Baby Jonas and The Common Good

The house is quiet at the moment. It's just after 4:30 PM. I was just now over at Toni's computer looking at some of the pictures that she took last night when we were over at the birth center meeting our grandson, Jonas Steven Krueger. Naomi wrote this about her son:

Our baby boy arrived a week early yesterday! Meet Jonas Steven, born Feb 24 at 6:18 pm at 8 pounds, 7.5 oz and 21 inches long. We are so thankful for this baby! We're all doing well.

His first name is is a derivative of the Hebrew word yonah (Jonah), which means dove--which is a symbol for peace. It's also a very common northern European name, which points to his heritage. His name was also inspired by the main character in the book The Giver, one of my all time favorite young adult novels. We hope our child will have many of the attributes of the character Jonas--courage and the ability to "see beyond" to a better and more beautiful world.

His middle name is after his Grandpa Steve, his Uncle Steve (Tim's brother), and his Grandpa Ron (whose middle name is also Steven.)

My sister Karen commented that it's a "great and honorable name," and I am honored to be one of those who shares his middle name. I don't know Tim's brother very well, but Ron is a great man. As I was praising God for this baby boy, our daughter and husband Tim's first child, Ron offered a blessing. We all joined in. So thankful! Naomi and baby are doing just fine.

This baby, and all children, need a lot of help. God designed human beings, not to leap out of the womb ready to walk and forage, but to be utterly dependent on others. Most needs are provided for by parents and other family and loved ones, and, yes, our Lord God is the ultimate source for all good.

In today's world, either sadly or just realistically, there are a whole lot of things that he will need that his parents won't be able to provide. You might call those things a part of "The Common Good." Jonas will need good clean air and water, food that isn't full of harmful substances or organisms, warmth and light that come through public utilities, an environment in which doves and peace can thrive and a multitude of other things that almost everyone depends upon in our modern world. And, it seems to me, many of those things in our modern world are protected by "The Administrative State." I've been listening to a debate about that today.

In a bit, I'll post a pic of the blessing. I wonder about the connection between God's blessing and the common good. The debate goes on. [Blessing pic finally posted March 13.]

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