“for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all” (Romans 11: 29-32).  Paul is concluding his reflections on why so many Jews, so many of his own people have failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Paul is writing in a time of unexpected rending.  What will become rabbinic Judaism and Christianity have begun the “parting of the ways” as it has sometimes been called.  Ultimately Paul is saying the reason for this schism remains a mystery.  But he makes an interesting turn here and focuses upon the opportunity that has been given in the midst of this unexpected turn of events.  Paul can do this because in the midst of his uncertainty about the strangeness of history he is certain about one thing: the character of God.  God is merciful and desires the salvation of all!  We are most certainly in a time of uncertainty.  I don’t think that anyone fully foresaw what this time of disaffiliation would be.  And yet, we will find our way forward, even as those first century Christians did.  Our current difficult times offer us the opportunity to realize again, what lasts and what does not.  Our Lord’s mercy lasts even when so many other things seem to fail.  Should not that then, be our starting point?  Accept it for yourself and offer it to others.  I want to encourage you to remember that even when the current events of your life make no sense there is always one thing to which you may cling: our Lord is merciful and is on your side!  Have a great week.