It's easy to get stuck in our own little corner of the world, but catastrophic events can sometimes jar us out of our narrow view of life. I'm sure many of you have heard of yesterday's devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. There have been at least 75 people confirmed dead, and hundreds more still trapped or missing.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4692170/Christchurch-quake-toll-75-hundreds-missing
There are many relief efforts currently being organized for the people Christchurch, and I've been trying to see what's what on the world wide web, but the New Zealand Red Cross site was not accessible and the site for the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch doesn't seem to have any links to donate yet. I do know a number of people who live in New Zealand (some Americans and a few New Zealand natives), so I'm going to contact them to find out the most effective way for people to make donations for Christchurch relief. I will keep you all posted. I am also hoping to organize an event to benefit those in need in Christchurch (a concert, perhaps), so please let me know if you'd like to help with the event or in other relief efforts.
And one last thought -- I saw a Facebook group that someone started to have people join in prayer for Christchurch. There were several people who made comments along the lines of, "Sorry, I'd like to pray, but I'm going to do something to help instead." May I suggest that prayer and action should not be mutually exclusive? Consider Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta as a model of integrating a life of deep contemplative prayer with untiring action on behalf of those most in need. Let's pray, and then let's allow that prayer to inspire us to action, to share with others the fruits of our contemplation.
Peace and all good,
Leslie
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteWell said.
Both prayer & action together is the unique combination FOR THE CHRISTIAN -- thankfully, many wonderful people, unbelievers included, rise up in worthy effort during times like these; but for us Christians who are called to bring Christ to the world, prayer is a key component. It must underscore our lives, our every action.
Prayer, in this manner, becomes the unique foundational, grace-filled ingredient that only we can bring to these worldwide efforts -- otherwise, what sets us apart?