A note from Keith
16 July 2010
Dear Friends,
At this time of the year, when I am preparing addresses, I generally follow a short series from the Old Testament lectionary of the church. Last week and again this Sunday, I focus on the prophet Amos, who was from a small town in Judah called Tekoa. He had an influence that was out of all proportion to what you might expect.
Amos’ powerful message strikes a note of relevance in any community serious about its social responsibility and its standing before God. He was no ordinary person, but his uniqueness did not lie in any sense of sophistication, flamboyance or eloquence, but in his willingness to deliver the strong message of God when most people thought everything was going well. They felt smug and secure in their situation. The nation thought God was smiling upon them and that all in the garden was rosy. Complacency of this kind has been replicated time and again throughout history.
It has been good to look once again at this prophet who valued each person and pointed out that the way we deal with those in need is an indication of our spiritual health. When reading the gospels, we become aware of the inversion of values that the kingdom of God brings to our society. One writer talked about Jesus offering a new vision for the world, where his especial compassion for the poor becomes a priority for us all.
When we think of those in our community who suffer for whatever reason, it is incumbent on us all to share the journey with them. This sentiment is particularly appropriate at the close of NAIDOC Week here in Australia – as well as for other groups in our community. I was prompted to revisit my understanding of compassion – and Jean Vanier was most helpful:
Compassion is a word full of meaning. It means:
sharing the same passion,
sharing the same suffering,
sharing the same agony,
accepting into my heart the misery in yours.
Your pain calls out to me.
It touches my heart.
It awakens something within me,
and I become one with you in your pain.
I may not be able to relieve your pain,
but by understanding it and sharing it
I make it possible for you to bear it
in a way that enhances your dignity
and helps you to grow.
Warmly yours
As Superintendent and Friend,
Rev Keith V Garner
Superintendent
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