Insight vs. Oversight

From the NY Times today, in a story titled "Pork 1, Antiterrorism 0":

"Some of the specifics of the decision process are downright bizarre. New York City's evaluation found that it had no "national monuments or icons." The department concedes that omitting the Statute [sic] of Liberty was an "oversight," but it still seems unaware that to many would-be terrorists, the biggest American icon of all is simply — New York."

And from the daily lectionary: Ephesians 5:1-4 and 15-17

" 1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

"15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

The connection between the Times article and the lectionary reading today was striking, because both talk about protection-- the news story about protection for the nation and where our priorities should be in that, and the Bible lesson about the same protection and priority for our souls.

The lectionary consistently challenges me these days. I think there's more at stake than we've been willing to admit in this whole discipleship thing, and that we might need to preach a costlier grace.