10 Trinity Sq
Toronto, ON
M5G 1B1
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Wed. 12:15 pm
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reflections and sermons posted here are the work of individual members of Holy Trinity. Opinions expressed are those of the writer or preacher and do not necessarily reflect an official or even popular opinion within the parish.
Our Shifting Earth
SARA BOYLES
Two weeks ago the earth shifted in a dramatic and unprecedented way. Rarely do we get to see this. Usually the earth shifts in more gentle ways through erosions, smaller disasters, rivers changing course, deltas filling with mud, islands rising (or disappearing) etc.
The effects of wind and water wear on people too. With time and exposure the skin of farmers and gardeners become tanned and lined. Those who herd animals begin to blend with their surroundings. Leaders of expeditions become weathered. However in the last two weeks we have seen sudden, prolonged exposure. We have seen sunburns, dehydration and starvation in massive proportions. Our eyes and ears have been filled with the truths of many of our brothers and sisters around the planet. We are spared the smells and horrors of this being on our door step. We are also protected by our privilege. As Mark Twain said we are the ones who have already won the lottery by virtue of our birth in this part of the world.
It seems that many of us know this too. Canadians and many others are giving generously to relief efforts. People want to do something. Sometimes are actions our bizarre and even inappropriate. That however does not negate our desire to do something. Better our stumbling efforts than nothing.
How do we use this transforming moment to leap ahead as a people? If we can take such dramatic action in one part of the globe we have the potential to mobilize around some of the other massive disasters taking place in other parts of the globe - AIDS worldwide, starvation in the sub Sahara, genocide on the African continent, global warming, clean drinking water, vaccination against preventable disease. I could go on and on. How does this affect our personal decisions about giving and volunteering in 2005?
I am glad to be part of the wider church and its ecumenical aid program to rebuild communities of worship (contributions through PWRDF, envelopes available at the door). Strange that this disaster comes at a time when I am so heartsick about the wider church and the discrimination around gay/lesbian/transgendered and bisexual folks. There are many lessons to learn, much to be grateful for and much to challenge. May we stay engaged and grow in awareness of the interconnectedness of it all. What is a foot without a hand or an eye without a body?
Sara November 30, 1999 |
