Sitting in a coffee shop watching people on the morning communte. Often their heads are down, they look tired and as if they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Listening to people, they are speaking of targets and cutbacks and pressure. It feels as if we have become aworld where statistics matter more than people. Instead of providing services that support people, companies are trying to get as much profit from each individual transaction, however that is obtained.
On the international scene too, we seem to have lost the plot. Backroom arms deals and the pursuit of perception of status and power dominate, instead of paying attention to the cry of the marginalised and the vulnerable. There are so many terrible situations of conflict, originating in visions of delusional schemes for self aggrandisement and power, and that are completely unnecessary. The concept of the dignity and worth of each individual, and the concept of justice have been jettisoned.
I think of Jesus, looking at Jerusalem, and weeping, and in one moment saying ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how I have longed to gather your children together, as a child gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing’. Matthew 23:37 Jesus wants healing and peace for the people, but they are rebellious and obstinate and will not listen.
Maybe we need to pause, and questioning what we are doing as individuals. Are we conforming to a world where greed and self interest rule? Or will we follow the teaching of Jesus, where we choose mercy over judgement, purity of heart over money and status ? Every time we choose to honour people’s dignity and humanity, we are rebel against much of the culture of our age.
You might say, well the church and other Christian organisations do not have a good history in this area. That is true. All denominations have fallen short, and we need to admit that, to timeously address what is wrong and make amends where that is possible. Acknowledging fault in the past, should strengthen our desire now to refocus on following Jesus’ teaching, to be wise, to work for justice and to love without measure, whatever our situation.
Karl Barth once said ‘to clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.’ May we persevere in prayer, for the kingdom of God to come, where wellbeing and peace are valued more than strife and war. May we catch a glimpse of the power of prayer to bring change, and ask the holy spirit to help us to pray without ceasing.
Lord Jesus, You saw the suffering and devastation of the people in Jerusalem. You were moved with compassion and you wept. May we wake up to all that is wrong with human nature, the greed, pride, the hypocrisy and corruption, and to weep at the suffering here and in the wider world. If we are honest, we acknowledge that we too are guilty of putting our own needs before the needs of others. Lord Jesus forgive us. Teach us to pray and act for a better world, in our daily work and lives, and in our prayers for a just and healthy humanity on this planet. Holy Spirit, may this not be a passing whim, but a commitment to pray every day, for You can do beyond what we dare to dream, every time we intercede for others. May people of integrity and compassion bring change in our society, and may that change start with us, Amen.
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An umbrella of healing love 