Order and Disorder

I stand alone in a field of smokestacks and high-rise apartments. I walk along, looking to the ground, finding the pennies and nickels dropped by those in a hurry. I stand on the corner with my sigh in my hand begging for assistance because I cannot find a job, disabled as I am. I am the modern high prophet of order and disorder, so I ask that you listen to me.

Take a look around you and see how the world is changing; for better or worse, things are shifting out of control. All around us is turmoil; call it evil or call it war; I call it fear and pain. Fear because we do not know where or when it will affect us directly; pain because we do not know if it will harm a friend or family member. In our defense, we pray will intervene.

However, God is a neutral observer and takes no part in our mortal concerns. But we had a wonderful messenger two thousand years ago who spoke in parables. These stories are gifts of value that are just as worthy today as they were when first given. We just have to unpack them and apply them to our fears and evils. In a word, we must pay attention to what Jesus said.

There are other strategies that we must also practice. We must open doors for others to enter or leave of their free will. This will avoid any and all potential conflicts. But. . . if given the chance, we must be prepared to share our stories and to listen to others’ stories. This will allow us to learn; this will allow us to love. This will also allow us to hear God. And perhaps to understand Jesus’ parables better.

This does not mean we will overcome disorder.

But maybe we can have a smidgen more order.