Final Word from Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" is one of Johnny Cash's least likely cover songs, but when he sings, "Feeling unknown, And you're all alone, Flesh and bone, By the telephone, Lift up the receiver, I'll make you a believer," it's as if the Lord Himself were there to deliver us from our troubles. The message is that we can give or receive spiritual and moral support if we have faith. We can be or have a "personal Jesus." Many Czechs believed the stranger who came around when times were good to offer them amazing savings on their energy needs, but when the world turned dark and they suddenly had to go elsewhere, they found little comfort. They lifted up the receiver and stopped being believers. They met with no forgiveness from their provider of last resort. As a result, some Czechs have already realized that they're poor; others aren't yet there. When third-world countries have a shortage of affordable energy, they impose regular blackouts. The electricity might only work for a few hours per day. For some Czechs without a personal Jesus to rescue them, a self-imposed personal blackout is now the act of last resort. [ Czech Republic version Bohemia Energy DPI ]