October 24, 2013 – 2 Chronicles 6:12 – 6:42

This long prayer of Solomon is beautiful in its understanding that we are all sinful and we will need forgiveness.  Not just for individuals, but as a nation as well, they will need forgiveness.  And he doesn’t ask for it freely, he ask that when they sin, and then come back, to receive forgiveness.  It is shocking that Israel had David, then Solomon, built this Temple, here this prayer and ceremony, and then throw it all away almost instantly.  It is not too long after Solomon is gone that the nation is divided and being ruled by men that are not Godly.  The Temple is desecrated and other gods are worshipped.  It seems to happen so quickly.  But are we really surprised.  Have you ever gone on retreat and felt like your life has changed?  How long before you find yourself back in your old routines and way of life.  It just doesn’t take that long to fall away from God.  I don’t think we should be surprised about Israel’s early break after this anymore than we should be surprised how soon we sin ourselves after leaving Sunday Mass.  We are closer to God at Mass then Israel is here.  We enter into an even deeper Communion then than they did here.  How long before we fall.  Do we ignore our children to watch football?  Do we yell obscenities at the other drivers on the way home?  Do we gossip at coffee and donuts right after Mass?  Should we really be shocked at Israel’s fall?  We should really look in the mirror.