Longer We Persist in Error

Reading René Girard's new book (in English), Battling to the End, one is left bemused and saddened at how all of the political, economic, ethnic, religious powers of our world are busily "crying out in loud voices, cover(ing) their ears" (Acts 7, 57) at the words that reveal the apocalyptic in their own actions while they, at the same time, point out the apocalyptic in their rivals' actions. Global warming! Health care reform power play! Global warming hoax! Tea party conspiracies!

It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,
we sang a dirge but you did not mourn' (Mtt 11,16b-17a)

Girard reminds us that as we continue to try to re-mythologize and recognize our own violence less and less, "The longer we persist in our error, the stronger God's voice will emerge from the devastation."

These are sober words for Gaudete Sunday, but words of prophetic power that God's faithful people must continue to utter.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.