, self-condemnation

The World: achievement, expand your horizons, reach your highest potential, feeling fulfilled, dancing, global awareness, belief in unity, unfinished business, disconnection, stagnation, lack of integration, fear of change, narrow perspective

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 21st Dec. The recent uproar over a manipulated video clip of Home Minister Amit Shah, purportedly insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, has once again brought the late Dalit icon into the center of India’s political maelstrom. In the ever-polarized environment of Indian politics, Ambedkar’s legacy has been weaponized by rival camps to either assert ideological supremacy or expose alleged hypocrisy. While the BJP has tried to appropriate Ambedkar into its Hindutva fold, the Congress has leveraged his image to project itself as the defender of social justice. The debate, however, runs deeper than party lines, exposing layers of historical, ideological, and political contradictions. The Context: A Video and a Political Storm The controversy began with a 10-second clip of Shah, taken out of context, sparking accusations that he insulted Ambedkar. Congress seized the opportunity, with Rahul Gandhi amplifying the narrative to attack the BJP’s supposed anti-Dalit stance. The BJP, in turn, countered with historical records that show Congress’s longstanding hostility toward Ambedkar, particularly during the Nehru era. The debate has since spiraled into a broader examination of Ambedkar’s position vis-à-vis Hindutva, caste politics, and his nuanced critique of Hinduism. Congress’s Contradictions Congress’s newfound veneration for Ambedkar is riddled with historical contradictions. During Ambedkar’s lifetime, the party actively marginalized him. Jawaharlal Nehru’s private letters reveal his contempt for Ambedkar, and Congress stalwarts worked to defeat him in elections, both in 1952 and 1954. Even after Ambedkar’s passing, Congress delayed recognizing his contributions, with the Bharat Ratna being awarded to him only in 1990 under a non-Congress government. Now, however, Congress positions itself as Ambedkar’s natural heir, branding the BJP as anti-Dalit and accusing it of perpetuating caste inequalities. Rahul Gandhi’s use of Manusmriti as a rhetorical tool in Parliament further illustrates the party’s strategy to frame the BJP as regressive, despite Congress’s own troubled past with caste dynamics. BJP’s Dilemma: Reconciling Ambedkar with Hindutva For the BJP and its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the incorporation of Ambedkar into their narrative is both a necessity and a challenge. Over the past three decades, the Sangh has sought to align Ambedkar’s vision with its reformist interpretation of Hindutva. The argument is that both Ambedkar and Hindutva thinkers like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar shared a common goal of eradicating caste divisions and strengthening Indian society. However, Ambedkar’s scathing critique of Hinduism, particularly his rejection of its caste hierarchy and his eventual conversion to Buddhism, poses significant hurdles to this narrative. Ambedkar’s “22 vows,” taken during his conversion, explicitly rejected Hindu gods, rituals, and scriptures, including the Manusmriti. This rejection is often cited to argue that Ambedkar cannot be reconciled with Hindutva, which, despite its reformist claims, is rooted in a broader Hindu cultural identity. Nevertheless, BJP leaders often highlight Ambedkar’s critiques of Islam and his warnings against mass conversions to Christianity or Islam as evidence of his alignment with Hindutva’s civilizational goals. Ambedkar’s choice to embrace Buddhism—a faith with Indic roots—rather than an Abrahamic religion is also portrayed as a testament to his cultural affinity with India’s indigenous traditions. Ambedkar and Hindu Reformism A significant thread in the debate is whether Ambedkar can be considered a reformer within the Hindu fold. Advocates of this view argue that Ambedkar’s critique of Hinduism was aimed at reforming it, much like the efforts of Savarkar, Arya Samaj, or Brahmo Samaj. While Ambedkar’s rejection of Hinduism was absolute, his emphasis on liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated with certain Vedic principles, as he acknowledged in his Annihilation of Caste.

