Contemplative Bible Reading

Ezekiel 16:49 (New International Version)

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

Overfed, ouch. One of the main health problems in America today, actually in all the industrial world, is obesity. I guess we qualify as overfed. Nothing is more convenient than food.

Are we arrogant, unconcerned and not helping the poor and needy? I think as America we do a little better here. Arrogant? Maybe, that one is a matter of opinion. I think we do seem concerned. Hurricanes, tsunamis – we tend to give generously to charity.

Am I outside the context of this passage? Maybe. Still, something to consider.

God, help us to understand our blessings. Help us to love our neighbors, wherever they be on this planet and whoever they are.