As I reflect on these readings, the world is still in conversation about war…We don’t know how the conversations will turn out, but it doesn’t look good as of today (3/17/03). 

During this Lenten time, Christians are asked to repent, sacrifice, and listen intently to the Lord.  We ask to know the will of God so we can follow it.  We ask that our leaders hear the word of the God of the universe….so they can put aside their personal preferences and do what is right for all peoples of the world.  This is a time for us to think about global issues of peace and prosperity for all humankind.

To me, humankind is acting the same way as it did in the time of Jeremiah.  We are still not listening to the voice of the Lord.  We know what is right, what is wrong, and we acknowledge that we view the world from the point on the circle that represents us…and our point of view.

The United Nations is carrying on discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of war.  The topic is not what humankind needs.  

We are witnessing the conversations of world leaders about the destiny of many peoples’ lives -- like never before.  This did not happen before World War I or World War II.  The fact that the world is in conversation…is wonderful.  The fact that we can witness the conversation…is wonderful.

But what we want to happen is that the conversations become conversations not of war or peace, but conversations about world poverty, education, health concerns of all countries, etc.  How can world leaders address those problems … together?  How can world leaders … together become interested in world prosperity as well as in individual country’s prosperities?