Critics, however, contend that Ambedkar’s identity as a Hindu reformer is untenable, given his explicit disavowal of Hinduism. They argue that equating Ambedkar’s critique with Savarkar’s reformism dilutes the radical nature of his rejection and oversimplifies his complex relationship with the religion. The Larger Battle: Ambedkar as a Political Symbol At the heart of this debate lies the transformation of Ambedkar from a historical figure to a political symbol. For Congress, Ambedkar is a tool to challenge the BJP’s claim to social justice and to consolidate Dalit support. For the BJP, embracing Ambedkar is essential to counter allegations of casteism and to broaden its appeal among marginalized communities. However, this politicization risks reducing Ambedkar’s legacy to mere sloganeering. The manipulated video of Shah exemplifies this trend, where outrage is manufactured not over substantive issues but over symbolic gestures. This shift from intellectual engagement to political exploitation threatens to obscure Ambedkar’s actual contributions and ideas. Conclusion: Bridging the Divide The current debate over Ambedkar’s legacy reflects a deeper crisis in Indian political discourse. As parties compete to claim Ambedkar, they risk distorting his message to fit their narratives. For Congress, reconciling its historical treatment of Ambedkar with its current rhetoric requires introspection and honesty. For the BJP, integrating Ambedkar into its Hindutva framework demands a nuanced understanding of his critiques and contributions. Ambedkar’s legacy is too significant to be reduced to a battleground for political one-upmanship. His vision for social justice, equality, and constitutional democracy transcends partisan divides. As India grapples with questions of caste, identity, and nationhood, engaging with Ambedkar’s ideas in their entirety—not as tools for political gain—offers a way forward. The challenge lies in honoring his legacy without appropriating or deifying it, ensuring that his contributions remain a source of inspiration rather than contention.   The post B.R. Ambedkar: Icon of Social Justice or Political Prop? appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 21st Dec. The recent uproar over a manipulated video clip of Home Minister Amit Shah, purportedly insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, has once again brought the late Dalit icon into the center of India’s political maelstrom. In the ever-polarized environment of Indian politics, Ambedkar’s legacy has been weaponized by rival camps to either assert ideological supremacy or expose alleged hypocrisy. While the BJP has tried to appropriate Ambedkar into its Hindutva fold, the Congress has leveraged his image to project itself as the defender of social justice. The debate, however, runs deeper than party lines, exposing layers of historical, ideological, and political contradictions. The Context: A Video and a Political Storm The controversy began with a 10-second clip of Shah, taken out of context, sparking accusations that he insulted Ambedkar. Congress seized the opportunity, with Rahul Gandhi amplifying the narrative to attack the BJP’s supposed anti-Dalit stance. The BJP, in turn, countered with historical records that show Congress’s longstanding hostility toward Ambedkar, particularly during the Nehru era. The debate has since spiraled into a broader examination of Ambedkar’s position vis-à-vis Hindutva, caste politics, and his nuanced critique of Hinduism. Congress’s Contradictions Congress’s newfound veneration for Ambedkar is riddled with historical contradictions. During Ambedkar’s lifetime, the party actively marginalized him. Jawaharlal Nehru’s private letters reveal his contempt for Ambedkar, and Congress stalwarts worked to defeat him in elections, both in 1952 and 1954. Even after Ambedkar’s passing, Congress delayed recognizing his contributions, with the Bharat Ratna being awarded to him only in 1990 under a non-Congress government. Now, however, Congress positions itself as Ambedkar’s natural heir, branding the BJP as anti-Dalit and accusing it of perpetuating caste inequalities. Rahul Gandhi’s use of Manusmriti as a rhetorical tool in Parliament further illustrates the party’s strategy to frame the BJP as regressive, despite Congress’s own troubled past with caste dynamics. BJP’s Dilemma: Reconciling Ambedkar with Hindutva For the BJP and its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the incorporation of Ambedkar into their narrative is both a necessity and a challenge. Over the past three decades, the Sangh has sought to align Ambedkar’s vision with its reformist interpretation of Hindutva. The argument is that both Ambedkar and Hindutva thinkers like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar shared a common goal of eradicating caste divisions and strengthening Indian society. However, Ambedkar’s scathing critique of Hinduism, particularly his rejection of its caste hierarchy and his eventual conversion to Buddhism, poses significant hurdles to this narrative. Ambedkar’s “22 vows,” taken during his conversion, explicitly rejected Hindu gods, rituals, and scriptures, including the Manusmriti. This rejection is often cited to argue that Ambedkar cannot be reconciled with Hindutva, which, despite its reformist claims, is rooted in a broader Hindu cultural identity. Nevertheless, BJP leaders often highlight Ambedkar’s critiques of Islam and his warnings against mass conversions to Christianity or Islam as evidence of his alignment with Hindutva’s civilizational goals. Ambedkar’s choice to embrace Buddhism—a faith with Indic roots—rather than an Abrahamic religion is also portrayed as a testament to his cultural affinity with India’s indigenous traditions. Ambedkar and Hindu Reformism A significant thread in the debate is whether Ambedkar can be considered a reformer within the Hindu fold. Advocates of this view argue that Ambedkar’s critique of Hinduism was aimed at reforming it, much like the efforts of Savarkar, Arya Samaj, or Brahmo Samaj. While Ambedkar’s rejection of Hinduism was absolute, his emphasis on liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated with certain Vedic principles, as he acknowledged in his Annihilation of Caste.

