Division.  Distrust.  Satan and Beelzebul.  A house divided against itself.  Walking in the hardness of evil hearts.  Forgive me that, for this reading, at this disheartening time, inspiration has been lacking for a message of hope.  

The world continues to be divided and angry, with retribution after retribution being exacted; the US (my nation) has been re-dividing for a long time and today, with truly reckless abuse of power; everywhere we turn religious factions are finding deeper chasms and more ways to villainize and oppress those whose faith varies from their own.  Today, as I watch all of the political goings-on that are causing very real pain across our precious at-risk common home - from well-intentioned workers losing their jobs to children starving for want of Aid that is sitting unused in warehouses - my spirit and my heart are divided, too.

Both readings today struck me, in this state of mind, as reminding me of how we all fall short.  Whether we are not Listening to the voice that calls us beloved, or we are not loving our neighbors: "...house will fall against house", or we are hardening our hearts in fear (as I fear that I am), we are falling short of God's desires for us.  So the best I can do is to first, heed the gentle command of the Responsorial Psalm:" If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts", and then second, to trust in God's invitation of the listed Verse: "...return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful."  

I pray today that my frustrations, anger, broken heart and anguished spirit can be softened and healed by our loving God, if I but stop and listen, and allow my God to enter in.  May we each find space amid the madness for God's presence and peace, today and every day.  Amen.