Rector's View - December 2015

Dear friends,

The close of our year is both an anticipation of arrival and a looking back to where we have been. In this we seek to shine light on our lives and discern the path we should take before us for the good.

Amidst the horrors of this year's close, the family of nations too seeks to discern the path to establish stability in justice and peace for all peoples.

The question of Luke's Gospel, who is my neighbour, when put to Jesus the Nazarene too was a question set amidst the upheavals of migrants settling new lands seeking sanctuary. The answer directed toward our individual response to those robbed of their living and hope. The lesson of European history is to uphold this family of nations and call to account any who would inflict harm on their subjects.

Years of failure to address the cry of those subject to hardship and war at the hand of tyrannical rulers has seen a movement of migrants become an exodus. With this mass movement of people again rises that ancient question addressed to the good "Who is my neighbour". The good teacher asked of us to see our neighbour in the one who shows mercy. Through this simple individual action of rescue Jesus' title of Saviour rises as the Daystar across the darkness of the ages to light even our day. May we then find the strength to show the gift of mercy to those whose hope is born in the darkness of night in lands far from home. In this may Luke's gospel of outcast shepherds be seen gathered in awe at God's abiding among us with today's displaced poor, as among that first holy family in their stable shelter.

And may Matthew's gospel, the homage of the wise, offer direction in the quest of our nation's leaders to bear gifts of healing, justice and peace to all peoples as among one family of nations.

Grace and Peace be yours this Christmas.

Revd Brin Singleton
Rector

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