Watch

According to Aesop, A Woodman went into the forest and begged of the trees the favor of a handle for his Axe.  The Principal Trees at once agreed to so modest a request, and unhesitatingly gave him a young ash sapling, out of which he fashioned the handle he desired.  No sooner had he done so than he set to work to fell the noblest Trees in the wood.  When they saw the use to which he was putting their gift, they cried, “Alas! Alas! We are undone, but we ourselves are to blame.  The little we gave has cost us all: had we not sacrificed the rights of the ash, we might ourselves have stood for ages.”

Have we given anyone the favor of a handle for his or her Axe?  This favor often is given by our slavish devotion to websites and social media that promote and spread anger and hate instead of tolerance and understanding.  

Many wish to wield their axes to hurt us and our country.  Do we know any Woodman having “begged” us “noble trees” for a handle?  Who have we sacrificed to grant that favor?  Ourselves?  Our neighbor?

Let us always be watchful for these Woodmen.  If we do not, then the outcry: “Alas! Alas! We are undone, but we ourselves are to blame.”

Jesus tells us to watch.  When at Gethsemane, he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples, he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:36-41)

We have a way to go before we encounter Lent.  Nevertheless, we will have many tests of our patience and courage before then.  Let us not be asleep but watch with Jesus for deceivers and those with axes.  Our spirit must always be willing.  Einstein had it right.

Deacon David Pierce