Friday of the Eighteenth week in Ordinary Time. Saint Oswald, King of Northumbria and Martyr
First Reading:Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm: Psalms 77:12-13, 14-15, 16, 21
Second Reading:
Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28
Solidarity for me have three key components: compassion, justice and action. This can be a 'moment' or a 'movement'. The name 'Solidarity' lent itself to a movement that was a catalyst for change in pre and post communist Poland in the 1980s.
Last week I was privileged to be standing in solidarity for the victims of Norwegian terror which you can find here http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=116378
One of the things that compelled me to be there was to especially show solidarity concerning the terrible loss of life amongst the young people - the youngest being only 14! This has a deep resonance for me and possibly others who have served alongside young people particularly when tragedy strikes unexpectedly and in terrible or heartbreaking ways.
Two churches are also showing solidarity in service overseas in hope-fuelled contexts which are encouraging to me and hopefully to you that I wished to share and give a 'shout-out' . Currently young people and their youthworker from Ashwell and Baldock are in Brazil experiencing a different side of the tracks and serving in that country and gaining a life and God-changing experience.
Another parish, Christ Church, Bedford are preparing to again serve overseas in Malawi in Africa and go in a few days with young people led by their youthworker.
Both parishes have been in my prayers and I look forward to hearing from them on their return. Please pray for journeying mercies and all the possibilities and opportunities to show solidarity amongst those who have or will be served.
May we stand and work in solidarity together in our ministry with the people who we serve, whatever the generation and have the purpose, compassion and action to connect and where possible make a difference whether globall or locally.
Peace.
Dean
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