Reflection for Advent III: In the Whirlwind

Even though this third Sunday in Advent, we're called to be in joyful expectation -- sometimes it's downright hard to be joyful.

To whit: an American friend of mine shared this on Facebook...from her sister's sister-in-law.

"If ever I wished someone would read a post… this is the one.

December 11, 2021 -- 121121

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I’m not sure I have words adequate for tonight’s post.

I’ve been thinking all day about what I would highlight for the season… and nothing seems right amid the destruction and despair that fills the air.

This morning I posted my usual sunrise walk photos… and added one of a school portrait found in the grass on the side of the path that I take every single morning.

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I received a text this afternoon about a Facebook Group… ‘Quad State Tornado Found Items’.

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When I got home I posted the photo to the group and immediately had a message and comment… then more comments…

Aunt Judy

Nana

My mom's cousin.

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“She lost her life in the tornado. Thanks for sending on.”

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That photo traveled 150 miles and landed alongside the path I walk every single morning… and I was able to connect with family.

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Aunt Judy and Uncle Billy lost their lives in the storm.

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I both hate the universe and love the universe with such intensity right now."

-- (signed) # Christmas Tears

I took particular note of this re: the found photo:

"That photo traveled 150 miles and landed alongside the path I walk every single morning… and I was able to connect with family."

The impact of the tornado. The presence of God (or "the Universe" as expressed in the article) in the life of this person -- and in the lives of those affected -- killed, injured, related to those who were killed/injured, KNOWN by those people.

God is "related" to each and every one of us; God KNOWS each and every one of us...and God's love is shown in the people who are on the ground in the rescue efforts, the recovery efforts, the hospitals and ER rooms and after-math care centres...and in the person who found a photo that was 150 MILES AWAY from home...and stopped, and cared enough to reach out.

Emmanuel. God with us.

Please keep the victims of this extraordinary tragedy in your prayers.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. AMEN.