Today's post, rather focused on a single topic, is a "grab bag."
Saluting those who've served: First, today is Veterans Day, honoring the service of all who have served in the U.S. military, in wartime or peacetime. Thank you, veterans!
The Nov. 11 observance dates back to just after World War I when it was called "Armistice Day," marking the end of what was then known as The Great War." The cessation of hostilities took effect at 11:00 a.m. on the 11th day of November (the 11th month) in 1918.
(Today is a federal holiday, so post offices, government institutions, and banks are closed. The markets, however, are open.)
The 2024 election: The dust hasn't completely settled from last week's elections. With several House races undecided, neither party has claimed a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. A majority requires 218 seats in the 435-member body.
The makeup of the next U.S. House, assuming Republicans (red) win 221 seats.
So far, Republicans have won 217 seats and are leading in four undecided contests, bringing their (possible) total to 221. That would be about the same as what Republicans have now — 220 seats in the current Congress.
Although the GOP majority would remain slim, majority control is a huge deal. It means Republicans would continue to be in charge of every committee (and subcommittee) of the House. Committees, of course, wield significant power over how legislation is shaped. Further, majority control means Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisianna, likely would continue in that role.
(One caveat: Trump has asked GOP House member Elise Stefanik to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. That will reduce the Republican House majority by one, pending a special election in New York's 21st District.)
In the U.S. Senate, a sea change is coming. After four years in the minority, Republicans will regain the upper chamber, holding 53 seats in the 119th Congress. That is "bigly" when it comes to President Trump being able to enact his legislative program — including the extension of the income-tax rates and other tax provisions Trump signed into law in late 2017.
The realities of politics and governing: Slim majorities, however, aren't conducive to making major changes, although it has happened twice in recent memory. In 2009, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) passed the House by fewer than five votes, and in 2022, the mammoth Inflation Reduction Act passed by a single vote in the Senate (with a vote from Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a tie).
Still, it seems unlikely that Donald Trump will accomplish anything that is both politically unpopular and requires congressional approval.
Perhaps the "Government Efficiency Commission" under Elon Musk will devise creative ideas for trimming the federal budget. But any efficiency suggestions that require congressional votes — well, let's say we might not see many "profiles in courage" from House and Senate members worried about losing their seats in the next election.
God's mercy flows: Moving to a different topic, I was struck by the "stewardship" emphasis in the Scripture readings and music at church yesterday. The Old Testament text (from 1 Kings 17) was about the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. She was at the point of despair, wondering where her next meal was coming from. Elijah was at the end of his rope, too.
From the film "Widow and Oil."
Then the word came to Elijah, and through him to the widow, that God would be their source and supply. They trusted, and the Lord provided: "The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty."
In yesterday's gospel reading (Mark 12), Jesus observed a poor widow donating meagerly yet generously to the temple treasury, remarking that "she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living." The poor widow — like Elijah and the widow of Zarephath of an earlier time — trusted that God would make a way.
Even though I have never been down to my last bit of food or money (for which I am grateful!), I have often thought, "Lord, I don't see a way out of this situation. It's impossible." God's answer has always been, "Trust me. I will make a way." He always has.
At one point in yesterday's service, the congregation, fittingly, raised their voices in testimony of God's goodness, singing an old hymn titled Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven:
Father-like he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!
Amen!
