On Wisconsin

We're living history here in our state this week. It's pretty exciting I tell you. First the Packers win the Superbowl, and now our new governor is taking on the public sector unions. The ginormous demonstrations and counter-demonstrations down at the Capitol are big news. It's quite cool, actually, that Americans are exercising their right to free speech in such a powerful and peaceful way. All this free speech has been going on for almost a week now, with no sign of stopping!
Here at Chez D., we support the governor's attempt to look out for the taxpayers by responsibly managing the state's budget. Of course, we also love public school teachers, and we wish they weren't victims of the powerful labor unions.

But to me, the real story of the weekend was Sunday's Gospel reading. It was perfect. Of course. In the midst of all this local turmoil, here is the word of God for this week:

"You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil...

"But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well...

"And if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you...

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust...

"For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?...

"You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

~ Matthew 5: 38 - 48

God is so good!