I have been studying and "soaking" in the weekly Parashah. Doing so has been beneficial in ways I most likely will never be able to fully thank you for, JP. (Well, certainly not on "this side of the Jordan".) This article, one of several penned by you for Parashat Mishpatim, has pushed me to think about my "communitarian" worldview on our current immigration crisis on the US borders. While the current laws may need reform, they have served us well when enforced. Now, our borders are dreams come true for the "cosmopolitan". Our nation is now destabilized and growing more so. I struggle now, evermore, to find the balance you mention between mercy and abiding the law of the land. I scream at the television when I see criminals getting paid to get more criminals into our America. I am heartbroken to see images of desperate men, women, and children dead in the desert, or floating in a river. I must resign myself to do what I'm able at the ballot box, in dialoque, and in prayer. Yet, it is the moment I'm challenged, one on one, in the grocery store parking lot or on the sidewalks of our tiny town by our newest "neighbors". These are the moments we are not to withold mercy. Grace must abound. I have my very own Taryog Mitzvot to sift through in order to cherry pick the points of my compassion and discernment.
I have been studying and "soaking" in the weekly Parashah. Doing so has been beneficial in ways I most likely will never be able to fully thank you for, JP. (Well, certainly not on "this side of the Jordan".) This article, one of several penned by you for Parashat Mishpatim, has pushed me to think about my "communitarian" worldview on our current immigration crisis on the US borders. While the current laws may need reform, they have served us well when enforced. Now, our borders are dreams come true for the "cosmopolitan". Our nation is now destabilized and growing more so. I struggle now, evermore, to find the balance you mention between mercy and abiding the law of the land. I scream at the television when I see criminals getting paid to get more criminals into our America. I am heartbroken to see images of desperate men, women, and children dead in the desert, or floating in a river. I must resign myself to do what I'm able at the ballot box, in dialoque, and in prayer. Yet, it is the moment I'm challenged, one on one, in the grocery store parking lot or on the sidewalks of our tiny town by our newest "neighbors". These are the moments we are not to withold mercy. Grace must abound. I have my very own Taryog Mitzvot to sift through in order to cherry pick the points of my compassion and discernment.
Thank you. This is foundational and true. May you and yours be blessed. 🙏🏼
So very true. What a complete delight to know our wonderful Father has given these vital instructions written with His own hand!
It’s always a pleasure to read what God puts in your heart. That you continue to render yourself to Him and using your holy gift!