Sermons grow out of the interaction
of Holy Scripture, prayer, and the life that is going on around us right here
and right now. As I reflected on the scriptures this past week in preparation
to preach, I also kept track of the news of Hurricane Harvey and the devastation
poured upon the people of Houston and Southeast Texas, a place once home for my
wife and me. We still have friends in the area, some of whom lost everything
they had, and others are working as I write to help those in need. How do the
Scriptures and the teachings of Christ inform our lives in situations such as
this?
On Sunday, we prayed: “Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good
things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true
religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good
works. Amen.”
This
prayer was followed by a reading from Exodus 3:1-15 in which Moses encounters God
in a burning bush, and is reminded by God that he is standing on Holy Ground. Truly
the Earth is the Lord’s for he made it, the whole Earth is Holy Ground, and we,
as God’s people, are its stewards. This is especially true during times of devastation
such as that experienced by the residents of Texas through the winds and waters
of Harvey.
St.
Paul (Romans 12:9ff) encourages us to love genuinely, to rejoice in hope, be
patient in suffering and to persevere in prayer. He encourages us to contribute
to the needs of the saints and to extend hospitality to strangers. Finally
Jesus challenges us (Matthew 16:21-28): “If any want to become my followers,
they must deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow me. Those who want
to save their lives will lose them, and those who lose their lives for my sake
will find them.”
Twelve
years ago, I was involved with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I lived in
Beaumont, Texas and am a hurricane survivor. First we welcomed thousands of
Katrina refugees into Beaumont. After helping provide food, clothing and
shelter to those in need, Rita headed our way and we were forced to join our
Louisiana refugees and evacuate to safety. The evacuation and clean up, were
difficult physically, mentally and spiritually.
People
in Beaumont, many my friends, as well as people in Houston and other coastal
towns have had their homes flooded. Water anywhere from a few inches up to eight
feet fills some homes. Beaumont was without running water for four days, and
even now those who have water must boil it before drinking. Power is slowly
being restored, but still some are without. Many have been evacuated, and some
of these may never come back to Beaumont, and will begin a new life in a new
location.
Those
following Jesus’ admonition to “pick up their cross and follow him are making a
difference and are bringing life back to a soggy and exhausted community. The
Coast Guard, friends and neighbors, the Cajun Navy from Louisiana, FEMA, as
well as other people with boats and dump trucks have rescued people and are now
helping them get back to their homes to begin the difficult task of rebuilding
their lives. Power companies from other states are there, and local churches
and synagogues, including my friends at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, are
providing food, water, clothing, books for children and even reading to the
children. They are providing Bibles and prayers and a listening ear.
These
people need our support. We cannot be there with them on the ground at this
time, but we can send money through our denominations, The Red Cross, and other
organizations on the ground. We who are Christ Episcopal Church are supporting
the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, centered in Houston and St. Stephen’s Church in
Beaumont with our gifts. I pray that you will find a way through your Church,
Denomination, the Red Cross or other reliable organization to partner with in this
rebuilding of God’s Kingdom on the Holy Ground in Texas.
I
leave you with a prayer from my friend, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Texas, The Right Reverend Andy Doyle:
Heavenly
Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City where
the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as
the waters cover the sea: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth
devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Sustain those displaced by the storm with food,
drink, and all other bodily necessities of life. We especially remember before
you all poor and neglected persons it would be easy for us to forget: the
homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care
for them; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, we may
ever be defended by your gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. AMEN.
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