Sunday, May 5, 2024 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Please allow me, and perhaps forgive me, for beginning this reflection on a truly gloomy and dire note. Over the past month I have become aware of a book written by Annie Jacobsen entitled Nuclear War: A Scenario (2024: Dutton). I have heard Jacobson speak about her work and I have found it both fascinating and downright frighting. In interviewing multiple military and government officials in extensive research, it is clear that our perceived safeguards in place for a nuclear conflict would not be effective. And the bottom line is this fact: from the first launch of a single nuclear missile to a nuclear winter (that would not sustain much life on our planet) is only a matter of a few hours. This is due to the chain reactions in counter attacks. Example: First launch at 12:00 P.M.-nuclear winter around 4:00 P.M. All is gone!
We pray to God that our world leaders will act in wisdom and have “cool heads” preventing this scenario. But, as I reflected, I was moved to a more hear-and-now message for us to consider based on hearing this scenario.
It is shocking to consider that a nuclear conflict would destroy and eliminate all the advances of humanity over the centuries. The humanity that would survive would be more primal than advanced and enlightened. In the same way, how do our actions in our relationships and interactions affect what has taken time to improve and perfect? Here are a few examples to try to make this point. A person who has worked extremely hard on weigh control forgoes his/her eating plan for a few days and gains all the weight back and more. How has the sexual abuse scandal in our church recked the advancements and trust the church has made over the decades. How may have lost their faith for good. A broken confidence has ruined a long-standing relationship. How the addition of a person with poor intentions can destroy the healthy group dynamics which have been established over time. As they say: does not take much to spill the apple cart—small actions can destroy long efforts of advancement and growth.
In her own way, Annie Jacobsen has reminded me about the need to “walk gently upon our earth.” I can build up and I can destroy fairly easily. My goal is always to build up and build up the Body of Christ. At the same time, in the heat of tension and the dark side of my human condition, I can destroy—and do destruction that could be long lasting. So, a part of my prayer everyday is that I am proactive enough to weigh my words and actions, so they build up my sphere of influence. I can be objective and critical when need be, but that needs to be done carefully and pastorally, aiming to improve and enhance, not to destroy.
May we, who have the capacity to build and destroy, renew our dedication to promote growth and a better tomorrow, and most importantly, build up the Body of Christ.