The Alligator King...

The first reading for today's Mass from the book of Kings tells us of the Lord appearing to Solomon in a dream saying; "Ask what you would like me to give you."

Solomon wasn't interested in power, money or riches but he asked for a discerning heart.

 

Many kids of my generation (1970's) learned our ABC's and counting not just in school, but from Sesame Street.  For me today, It was a fun programme which had at its core the task of passing on values, learning, and cooperation in a fun way.

 

The Alligator King from Sesame Street reminds me of aspects of the First Reading in that six of the seven sons are all intent on pleasing the father - but in order to win the crown. The seventh son merely wants to help his father up when he is down...

 

One two three four five six seven!
Said the Alligator King to his seven sons,
"I'm feelin' mighty down.
Whichever of you can cheer me up
Will get to wear my crown."

 

His first son brought seven oyster pearls
From the bottom of the China Sea.

The second gave him seven statues of girls
With clocks where their stomachs should be.

 

The third son gave him seven rubies
From the sheikdom Down There Beneath.
The King thought the rubies were cherries,
And he broke off seven of his teeth.

 

The fourth son tried to cheer him up
With seven lemon drops.
The King said, "I'm sorry son,
Since that ruby episode, I just haven't got the chops."

 

The fifth son brought the King perfume
In seven fancy silver jars;
The King took a whiff, and he broke out in spots
'Cause it smelled like cheap cigars.

 

The sixth son gave him seven diamond rings
To wear upon his toes.
The King snagged his foot on the royal red rug
And crumpled up his nose.

 

The seventh son of the Alligator King
Was a thoughtful little whelp.
He said, "Daddy, appears to me
That you could use a little help."

 

Said the Alligator King to his seventh son,
"My son, you win the crown.
You didn't bring me diamonds or rubies, but
You helped me up when I was down.
Take the crown; it's yours, my son.
I hope you don't mind the dents.
I got it on sale at a discount store-
Cost me all of seven cents!"
Seven!

Read more: Sesame Street - The Alligator King Lyrics | MetroLyrics

"We came in peace for all mankind."

 

 

 

Forty-Five years ago, Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin landed the Lunar Module; Eagle, on the moon, on July 20th, 1969. Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit in the Command Module. It had been the culmination of a nearly a decade of scientific research, hard work, and collaboration that ended in Commander Armstrong being the first human being to step onto the moon early in the morning of July 21st 1969. It was one of those moments when the whole world was watching the pictures being beamed back to earth.  People remember where they were when the 'Men from Planet Earth first walked on the moon.' (I didn't come along till October 1969!)

 

45 years later, we see horrific violence and innocent people, and especially children, being killed and injured daily on our T.V. screens. We have seen a Boeing 777 Jetliner, on a scheduled flight, hit by a Surface to Air Missile  with all 298 on board killed. May God comfort the families of those innocent victims of violence and I pray that the truth will come out about how the airliner was attacked.

 

While all this is taking place, we salute the great work of so many people trying to help sides to come together around the table to bring about an end to violence. We salute the scientists and the researchers who daily attempt to broaden our horizons and those who use their talents to try to make the world a better place.

 

I pray today that soon the day will come when technology will only be used to build up, and not to break down. That scientific research will ever only save life and preserve life rather than take life. May we build bridges that unite and not divide. I pray that God will bless the work of peace making with justice for all, and especially for the poor and the innocent.