Something is happening

Floods in the south

This past week has seen huge rains in the south causing flooding that has led to destruction with its loss of life and property and to the stranding of travellers. 

Such devastation can simply and easily be blamed on climate change which I do not doubt but what I am seeing is that climate change can become the excuse for our doing nothing.  It can just be said that devastating floods will and do occur due to climate change and leave it at that.  Nothing changes except maybe more destruction the next time.

The massive floods are caused by huge rain but the accompanying devastation is more man made due to poor planning, lack of preparedness and response and inadequate infrastructure. 

This coming Sunday is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.  In his annual message, Pope Francis highlights that we can blame their level of poverty and ignorance, their lack of education for migrants and refugees becoming prey to evil in the world.  However, the most powerful force for their becoming victims of evil in our world is the powerful carrot of what perpetrators of evil can gain from such abuse. We need to place the blame rightfully where it belongs and not just blame the victim or the victim's environment for their plight. 
  
Something is happening.  Maybe the something is our lack of real concern and response for our neighbour.  Does the other matter?  Do we care for those outside our circle?  Are we engaged with the wider world?   

Something is happening but what?