As I sit down to write my contribution for clergy comment I can't get my mind off Hurricane Matthew and the devastation being experienced by so many in the world right now.
Particularly in Haiti. The death toll has surpassed 1,000. While people are grieving the loss of loved ones they also have to seek shelter, food and clean water. Appropriate expressions of grief are interrupted by the essentials of survival. The basics of life have been literally washed away.
When this circumstance is set against the backdrop of our own recent celebration of Thanksgiving, it creates a dramatic contrast. While many of us sat down to a turkey dinner with family and friends, we gave thanks for the plenty that is ours in this country. More than enough food, plenty of friends, a roof over our heads. Most of us take these things for granted in Canada.
I've wondered at times... why me? Why do I get to live in Canada and enjoy its abundance when so many around the world know only extreme poverty? I've come to the conclusion that I am blessed beyond measure. And I don't have a complete answer to the "why me?" question.
Living in Canada is more than just a blessing, it's a responsibility. In the gospel according to Luke, chapter 3 records the beginnings of the ministry of John the Baptist. John's role was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. He preached a message of repentance. Repentance is a change of direction. It's a choice to live according to God's agenda instead of our own. And as the crowds listening to John came under conviction, they said to John, "What then shall we do?"
They wanted to know what specific action they should take. What could they do to demonstrate their repentance?
And John's immediate answer was "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do the same" (Luke 3:11). God's agenda includes people caring about people. It includes having a compassion for those in need and a willingness to do something about that need. A few chapters later Jesus said "...one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.... Sell your possessions and give to the needy" (Luke 12:15,33).
Jesus is calling people to follow Him and to invest in eternity instead of accumulating things here. What we have been given isn't just to make us comfortable; it's intended to be shared.
Most of us in this country are blessed enough to have a job, to have a home, and to have food on our table. That means we're blessed enough to give. None of us individually can solve the effects of Hurricane Matthew or the many other cases of poverty, devastation and injustice. But all of us can be a small part of the healing and restoration that's needed.
Who around you has need? What parts of human suffering touch your heart? Make a choice to use a portion of your abundance to alleviate the suffering of others. Sponsor a child. Donate to a food bank. Help build housing for those who have none. Invest in a clean-water project and help put a stop to water-born disease.
The options are many, and a quick Google search will provide ideas.
Maybe the best expression of Thanksgiving is giving.
