Somewhere around the first of every month I read back over the previous month’s journal entries, and make note of a couple of things I want to ponder a little longer. Here’s some random thoughts from last month.

– I don’t think Judas is a scapegoat. I believe that, like most characters in scripture, Judas is actually a reflection of us.

Judas couldn’t be trusted when it came to money (John 12:6). Judas betrayed Jesus for money (Luke 22:5, Matthew 26:15).

We abuse Creation and allow others to be exploited in order for us to have more money, comfort, and pleasure.

Judas came to horribly regret his choices. Likely, we will too.

– Somehow a significant number of church folks have gotten the idea that they have permission from God to be selfish, individualistic, ignore the common good, exploit creation, and feel superior.

-Often when asked what they wanted, people asked Jesus for sight. True seeing changes you. You see wonder. You see suffering and pain. How could true seeing not change you?

-My personality is such that I often feel a tug for “more.” More what? I have plenty, even too much of pretty much every thing.

-Good advice from Titus: “Don’t be overwhelmed, stay focused, challenge false teaching, pass on pure doctrine, and don’t forget the importance of good deeds.”

-A couple of weeks ago my word was “release.” In my prayers I released my family to their own path, and prayed that I have been an authentic example of one way to be a human being.

-Sometimes when I sit with Creation I take the attitude of, “I’m here now, the party can start.” I think Jesus calls such an attitude, taking the higher seat. Perhaps I am being invited to simply ask the squirrels for permission to sit with them for a bit.