Ancient Israel is a small nation but demands great attention due to its War Lords writing of their supremacy over others as God’s “Chosen People.” They are “majestic, descendants of a “royal line.” Conversely, Jesus draws great attention due to gathering a growing people’s movement, The Community of God. He describes it in humble terms, “a mustard seed,” “the smallest of all the seeds”. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants (and) all the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”
History repeats itself continually and at present around the world with attention being demanded by “Chosen People.” It is mostly Chosen rulers and includes the U.S.’ Chosen GOP ruler and his MAGA cohort. They are escalating supremacy over unchosen people, primarily women and immigrants. The rulers are heralding violent masculine supremacy over subjugated femininity while denying human rights. (Trump – “when you’re a star” you can “grab ’em by the *****, you can do anything.” + Milei – “I won’t apologize for having a penis. I shouldn’t feel guilty for being a white, blond, blue-eyed man.” “There were no 30,000,” denying the 1974-83 Lt. Gen. Peron led ‘Dirty War” on civilians. + Sharia laws. + Anti-contraception laws.) The rulers are heralding opposition to immigration while they deny indigenous and/or refugee rights (Trump’s caging children at the Southern border and withdrawing legal protections of Indigenous people, lands, and wildlife. + Proposing / enacting anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, anti-voting, and/or anti-birthright laws, especially for dark skinned brothers and sisters.) In the U.S., mainstream pundits give attention to supremacists, certainly Trump. Attention is given to his ability to hire competent attorneys, to secure victory in his presidential run, and to gain independent voters, like those for Nikki Haley. Trump’s seeking victory would be convenient. No matter, he is getting attention. Trump knows everything he, as a supremacist, does, gains him attention. It is how the system works. From ancient days to current, Chosen rulers operate a supremacist system to oppress unchosen people and make demands for our attention. They demand we herald them as “majestic,” descendants of a “royal Line.” Rulers, like Trump, the offspring of a ‘Chosen’ crime syndicate ruler, have always oppressed unchosen people. For all his crimes, Trump has never spent a day in jail. It is highly unlikely he ever will. On the off chance he does, Trump will maintain the crime syndicate system of gang members outside the walls to grant favors and ensure he stays the center of attention inside the walls. Donald Trump never wanted the presidency. It has responsibilities, consequences. The narcissist wanted the attention it gained him and the plunder it gained him too. The presidency may afford him the opportunity to escape from his criminal consequences. But that too can be gained in other ways. Legally, Trump can do what he has always done. He can tinker and toy with the system designed by and for wealthy white men for personal connections and political favors. At the same time he can drain weaker opponents of resources by delaying business proceedings and court cases as he remains the center of attention.
Little attention over the years, but more of late has been given to people in the U.S. who are not supremacist ‘Chosen’ ones but instead oppressed as unchosen, African Americans. Unfortunately, laws protecting them and the truth of their history are being outlawed. Likewise attempts are being made to repeal a celebration of their freedom from wealthy white supremacist oppression, the Juneteenth Celebration. Even though the Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, it was not until June 19, 1865 that changes due to the January 1, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation occurred. White supremacists would not have attended to that with the human beings they oppressed as slaves. Across history and the U.S. little attention has been given to humble people who, on a daily basis, forgive supremacists. African Americans are among the mustard seeds of our world. Seemingly small but growing, springing up and becoming the largest of people, humbling inviting all to come and join them in community.
Prayer: Beautiful Spirit, keep us humble and forgiving.
Question: What is the attention I give to people oppressed vs the attention I give to those oppressing them?
June 16, 2024 Gospel Mark 4:26-34 Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time