Dear Friends

Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land.
(Deuteronomy 15.11)

Last month, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity reminded us that even in the darkest and loneliest of moments, we can find strength through prayer and fellowship with others. As I write, the people of Haiti are still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake which has afflicted their country – despite the awesome magnitude of this disaster, the bringing together of so much relief and help from across the world has been a positive reminder of the practical help we can give to others in distress.

This is true whether we are speaking of major international relief efforts, or simple acts of solidarity and kindness to our most immediate neighbours. And it’s totally in keeping with so much in our religious tradition, as the words above from the Old Testament proclaim.

Our response to the needs of others may also trigger off another train of thought and action concerning our own priorities in life. How gentle or radical that may be will depend upon our individual circumstances, and extend from our stewardship of time and resources to reshaping the fundamental values by which we live our lives.

The Christian season of Lent, which begins this year on 17th February is an opportunity to take five weeks or so to give ourselves a good ‘spiritual health check’. This could mean reviewing our prayer life and church involvement, settting out on a programme of reading or study, joining in a Lent group or Christian basics course, offering oneself for some voluntary work in the community, or perhaps even responding to a sense of vocation or new direction in one’s life. The local church can be a focus and advice for any of these things, and it’s just there for the asking, whatever one’s age or previous involvement. The needs of the world are so great, that whatever we can do to respond positively will count – if we can all make such a commitment, just think of the difference it can make.

Yours in Christ

Charles Hill
Priest in Charge