Rabble Rising

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When have you complained about too much peace?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

My mind cannot comprehend your ages. The period of recorded human history alone pushes the limits of my mind. I barely have an indication of unrecorded human history, much less geological ages or the age of the universe. This means you are the all-time great, the One who made time and continues to make it worth our while for the while that we’re immersed in it.

I wonder about the line in the hymn that asks you to let us hide in you. The image that comes is of one hiding in a cave from pursuing enemies. But sometimes enemies must be faced. And I don’t want to get into either of two patterns: seeking you only when there’s something from which I want to hide, or going to you for refuge when I should be engaging in a struggle. So far as I know, Jesus never hid in a cave.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

"So, this is Jerusalem? Frankly, I’d rather be in Cleveland."

[He had nothing against Philadelphia, either, but Jerusalem was far less than hospitable.]

D. Blog: Word of the Week – “rabble”

[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary]

c.1300, "pack of animals," possibly related to M.E. rabeln "speak in a rapid, confused manner," probably imitative of hurry and confusion (cf. M.Du. rabbelen, Low Ger. rabbeln "to chatter"). Meaning "tumultuous crowd of people" is first recorded 1513; applied contemptuously to the common or low part of any populace from 1553. Rabble-rousing first attested 1802 in Sydney Smith.

[Members of Congress, meet the rabble that didn't vote for you.]