ALAN
The
body of the three year old Syrian boy Alan, washed up on a Turkish beach, has
touched our hearts. This one picture ignites more energy to act than volumes of
written words. Tens of thousands have fled their homes in Arab lands and Africa
to escape war and poverty and headed for Europe. But European countries feel
overwhelmed by the demand and put up barriers while they search for long term
solutions. There is resentment that the immigrants will “take our jobs” but
there is also generosity in the struggle to find a solution.
Solving
the problems in the countries of origin is an obvious solution but those who
could do this don’t want to. It would mean reconciling differences among
warring parties and preparing the way for massive aid to restructure their
economies. There is no will to do these things. It is perceived as abandoning
the struggle and giving up the hope that “our group” will win and enjoy the
power. So they harden their heart and struggle on, no matter what the suffering
of the weakest and most defenceless. And
the children go on dying. Both sides blame each other for the death of Alan but
neither side is prepared to make the leap of faith needed to work with the
other for peace. So, all the little Alans go on dying.
How
then can we read the words of Isaiah in such a desperate situation? “Courage!
Do not be afraid. Look your God is coming to save you.” What comfort is there in
such words? They seem totally inappropriate and disconnected. But then, the
words of the prophets have always sounded as though they belong to another
planet. Until, that is, we see them come true! Isaiah did talk about the “lame
leaping like a deer” and “springs of water in dry land.” When Jesus proclaimed
the new world that was emerging he gave signs:, the healing of the blind and
the lame and the promise of new water to the Samaritan woman.
These
signs were not just his signs. They were signs of what the new people of God
would do. Europe is poised on the threshold of some momentously generous
decisions. But it is not only Europe. Wherever we are we are asked to draw on
our heritage of faith and imagination and open eyes and help others stand up.
We begin at home in our own yard. In reaching out to those who suffer and are
lonely we reach out to Alan and all those like him. The situation is not
desperate. It needs our courage and generosity. In our own way we can prevent
the death of Alan.
6 September 2015 Sunday 23 B
Isaiah 35:4-7 James
2:1-5 Mark
7:31-37
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