Janita Krayniak

I mean really … how often do you get to say that word? Semisesquicentennial! Well … we do get to say it at least once every 250 years! In case you missed it, the United States just turned 250 years old! There were so many patriotic activities and other than our Colorado neighbors to the south canceling all of the fireworks due to extreme drought and fire conditions, there were so many fireworks!  

It was a time to celebrate all that we as a nation have accomplished in the past 250 years. But it is also a time to look forward. Recently, I mentioned to my congregations how Israel does an amazing job of celebrating national historical achievements; for example, Passover recounts the plagues, and Purim celebrates Esther’s and Mordechai’s bravery in the face of the wicked Haman. And it is wonderful to look back at the last 250 years to see just how far we have come. It is joyful to celebrate what and who made our country, the country we are today. “What kind of nation or people are we becoming?” is a better question than simply asking, “What kind of nation or people have we been?” Memory without repentance becomes nostalgia, and patriotism without humility becomes pride. Israel learned that lesson the hard way. Do we as Americans have to learn that same difficult lesson, too?

What will the next 250 years look like? What decisions are we making today that will impact the next 250 years? Will we be able to look back at year 500 and wax nostalgic with a twinge of national pride, or will we look back with regret and wince with utter dismay? The prophet Micah, in chapter 6, verse 8, probes a similar situation. He is asking the ancient Israelites, what do you think the Lord is asking of you? The absurdity of the list is almost laughable! Beginning in verse 6, Micah says, “Should I come before him [the Lord] with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves?” Micah goes on to say “or a thousand rams” or “torrents of oil.” “Should I give my oldest child?” or the fruit of my body?” Micah then answers this list with one of the most memorable passages in scripture: “ He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.”

If we look back over the last 250 years, have we lived justly?  Have we embraced faithful love?  Have we walked humbly with our God? 

And what about going forward … will we do justice? Will we love faithfully? Will we walk humbly with our God? What kind of people or nation are we becoming?  

Next check-in, the Tricentennial celebration in 50 years? The clock is ticking. 

(Janita Krayniak is the pastor at United Church of Powell.)