PASTORAL MISSIVE ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
By the Reverend James C. Simmons
Rev. 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
In Revelation chapters 21 and 22, John the Revelator paints an alternative vision of the world. Of course, this world is much different than the world John could see with his natural eye. This world was much different than the world John describes in the preceding chapters. This missive will describe the differences between Rochester, New York and God’s Kingdom (the New Jerusalem) as described in Revelation 22:1-2.
First, the “river of the water of life” flows in the middle of the New Jerusalem (vs. 1). This water is crystal clear. But the water mentioned in earlier chapters was poisoned. In chapter 8:10b it states, “a third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.” Unfortunately, most of us are familiar with the waters described in chapter eight (8). For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data reports that perhaps 40% of water service lines in Rochester are contaminated with lead[i]. Just this past week, city residents received a letter that the city was cited for failure to have an optimal corrosion control treatment in place and steps we could take to minimize lead in our tap water.
Second, on each side of the river stood the tree of life. This tree produces different kinds of fruit each month and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Unfortunately, trees of life can’t be found on each side of the river (or train tracks) in Rochester. In 2021, Democrat and Chronicle Reporter Justin Murphy revealed that “trees cover nearly 50% of the land in more affluent neighborhoods, but only 15% in the poorest parts of the city[ii].” This makes poorer neighborhoods hotter and contributes to adverse health outcomes. Or consider the fact that Rochester is a food desert. Most Rochester neighborhoods don’t have easy access to affordable and nutritious foods. Most Rochester neighborhoods don’t have easy access to a pharmacy. Trees of life can’t be found on each side of the river in Rochester.
Third, the curse is over. “No longer will there be any curse (vs. 3a). In the New Jerusalem, people can breathe. Soil isn’t contaminated. Pollution is nonexistent. Food is accessible. Water is clean. Blood doesn’t spill in the streets. Poverty is eradicated. Communities aren’t redlined. Children have resources needed to survive. The curse is over!
Revelation chapters 21 and 22 present an alternative vision of the world. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 presents the world as it was created to be in Genesis. Perhaps this better vision of the world is painted so that God’s people could actively work toward it. Perhaps this better vision of the world is painted so God’s people could make better policy choices. “He who has ears, let them hear (Matthew 11:15)
[i] leadoutmap.org/map
[ii]https://centerforhealthjournalism.org/our-impact/case-studies/reporters-novel-analysis-tree-equity-rochester-helping-green-citys-poorer
