O God our help in time of trouble, we pray for the Filipino people who have suffered this grievous natural disaster. We pray that survivors may find water, food, and shelter, and news of their missing loved ones. There is trauma and destruction in many places, and little news from some of the areas hardest hit. Give peace and confidence, O Lord, to those in the midst of the whirlwind. Open hearts and hands around the world to respond sacrificially to the urgent need. Help us to remember that we are connected, one to another, the living to the dead, the comfortable to the suffering, the peaceful to the worried and anxious. Motivate us to change our hearts, for our misuse and pollution of the earth you have given us to share has something to do with this disaster. Show us your suffering Son in the midst of this Calvary, that we might love one another as he has loved us. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

And as we do this necessary and immediate response to human suffering and sorrow, we also must be attentive to those who are near: the poor and homeless of our communities. 

 

On All Saints' Sunday, I joined Lesslie Keller, executive director of Episcopal Community Services, and Roxanne Perfect-Knight, convener of our diocesan Advocacy Team and member of Executive Council, in a silent walk and vigil for the 67 persons who died homeless on the streets of San Diego in the past year. Our group carried 67 pairs of shoes from the Rescue Mission to the City and County Administration Building. I could not help but connect the act of carrying shoes representing those who died alone and on the streets with our work on Maundy Thursday of washing feet and giving out shoes to the poor and homeless. 

 

My prayers these days ask God to help us be the church that does not lament the poor and band-aid their suffering, but rather changes the world so our brothers and sisters have life and have it abundantly.