Two weeks ago The New York Times Magazine featured an article on the “long, slow drowning of the Jersey Shore.” Over this past week we saw the Millstone River rush over its banks and flood out parts of Middlesex County. Fortunately, we did not suffer the loss of life as in Tennessee.
The article pointed out that over the past century, the sea level has risen twice as fast on the Jersey Shore as the global average, and that some land is actually sinking. The high water mark has moved further inland. And we know this is not just happening in New Jersey. The lovely old part of Newport, Rhode Island, is facing much the same.
But the power of money keeps going. Fourteen states sued to keep oil and gas leases on public lands going. They’re more worried more about their coffers than the future, and they got a federal judge to agree. So when it floods in Texas and Louisiana again and people die from the storms – again – what then? The owners, governors, and judge won’t die in the flood, only the poor. After all, who cares about the poor, anyway?
Prayer for the Day
Confession is good for the soul, we’re told,
Only, don’t make us change our ways, O God;
Those photos of flood damage are unsettling,
So we just need to turn the page, O God.
Crash into our consciousness and shake those in power
For we are a people beholden to their money.
In the name of the One who calls us to action,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We’ll address the hazards as they come. But a hundred years from now? Don’t know, I won’t be here to worry about it.
Martin Pagliughi, Mayor of Avalon, New Jersey, quoted in New York Times
We are not at the pinnacle of human knowledge. We’re just beginning.
Katy Payne, oceanographer, scientist studying whales
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell me if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements – surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone
When the morning stars sang together, and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
Job 38: 4-7