Air Pollution of a Different Kind

Readings: Isaiah 55:6-11, James 1:22-27, John 16:23-30

The weather has been unseasonably warm and beautiful here, to say the least. Rather than toughing out the end of winter and looking toward the beginning of spring with coats and gloves at the ready, we've instead been given the reprieve of washing the blankets, gloves, jackets, and all things winter and drying them on the clothesline in fresh breezes with warm, sunny skies. What a treat!

Needless to say, the heat has been shut off in the house in favor of open windows and fresh air coming in to chase out the stale air of colder days. It's during these times that I feel for those who live in places and spaces where they don't feel safe to open a window wide and let the outside air come in through screens. Along with the fear of open windows, the frustration of what is heard in such an environment is enough to drive even the most patient person to distraction. Instead of bird song, the singing of frogs, and the distant call of the wild turkeys, they are bombarded with loud, blaring music-- many times with lyrics full of hate and revenge on someone or something; threats made from the streets in shouting voices, hate-filled arguments and cries for help or comfort. 

Definitely air pollution of a different kind.

We turn to James to see what God asks of us when we see others hopeless and helpless in these conditions. His words are clear: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is: to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (v.22,27).

But how can we be helpful to people both nearby and far away? Prayer, of course, and a little action on our part. Just because I live in a quiet, rural area doesn't mean that all those around me aren't having difficult in some way. Maybe drop by with some fresh vegetables or maybe some soup. We can sit and listen. And for those far away? Perhaps a card, an good old-fashioned hand written letter, or a phone call that's not hurried. We can give our time--and Christ will help us to see who needs what. "I tell you the truth, the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:23). To assure us of giving us help in order to help others, the beautiful words of Isaiah show us: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater. So is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (v.10,11).

Let's all work together and help fight air pollution...of all kinds.

Peace be with you.