I’ve lived along the Gulf Coast and witnessed the destruction of hurricanes. I grew up in northeastern Ohio and experienced 22 years of lake effect snow. But I cannot imagine the magnitude of the destruction in the Philippines.
I worked for the American Red Cross for 20+ years, learned first aid and water safety beginning in my youth. My dad was a volunteer fireman/paramedic. I cannot imagine the exhaustion, frustration and dedication of the relief workers in the Philippines.
This morning, I invite us to pray for people who remain in harms’ way, even after the storm has passed and for the relief workers from many agencies, including faith-based organizations and military units, who are responding in the aftermath of the typhoon. Reading Matthew 15: 29-39 is a good place to start.
Gospel Reading Matthew 15:29-39
29After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. 30Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, 31so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
32Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” 33The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?”
34Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 38Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.
I wonder where the disciples are sharing bread and fish this morning in the Philippines? I wonder when they will get away, to rest and restore their souls, after enduring the long days of relief work. Oh, Lord, hear these and all our prayers.
