The same theme is found in many parts of today's readings... and it relates to what is currently happening in the world. In the OT reading, we see cities being destroyed and people being made homeless. In the NT reading, Paul tells about Jesus dying for a broken world, and he talks about how God prepared him (Paul) to help people to find God in the midst of their chaos. The Psalm speaks of foes being vanquished and washing feet in the blood of the wicked. Our readings are full of tumult and anguish today.
And we see this in the world around us, too. ISIS is destroying churches and beheading people of all backgrounds. Refugees are fleeing from the middle east, and reports are that ISIS might be hiding in those refugees to hurt the very people who try to help. The US is rife with conflict, with arguments abounding regarding gay marriage, abortion, and immigration.
Our world is getting smaller. In the past, it was possible to distance yourself from the people in other countries and play the isolationist. Because of technology, those days are over. We're not immune from the conflicts happening around the world. 9/11 was a grim reminder of that. But it won't be the last one.
So what is our response to all of this? Well, the first thing to do is realize that we're not able to ignore this. We can't pretend like it isn't happening and just watch TV and play games and act like nothing is wrong. We need to be involved in helping alleviate the suffering in the world, before that suffering comes knocking on our door.
How can YOU help? The most powerful thing you can do is pray. God answers prayer, and the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. I've found in my life that the desperate fervent prayer of a sinner avails something, too. God listens to us, even if we're not perfect. And He will respond to our prayers. So let's pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering, who need food and safety. And let's pray that ISIS will be destroyed, and its members will be saved.
What else can we do? We can learn. We can donate, when we find reputable avenues to help those in need. We can travel and see what is happening in other parts of the world. We can reach out to the people around us in OUR communities that need help.
But most of all, we can pray.
Thank You, God, for calling us to pray. And thank You for listening.
1 comment:
Amen. As the times are getting worse, from my perspective, I find I am stopping and praying more and more.
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