Last Tuesday, as news of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports rippled through the Persian Gulf—complete with Vice President JD Vance’s crisp declaration of tit-for-tat “economic terrorism” and the cautious passage of at least one tanker bound for China—the midweek Bible Study circle at Silver Spring Community Church convened with its customary hush.
The topic, raised almost incidentally between hymns, was not the geopolitics per se, but the downstream uncertainties it might pose for olive oil.
Brother Harlan, a retired accountant whose pantry is legendarily well-ordered, passed around a printed spreadsheet.
“We import a fair share of extra-virgin from the region,” he observed, voice low and measured, as though discussing a minor variance in the quarterly tithe. “With the Strait under scrutiny and prices already climbing past a hundred dollars a barrel, one must consider the reserves.”
He gestured toward the small cruet on the communion table, its contents gleaming under the fluorescent lights.
“Not panic. Merely prudent observation.”
Sister Miriam nodded, adjusting her reading glasses.
“Last year’s batch from the Levant was particularly smooth for anointing. If shipments slow, we may need to explore alternatives—perhaps a domestic pressing, or a temporary blend.”
No one mentioned warheads or sovereignty violations, nor the rather more pressing crude variety currently at issue in the Gulf; the conversation stayed delicately focused on viscosity, shelf life, and the quiet dignity of not letting the lamps run dry.
Pastor Ellis listened without interrupting, then offered a gentle reminder that the Lord had provided manna under more trying circumstances.
Still, by the closing prayer, several members had begun mentally cataloging their personal cupboards. In the parking lot afterward, a few lingered, speaking in the same understated tones about whether next month’s potluck might require a subtle adjustment in the salad dressing.
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