Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sermon in a Bottle

Fourth Sunday of Lent - B.  "The LORD inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue this proclamation."

The issue of the role of religion in politics is much on people's minds in the USA.  Many think this is a new concern.  Far from it.  Today's first reading shows the impact that civil leaders (in this case, Middle Eastern kings) have on people of faith.  One king destroys the great temple in Jerusalem and hauls the Jews into exile for three generations.  Another king ends the exile and grants the Jews freedom to return home and practice their faith.  The Church of Christ has endured all kinds of persecution, yet remains ever-faithful.  Salvation, on earth and in heaven, is "a gift of God, so no one may boast."

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