It doesn’t matter whether it is Afghanistan or Haiti or our Western United States besieged by fire. Catastrophe always looks the same in the eyes. The look of panic and fear, the look of a plea for help. The images we see on the internet often have the same effect. They force us to look but then we want to turn away. We see the appeals from the aid agencies and perhaps even give something to help mitigate the suffering.
As devastating as Sandy was to our region, we had resources to move in and work on restoring power. Yes, it was cold in early November, and yes, more people died than should have because we had so much warning. And, yes, there are still remnants to remind us of the power of the storm.
Some disasters, usually of our own making, are avoidable. Others are not. But they should all bind us together in our common humanity.
Prayer for the Day
Often we are so blind that we are unaware of our sin,
Open our eyes, O God, to the world around us;
Self-righteous and full of pride we mumble our good fortune,
Humble us, O God, so we understand our faults.
Stir not only our hearts but impel us to action,
So we may reflect your call to care for others.
In the name of him who showed us how to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were.
as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for thee.
John Donne, from Meditation No. 17 (1572-1631)
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller, educator and activist (1880-1968)
With my voice I cry out to the Lord, with my voice I make supplication to the Lord;
I pour out my complaint before God, and I tell God my trouble.
When my spirit is faint, you know the way.
Palm 142: 1-3