Peace and Safety
Australians have communal memory of Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
We ‘remember’ the bushfires of 1983 which coincided with the Church’s
liturgical Ash Wednesday. The darkness of night bring fear and danger to
many whether they live in well-lit streets or drive on deserted outback
roads. Peace and safety can never be guaranteed. Not only are the vagaries
of weather and animals to be considered but also the terror created by
human wickedness. ‘O God, the maker of peace and lover of concord’,
give us peace in our hearts and gratitude when we dwell in safety.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Communities in Madagascar live with the havoc of cyclones,
flooding every year and now more frequent droughts.
Mothers Union and diocesan leaders are addressing environmental preservation
with a special grass which preserves the soil in the rainy season.
Trees are then planted which will fertilise the soil,
store water and form windbreaks during cyclones.
Peace and safety come together with prayer, teaching in resilience.