It seems that every day there are new stories about chaos and trauma in our nation and around the world caused by the actions of the Trump administration. One of the most disturbing to me is related to the recent horrific earthquake in Myanmar. So far the number of people who died is nearing 3,000. While this is horrendous in itself, the lack of response from our federal government adds to the suffering and trauma casued by the earthquake. In the past, our nation has responded quickly and generously to rescue and recovery efforts when natural disasters of this magnitude happen around the world. In stark contrast, our current government responded with shockingly minimal aid after gutting USAID, the agency that normally oversees such aid efforts. The video posted below is a PBS News Hour story that summarizes our country’s miserly response to the earthquake. Within the video is the following quote from the government that is especially appalling to me:
The Us government no longer has the tools or personnel to respond when our global neighbors need assistance.
It is both shocking and immoral that the richest nation on earth claims to be unable to assist the poor nations of the world in general and the victims of the Myanmar earthquake in particular. Adding insult to injury, most of the government officials who are dismantling foreign aid claim to be Christians. I want to remind them and us of the purpose of the Biblical prophet. That purpose is not primarlity to foretell the future but to speak the word of God into the present. Most often that word of God is a rebuke and a warning addressed to those who abuse or neglect poor and vulnerable people. Religious rituals apart from active concern for marginalized peope are despised by God. The following words of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 58 make this crystal clear:
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves,and you have not noticed?’“ Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you pleaseand exploit all your workers.Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
After the prophet emphsizes that religion without justice is offensive and useless, Isaiah goes on to reveal what God truly desires for all humanity: