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May 9-16, 2007

Advance planning for future mission to Mars raises hard questions

Warm-up Question:

How much planning do you usually do before you go on a trip?

  

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—With NASA planning to land on Mars in 30 years, the space agency has begun to ponder some difficult questions. For example, what do you do with the body if an astronaut dies during a three-year mission to Mars and back? What if a critically ill astronaut is using up precious oxygen and endangering the rest of the crew? Should potential astronauts undergo DNA testing to weed out those who might get a disease on a long flight? What about requiring them to undergo preventive surgeries to head off common potential medical emergencies like appendicitis?

If an astronaut gets hurt or becomes critically ill at the International Space Station orbiting a mere 220 miles above Earth, he or she could be brought home within hours because a space vehicle stays docked at the station to serve as an emergency “life boat.” But if an emergency developed during a mission to Mars, evacuation would be impossible. The nearest hospital would millions of miles away. And, the farther the astronauts travel away from Earth, the more the vast distances hamper their ability to communicate with Mission Control. Since it can take 30 minutes for a radio signal in deep space to travel between Mission Control and the space craft, crews would not be able to rely on instant advice from Mission Control in handling an emergency. They would be on their own.

 NASA has already developed policies for routine situations, such as determining how many hours crew members should work each week, and monitoring radiation exposure. But other policies, such as procedures for disposing of the dead and cutting off an astronaut's medical care if he or she cannot survive, are still in the early stages of being worked out. NASA doctors and scientists are considering these and other questions with help from medical experts and ethicists. "As you can imagine, it's a thing that people aren't really comfortable talking about," said a NASA spokesperson. "We're trying to develop the ethical framework to equip commanders and mission managers to make some of those difficult decisions should they arise in the future."

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Are you more likely to develop an advance plan for possible situations that may come up, or to figure things out as you go along? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?
  2. Name some potential situations where a space craft crew would be forced to choose between carrying out the mission and protecting the life of someone involved in the mission. What factors might influence their decisions? What factors would influence your decision?
  3. If you were the person in charge of the mission, what would you do if a decision needed to made that there wasn’t an existing policy for? Where would you turn for guidance?
  4. How comfortable are you with making tough decisions? Are you more likely to make good decisions on your own, with the advice of one or more trusted advisors, or as part of a group?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, May 13, 2007.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5
John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection
In this gospel text (John 14:23-29) Jesus is talking to his followers, preparing them for the time when he will no longer be with them. This text is part of a larger conversation in John’s gospel, often referred to as “The Farewell Discourse.” This is the “after dinner speech” that Jesus delivers to his disciples as part of the last supper. As part of that meal, Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet, told them that he has set them an example, and given them a new commandment, that they should love one another (see John 13, especially verses 12-16 and 33-35). Now, he promises them that even though he will be leaving them, the Holy Spirit will be sent to them to be their teacher, advocate, and guide. Later in this gospel, after the resurrection, the risen Jesus comes to the disciples, gives them the gift of peace, breathes the Holy Spirit into them and sends them out in mission (see John 20: 21-23).

In verse 26, the Greek word that describes the Spirit is “Paracletos” (sometimes left untranslated into English and called “the Paraclete”—pronounced “pair-a-cleat”). This word, which is impossible to translate precisely into English, has the meaning of advocate, helper, counselor, comforter, and guide. The Holy Spirit functions like a coach. The Spirit encourages, guides, teaches, and helps the Christian community to fulfill its mission.

The community of believers remains connected to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus is now physically absent from us, he is not gone. His word remains among us, and God makes a home among us, present among us with love and peace. The Holy Spirit, the spirit of the risen Christ, sent from the Father in Christ’s name, is the way that the Christian community lives in the ongoing presence of Christ. The Spirit offers us guidance by reminding us of Christ’s word, and helping us to live faithfully in that word as we move into the future. The Spirit offers reassurance and confidence as we seek to follow Christ’s invitation and command to live in faith and love.

Discussion Questions

  1. Discuss the various nouns that can be used to translate the word “paraclete” (John 14:26). You might wish to look at a variety of Bible translations to see which one they use. What do each of these terms suggest to you about what the Holy Spirit does?
  2. Make a list of ethical issues that Christians wrestle with today. How many of these issues would be unknown to people living in Jesus’ day?
  3. Do you think the Bible is like a “policy manual” that offers a solution for every problem one might encounter? Why or why not?
  4. How does the Bible guide you in making decisions? What does this gospel text suggest to you about we might use the Bible in making ethical decisions? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this?
  5. As you think about this gospel text, what does it suggest to you about your mission as a Christian? What does it mean for you to follow Christ’s invitation to live in faith and love? What does that look like in the context of your daily life? In the life of your congregation?

  Closing Prayer
God of mercy, there is not a day that goes by in which we do not need your guidance, love, wisdom, and forgiveness. There is not a day that goes by in which we do not benefit from being reminded of your presence with us. Thank you for the gift and guidance of your Spirit among us and for your patience with us throughout life. We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus, our hope and salvation. Amen
 

Contributed by Pastor Julie A. Kanarr
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Port Angeles, Washington
 

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.

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