Curses and Blessings and Curses

Curses and Blessings and Curses
Deuteronomy 27: 1- 28: 68

Last night I had a lovely dinner with some students. I accepted a second helping of pasta and a second glass of wine, and ate a magnificent brownie dessert with strawberries and ice cream. When it came to coffee, I declined because I feared this addition would overwhelm my digestive system. Then the smell of newly ground coffee made by the host, who is also a part-time barista, wafted across from the kitchen, and I was overcome. Through the night I proved myself right (again): it was all too much for my digestive system. In the end, I didn’t take enough account of the predictable consequences of my action, and a small curse overwhelmed me. I could give one or two examples of a more serious kind of my failing to consider the likely consequences of my actions for myself (let alone for other people), but I am ashamed of them, so you will have to use your imagination or reflect on your own life and the curses you have brought on yourself...