Our God and the God of all people,
This Monday night, Jews around the world will celebrate the
Jewish festival of Purim. We will read the
Book of Esther – an ancient story of oppression, bravery, and vindication.
On that night, in synagogues around the world, Jews will dress
up in costume, lose their inhibitions, and forget about the problems that
confront us.
On Purim, we put on our masks and, for a few hours, take on
the personas of our heroes and villains; our fantasies and our fears.
The book of Esther is the only book in the Hebrew Scripture
where You are never mentioned by name – but Your presence is everywhere.
We find you in the bravery of Esther and Mordechai, who stood
up for their faith – even in the face of death.
We find You in the Courage of Queen Vashti, who refused to
allow herself to be taken advantage of and harassed by her boorish King.
We see You in the resiliency of the people who, in the shadow
of evil cast by the wicked Haman, stood firm in their determination and
strength.
God – even when Your name is absent you are present.
Even when we cry out in frustration, and disbelief we look to
You for strength.
In the Jewish Calendar, Purim falls about 6 months before the
holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur – a day of reflection and repentance – of
fasting and intense prayer.
Our ancient Rabbis taught that there is a direct connection
to the silliness of Purim and the somber tones of the Day of Atonement.
On Purim, we put on our masks. On Yom Kippur we remove them.
On Purim, we laugh at ourselves – on Yom Kippur we cry tears
of remorse.
In many ways, this holy chamber is also a reminder of the gap
between these two festivals – between the sacred and the profane. In this place, we confront the realities of
our people. We debate life and death
issues that shape our State of Colorado and both reflect and set a standard for
our national discourse.
Help us to not take ourselves too seriously, God. Help us to see the good in one another – in
the sharing of ideas and the sacred arguments that must necessarily occur in
the messy process of Governance
Bless these legislators, aides, lobbyists, clerks and staff -
all who serve on a daily basis. Give
them the strength of Esther and the wisdom of Mordechai to cut through the
confusion and forge a path of prayerful leadership.
As we anticipate a day of frivolity, may the humanity and
holiness with which we all have been blessed become a pathway to reconciliation
and respect.
AMEN
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