January 19th Reflection - by Bill Lynch

Revelation 18:11-20 (NRSV)
Lament over a fallen city
And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, choice flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, slaves -- and human lives.

"The fruit for which your soul longed
has gone from you,
and all your dainties and your splendor
are lost to you,
never to be found again!"

The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
"Alas, alas, the great city,
clothed in fine linen,
in purple and scarlet,
adorned with gold,
with jewels, and with pearls!
For in one hour all this wealth has been laid waste!"

And all shipmasters and seafarers, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,
"What city was like the great city?"

And they threw dust on their heads, as they wept and mourned, crying out,
"Alas, alas, the great city,
where all who had ships at sea
grew rich by her wealth!
For in one hour she has been laid waste.
Rejoice over her, O heaven,
you saints and apostles and prophets!
For God has given judgment for you against her."

Reflection
The city of Babylon falls with all her riches and imports. The falling has an impact on all countries who have depended on this city to export their goods and services. Now all of this is gone. Cities of power come and go, especially those cities and countries that live off of the fat of their riches. These centers of population become the focus of influence and power. The fall of such cities causes widespread pain throughout the world. Cities come and go, Jerusalem, Babylon, Rome and on and on.

But our focus must be on God and the formation of God's city. When we lose our focus on God we fall to our own greed and hunger for power and self-destruct. God's city isn't built on greed or power but on God's awesome love that recreates and creates life. The richness of God's city is Christ and his followers. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, help me keep my greed and selfish ambitions in check. Show me how to give life and love. Show me how to follow you. Show me and teach me your love that I may love you as you wish. Maintain my focus on you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen