Scripture: Mark 15: 20, Psalm 91: 1-6

Weaponizing lethal chemicals and biological agents and using them to kill people is bio-terrorism. An example is the release of a chemical agent in a Tokyo subway in 1995. The fear of terror produced by possible chemical attacks and biological warfare can be psychologically numbing.

The technical process involving gathering, producing and weaponizing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) products is a sophisticated and arduous task. A common lay understanding heretofore has been that only a few nations possess the knowhow of CBRN. That understanding is changing now in the wake of September 11.

As an action plan, on the homefront, "The Report of the National Commission on Terrorism, Pursuant to Public Law 277, 105th Congress" points out, "There is some statutory authority that does not now exist that should be considered for catastrophic conditions." The Report brings to our attention that not all cities or states have their own quarantine authority. Morever, federal quarantine authority cannot be now used in a situation that is confined to a single state. The Report also recommends the President’s Administration produce a manual for the appropriate officials.

On an international level, working for the enforcement of the United Nations Biological Weapons Convention is important. The Convention of 1972 bans the development, production and possession of biological weapons. An international ban on biological weapons is a long term goal, but one that is worth pursuing. About four months ago, the U.S. withdrew from a decade long effort to enforce this Convention. The reasons given were that in spite of spot checks, there might be secret violations of the Convention. In addition, the trade secrets of U.S. companies might be affected by the Convention.

The negotiators for the enforcement of this Convention will meet again in November 2001 in Geneva. There are still chances for new beginnings to eliminate biological weapons from the face of the earth.

REFLECTION:

(1) Read Psalm 46 and Psalm 91. What are some of the verses in them that give you confidence and calm in spite of the panic and terror around you.

(2) Are there medical personnel in your church and community who could give a presentation in your church or local unit about health precautions and emergency measures one needs to take. Talk about the problem. Discuss it. Talk about your fears and hopes.

PRAYER

God who sent your comforter, comfort us now. Embolden us to move beyond fear to action, beyond death to life, powerlessness to visions of a life safe for us and our global village. Amen