[guest post by Dana]

This morning, President Trump tweeted his favorite political slogan, and followed it seven minutes later with an inflammatory tweet targeting the same four Democratic congresswomen he’s been publicly scuffling with since last week:

I’ve lost track if he’s triple-tripling down now or what, but obviously he has no intention of letting up. In Trump’s playbook, an incumbent President can never begin a re-election campaign too early. And if an opportunity presents itself and your base is on board, then jump on it.

Polling this week, done after the “send her back” rally, after his head-spinning disapproval/approval of those “incredible patriots” and after this morning’s tweet should be telling about whether his tactics are working.

I’m not going to opine on the second tweet other than to say, the man knows how to tap into his base. Please tell us what you think about the second tweet in the comments section: Smart political move? Effective strategery in action? Dunderhead move? A con man works his easy marks? Grifters gonna grift? Opportunist at work? Giving voice to what a lot of Americans think? All of the above?

–Dana

It is the sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Today’s Bach cantata is “Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid” (Oh God, how much heartache).

Today’s Gospel reading is Luke 10:38-42:

At the Home of Martha and Mary

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The text of today’s piece is available here. It contains these words:

Ah, God, how much heartache
do I encounter at this time!
The narrow path is full of trouble
that I shall follow to heaven.

How difficult it is for flesh and blood,
that deals only with earthly and vain things,
and heeds neither God nor Heaven,
to strive for the eternal Good!
Since You, O Jesus, are now my all,
and yet my flesh is so recalcitrant,
where then shall I turn?
The flesh is weak, although the spirit is willing;
so help me, You who know my heart.
My mind stands with You, O Jesus.

Happy listening! Soli Deo gloria.

[Cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back.]