Our Task - to make a difference

Our airways have been filled with the story of the St Paul's Cathedral and the tented protesters. All at the Tuesday bible study discussed some of the issues at length. Why would you shut a church and have a private service behind closed doors? Where is the evidence of the chaplains moving through the tents, possible just out of sight of the cameras?

Concern was raised that poverty is often much more than lacking money - some are in poverty because they have no liberty, or perhaps are trapped by circumstances - and more.

We ended with the wise and beautiful benediction -

Go forth into the world in peace:
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honour all people;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are many people looking on the whole sorry state of affair around the Cathedral and wondering What Would Jesus Do ? Indeed - these words can be seen in some of the news shots. Matthew 25v31-end has much to say about our task.

Divine Remedy

As I was having breakfast this morning, my mind wandered to the many, many different friends I have known across the years. Each one, utterly unique, each with different gifts and qualities. Some I don't see very much at all anymore for all kinds of reasons, yet being able to pick up where we left off is a precious part of friendship. Distance in time and geography doesn't affect those friendships.

While recovering from a recent arthritic flare, I've been thankful for all kinds of help from different friends. Some time ago one particular group of friends helped out by providing a main meal each day. This relieved the pressure on all the family. From my sick bed I asked one friend how I could repay all her generosity. Her reply was wise: each time you find someone who needs help, help them in whatever way you can.

Making a difference. This is a vocation in itself. So often the little things we do for others can make the greatest difference. Sometimes something as simple as cuppa and a chat is an unfathomable divine remedy.

I give thanks for all who consciously and unconsciously live this vocation.