We are responsible for fixing our world

If I believed in a vengeful God, I might have to think we are facing the end of times. Robert Frost wrote: "Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate to say that for destruction ice is also great and would suffice."

Consider that various parts of the world are burning up with unusual heat or are literally burning, as in California this summer and Australia for a good part of their summer. It is estimated that as many as one billion animals have died due to the fires in Australia. Heavy rains are flooding Venezuela, and Venice is also flooded. So while Christians believe that God once caused there to be a flood, perhaps melting ice will again bring floods.

Fire or ice? Families fleeing various parts of South and Central America as well as other parts of the world, trying to save their lives and their children's lives are rounded up like so much livestock and put into pens. And I read that Kenya is experiencing an infestation of locusts which is destroying their food crops. Conditions in China have birthed the coronavirus and what plague-like problems might that bring to our modern world?

Thoughts of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse come to mind: Conquest, War, Famine and Plague. We live in a world where images come to us daily reminding us that things aren't what they should be. But I don't believe in a vengeful God; I believe in a God of love and light and forgiveness. Consider that Jesus told us, "Whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do unto Me." We can ask for forgiveness and it will be given, but how do we justify continuing to do what we know in our hearts to be wrong?

My pastor tells me that God provides, but does not share. Sharing is our responsibility. We are responsible ... each of us.

Richard May

Palatine