1492.  It's one of the most pivotal years in human history.  Humans of two hemispheres, neither of whom had been aware of the other, suddenly were, almost overnight, finding themselves confronting worlds that, literally, blew their collective minds.  No one would ever be the same.

     Sadly, however, although 1492 may have been a momentous and lucrative year for many Europeans, it was a terrible one for the natives of the Americas.  Hence, although earlier this week the U.S. recognized Columbus Day, some have suggested that it is perhaps more appropriate to term it "Indigenous Peoples Day."  After all, it is the natives of the Americas who, far more than the Europeans who slaughtered them, deserve to be remembered.  It is they who have suffered most.

     The worst of it is that in too many instances this slaughter was justified in the name of Christianity.  It was an awful stain on the love of God.

     Historian Erna Paris once observed that, "Attaching God to history is the most powerful nationalism of all."  Whenever we try to juxtapose God and the history we are unconsciously creating, we erect a line we cannot possibly cross:  the boundary between what is here, and what we think should be, the difference between the visible speculations of finitude and the hidden certitudes of infinity.  We falsely think we can speak for God.

     Whatever your perspective, use this week to remind yourself of your so very limited view of what is real and true.