Critics, however, contend that Ambedkar’s identity as a Hindu reformer is untenable, given his explicit disavowal of Hinduism. They argue that equating Ambedkar’s critique with Savarkar’s reformism dilutes the radical nature of his rejection and oversimplifies his complex relationship with the religion. The Larger Battle: Ambedkar as a Political Symbol At the heart of this debate lies the transformation of Ambedkar from a historical figure to a political symbol. For Congress, Ambedkar is a tool to challenge the BJP’s claim to social justice and to consolidate Dalit support. For the BJP, embracing Ambedkar is essential to counter allegations of casteism and to broaden its appeal among marginalized communities. However, this politicization risks reducing Ambedkar’s legacy to mere sloganeering. The manipulated video of Shah exemplifies this trend, where outrage is manufactured not over substantive issues but over symbolic gestures. This shift from intellectual engagement to political exploitation threatens to obscure Ambedkar’s actual contributions and ideas. Conclusion: Bridging the Divide The current debate over Ambedkar’s legacy reflects a deeper crisis in Indian political discourse. As parties compete to claim Ambedkar, they risk distorting his message to fit their narratives. For Congress, reconciling its historical treatment of Ambedkar with its current rhetoric requires introspection and honesty. For the BJP, integrating Ambedkar into its Hindutva framework demands a nuanced understanding of his critiques and contributions. Ambedkar’s legacy is too significant to be reduced to a battleground for political one-upmanship. His vision for social justice, equality, and constitutional democracy transcends partisan divides. As India grapples with questions of caste, identity, and nationhood, engaging with Ambedkar’s ideas in their entirety—not as tools for political gain—offers a way forward. The challenge lies in honoring his legacy without appropriating or deifying it, ensuring that his contributions remain a source of inspiration rather than contention.   The post B.R. Ambedkar: Icon of Social Justice or Political Prop? appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[barneyandthepoetrymuse]

The Commission of what not to say…..

What do you think…when you’re painting a picture…..?

Are you writing a doctrine…or thinking of a scripture…..?

Following a code…..or something not too dissimilar……?

Bringing in the firehose…to get the message to the listener…..

…..It’s hard to imagine anything simpler……..

You pay us to tell you what we wanted you to hear…..

It’s somewhere in the contract where the pages disappear…..

We’re the most reliable source…you’ve been loyal for years…..

Why would you question such prophetic integrity…..

After all…this is the greatest institution of the century…..

It’s all hot from the newsroom with situational intensity…..

…..Impartiality equality and inclusion is the recipe…..

There’s something inherently dodgy about idiotology…..

…..We hear a lot about it from the BBC…..

Social justice and there’s only one way it leans…..

The inception of control by conventional means…..

Too busy to think for yourselves…we’ve got it covered…..

…..We’ve got the sauce…..and we’re spicing the mustard…..

Seductively voiced while…..undoing your buttons…..

…..Trying to make you cum with a set of instructions……

It’s an airwave marketplace…two bit-outfit dishing out rations…..

it’s a fast car-chase…of the subjects it examines…..

Like a gas tank…high rank…style of interactions…..

Flipped on its roof…when it’s just getting traction…..

Written up for impact…..with a minimal reaction…..

Keep the pace of change and peddle the fashion…..

Don’t mention it mate…there’s a chance it didn’t happen…..

The chains on the archives are starting to slacken…..

The police are on stand by…because the population’s active…..

It’s a black and white story with the details redacted…..

The margins have widened…and the definitions adapted…..

The experiences are lived and the trauma protracted…..

The closer the cover up…..the more they detract it…..

………………..It’s all engineered by master mechanics…..

Repel all the evidence with two opposing magnets…..

What language are we speaking….no one understands it…..

Leave out the detail and if necessary ban it…..

Throw fuel on the flames……so the public can fan it…..

The commission of what not to say has carefully planned it…

What isn’t acceptable…can be extremestly well managed…..

The same sort of coverage as a ladyboy’s thong…..

All the other networks have been having you on…..

Reverberating the noise delaying the prolonged…..

Do you even know where…the information is coming from…..?

Living a reality of your own compliance…..

Sovereign policy that ignores all the science……

The regulatory board…..arbitrated on by giants…..

Who decided the accords and the list of requirements…..?