A Glimpse of God's Kingdom

          As with many other adult Americans this past Monday, I took some time to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001.  Aside from the shock, devastation, and number of people who either lost their lives or suffered injuries that day, what stood out in my mind were the people who reached out to help others in need. There were the churches, mosques, temples and private citizens who opened their doors, where not only survivors but also first responders and those seeking  their loved ones. There were citizens and emergency workers who rushed to the crash site in Pennsylvania in the hope of lending assistance to any injured. The same was true in Washington, D.C. In other parts of the country, people rushed to blood banks to donate blood, people flocked to churches to offer prayers. Hundreds of people across the continental states began making plans to go to New York to be of assistance. People left the comfort of their homes and families to spend  long exhaustive days in the wreckage searching for the missing.

          Over the past two or three weeks, we have watched with dread as the two hurricanes slowly made their way towards Texas and Florida. Even before the storms struck, people from nearby states were opening their churches and homes to people who would be needing shelter. As with 9/11, first responders from states near Florida and Texas made their vehicles and gear ready to go and offer aid. Utility workers left the comfort of their homes to travel southward to help with the restoration of power and water supplies. Nurses and doctors headed south to provide medical assistance. All the while, across the country, individuals sent money, clothing, food supplies and water to those areas affected by the Harvey and Irma. In hospitals and nursing homes, staff left their homes and families for days at a time because they would not leave their patients.

          As I have reflected on these tragedies the past few weeks, a recurring thought has come to mind: I have seen glimpses of God's kingdom in the sacrificial work of thousands of people trying to help strangers in their times of need. Is that not what Jesus calls us to do; to love our neighbors as we love ourselves? So I wonder, how much change could I bring about in this world if I were more diligent in helping others?