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On August 21, the 4 hours total solar eclipse was visible spanning all across the continental United States for the first time in decades. The lunar shadow darkened the sky, temperatures dropped, with an amazing “diamond-ring effect” occurring at the beginning and end of totality. The experience lasted for just a few minutes. The report reminds me of the Gospel record of Jesus on the cross: “By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44-46)
The Total Solar Eclipse had caused different responses. Emerging New Age believers had launched a global meditation movement by which they said would lead to a strong healing power in order to liberate the Earth. Businessmen saw the opportunity to make money from selling eclipse glasses. Reports said that many people are excited about this. It was described as peaceful, spiritual, exhilarating and shocking. Even US President Trump had not missed this wonder of nature. He and his family watched it on the terrace of White House and raised his signature thumb gesture.
We have given applause to the wonder of nature since ancient times, but unfortunately we do not grant proper respect for nature. Trump, who praised the Total Solar Eclipse wonder, withdrew United States from the Paris Climate Accord, making the global warming crisis worse.
Scientific American author Kevin E. Trenberth had deduced, "Evidence is mounting that global warming enhances a cyclone's damaging winds and flooding rains." 1Within less than a week, August 25, Texas suffered the strong hurricane Harvey’s attack, causing disastrous damage to property and human lives. Powerful storms are dangerous and daunting. Looking at Hong Kong, the progressive summer heat is hard to beat and hot nights make us even unbearable. Typhoon Hato on August 23 caused serious major damage to property and flooding in low-lying areas. It is likely that super-heat and hurricane is no longer occasional phenomenon, but the new normality.
Our Earth is created by God. To get along with the Land that feeds us, we should have only two attitudes: wonder and respect. Wonder comes from the glimpse of the mysterious beauty and harmony of creation. Job could only respond humbly to God's interrogation "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." (Job 42:3). To respect the earth means respecting the Creation of God, for the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:9) "Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, or the work of his hands, he will break them down and build them up no more." (Psalm 28:5) Respect the earth and the earth will respect us.
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
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