My Weekly Drash -- Va-Yikra

One of the hardest things for anyone is admitting error. If you don't
believe me, must just ask any politician. One of the themes of Parshah
Va-Yikra is that you cannot escape the consequences of your actions, so it's
better to face them. The complex list of sacrifices reminds us that even if
we err inadvertently, it can
affect others and that it is up to us to do something about it. Part of that
"something" in ancient times was to offer the appropriate sacrifice. Instead
of worrying about whether God really needs a "pleasing odor" from the altar
(which even the sages questioned), consider it from the viewpoint of the
penitent. Someone who has done something wrong may have apologized to those
affected and made appropriate restitution, yet still feel guilt. Offering up
a sacrifice was a way of showing that one was truly repentant. It also
served as a way to balance the books, and to feel that one had complied with
God's commands. For someone who wanted to atone, it allowed him to get on
with his life instead of dwelling on past flaws. In commanding us to do what
is right, God recognizes that we are fallible humans who will err - on
purpose or by accident - and provided the means to get back on track. The
ability to move on with a clear conscience can be a blessing.


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Turn To Abdul Baha
    ... Joel was the appointed Guardian. ... Aghsan, the Afnan, the Hands of the Cause of God to show their ... There is no presupposing that God commands. ...
    (talk.religion.bahai)
  • Re: Turn To Abdul Baha
    ... infallibility of Abdul-Baha and the Guardians is thus limited in my ... have free choice to obey the Guardian or not. ... Aghsan, the Afnan, the Hands of the Cause of God to show their ... There is no presupposing that God commands. ...
    (talk.religion.bahai)
  • Re: Turn To Abdul Baha
    ... Joel did not say you were not a Baha'i. ... Aghsan, the Afnan, the Hands of the Cause of God to show their ... There is no presupposing that God commands. ... God commands you and me and Noah and Abdul Baha and Joel. ...
    (talk.religion.bahai)
  • Re: Religious tolerance before it was hip
    ... covenants and commands. ... In that, God meets ... We have a reversion to the following of Law, ... Mosaic Law allowed for divorce because, as Jesus put it, ...
    (soc.religion.islam)
  • Turn To Abdul Baha
    ... There is no presupposing that God commands. ... God commands you and me and Noah and Abdul Baha and Joel. ... morn of divine guidance, the day which will not be followed by night. ...
    (talk.religion.bahai)