View From the Curate’s Corner - July 2010

Who is my neighbour? In our prayers for justice, we ask God to give us strength and wisdom to act for change, and we ask him to bless, comfort and give hope to people who feel powerless and invisible. We invite you to join with us in praying for a fairer, more just society, so that "justice and fairness flow like a river that never runs dry." (Amos 5 v24).

The prayer above is found in the literature of the Church Urban Fund and speaks volumes about loving our neighbour.

Speaking on poverty in Britain the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams said, 'people need to know that they are immeasurably precious to God'.

We all need someone who will respond with love and compassion to remind us that we are not forgotten. Jesus demonstrated this very clearly in his command to love. Jesus said, 'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' (The Message 37-40)

This message has remained the same from the first time Jesus spoke these words. As I contemplate love and neighbours I recognise that at the heart of any community there are many who already actively give time and energy in supporting their neighbours. Not just the ones who live next door, but those who live on the fringes of society. There are many charities who work tirelessly in supporting those who are marginalised in society and we thank God for them all. It just so happened that it was the Church Urban Fund that was brought to my attention, as I sit here looking at the images on their website (www.cuf.org.uk); poverty in this country becomes a reality that is on our doorstep. Our neighbour becomes the one who lives hundreds of miles away and we are reminded that they are all real people like you and me. This is not being sentimental but God's heart beating for all who cry out for justice and mercy.

In Matthew 25:31-40 God reminds us that we are people who have been shown unconditional love and we are to do likewise! It says this: 'Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me' (Matthew 25:40 The Message).

God's love seeks the best for everyone and takes the initiative in doing simple acts of kindness and generosity. Prayer is at the heart of any giving, whether that ends up being practical or financial. Let's keep praying friends, and ask for God's guidance and love to show us what our role is in society and that we may be proactive in our response. This is humanity at its best as we walk daily being faithful to our God and living out his love in prayer for our neighbour.

With love and blessings,

Sue xxx

(Rev. Sue Fauchon-Jones - Associate Minister)