The massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan last week has created images of destruction that will haunt humanity for generations. The human toll is unbearable to view behind high definition screens bringing their pain and suffering into our lives as never before. The nuclear crisis that continues to unfold as a result of the natural catastrophe has far reaching consequences including renewed fear of nuclear power generation worldwide. And so, many will ponder and have been asking questions of God's role in natural and human disasters.
As I ponder those inquiries, I am reminded my faith proclaims the creator of an evolving earth complete with tectonic technology adjusting to the needs of a living planet's delicate balance. I am reminded my faith proclaims the creator of a beautifully diverse humanity capable of compassion, kindness, generosity, and caring for one another supporting the weak and helping the suffering. And, I am reminded my faith proclaims the creator of human intellect, imagination and ingenuity capable of creating power for health and life as well as power to destroy all life.
My faith proclaims the natural genesis of earthquakes and tsunamis which happen most often along the "fault" lines of the earth's crust expanding and contracting, generating enormous power, continental shifts and powerful surges of ocean and earth. Without such expansion our wobbling planet would no longer be capable of supporting human life. My faith proclaims God's presence amidst the aching life of the earth not as a micro-manager of natural events, rather as a caring, sustaining force of love and compassion moving humanity to respond with the same desire to heal and to save one another.
God most certainly did not aim a tsunami nor the 9.0 earthquake which generated the surge of ocean at Japan. God as creator of this evolving earth created the potential for natural adjustment and regeneration and thus the potential for catastrophe. Humanity chooses to inhabit and develop where natural "disasters" are prevalent and the result may be a catastrophe of human life. Regardless of our choices, the truth procliamed by the destruction in Japan is the precarious vulnerability of life on a living planet and the inspiring strength of the human spirit for care and compassion.
If we learn anything from the images of our sisters and brothers in Japan struggling with recovery and restoration, perhaps we pause and reflect on our core values, those beliefs, people, things we have proclaimed as truly important to us. Perhaps we do our part to help ease the suffering of our human family not only in Japan but also in our own backyards. Perhaps we are reminded that the "stuff" we desire or the position's of power, economic or social, we hold are truly insignificant when our life may be demended of us this very day, hour, or even minute. Perspective can make all the difference in our daily choices as individuals and as communities.
May God's spirit of deep caring and compassion move among the people of Japan bringing healing and hope. And, may the same spirit move our hearts to live generously with our caring and compassion as we heed the call of Christ to love our neighbor as ourselves.
I recommend Week of Compassion for gifts to help with the relief efforts in Japan and anywhere disaster strikes: http://www.weekofcompassion.org/updates/2011/3/16/crises-in-japan-and-your-gifts-in-action.html
