During the past week, the world has been faced with unbelievable tragedy. At this point, more than 125,000 have died from the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. That many more may die due to starvation and disease. We are all trying to make sense of the event, as we contemplate what our role should be in providing aid to our suffering brothers and sisters. We make our personal contributions, but they seem so inadequate. Our prayer is that the various nations will open their treasuries to help these people survive and rebuild their lives.

Many of us have suffered natural disasters, but they seem to pale in size when compared to this one. In our lifetime, we have seen millions die because of genocide and war. When death occurs because of mankind's inhumanity to others, we can at least find someone to blame. How do we deal with these terrible natural disasters? Insurance companies call them acts of God, but a loving God does not bring disaster on his children. Whether tragedy is caused by mankind or by natural events, it seems that it is the poor and the weak who suffer the most.

We might find some solace in the collection of psalms in the Hebrew Scriptures. One that seems particularly poignant and meaningful as we contemplate this disaster is Psalm 69: 1-3. There we find the following lament:

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God

We all go through difficult times, when we can barely hold our heads above water. The tragedies of life can become overwhelming. We cry out, and the pain only becomes worse. Sometimes we feel totally helpless and alone. Where is the rock to firm up my feet? Where is a hand to caress my fevered brow? Where is the help I so desperately need?

I suppose that feeling of desperation is what draws us together as human beings in times of trouble. We need to know that someone cares. We need to feel the touch of kindness in a raging sea of turmoil. We need to know that there is hope beyond the miry clay that drags us down into the deep waters.

What more noble purpose can we have than to come to the aid of the one who is reaching out for a helping hand? Jesus told the story of a man who was robbed and left half dead along the road. There were those who avoided him because touching him would make them ritually unclean. But the hated Samaritan didn't have those hang-ups. He went to the assistance of the man and saw to it that his needs were taken care of. Jesus asked, “Who was neighbor of this poor man?” Was it the pure religious men or was it the Samaritan? The answer is obvious.

Wherever there is suffering, we need to get involved. Jesus ate with publicans, sinners, and harlots. We must show kindness to those who are oppressed; whether they are poor, people of color, from other cultures, of different faith, or of a different sexual preference. We are all children of God, and need the love of other human beings. We need to extend a firm hand to aid the one who is caught in the raging storm.

Prayer: God of mercy and justice, give us the courage and strength to lend a helping hand to those in need. Jesus looked with compassion on the lost sheep of Israel. He wept over Jerusalem because they did not understand his message. May we but follow his way in our search for the Kingdom of God. May your love and mercy shine through each of us. May your Shalom be present with us all. Amen