"The people who live in darkness have seen a great light. On those who dwelt in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned." That's how Matthew saw the coming of Christ and the effect of his mission on the people. In today’s Gospel passage Matthew goes on to say that Christ went around urging people to repent, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God and curing all kinds of sickness and disease. The work of Christ goes on wherever any true follower of his is found, and MUST continue for many who still live in darkness and in the shadow
of death.
We all have areas of darkness in our lives- fear, illness, pain, sin, error, loneliness, oppression and so on. It touches all our lives and this is why we need the light of Christ which comes as a friend, but as an intruder because it disturbs us by showing what’s wrong in our lives, and demands that we do something about it.
As Christians, we're also called to be bearers of the light. Christ's light has come into the world. It's up to US, his followers, to make sure that the light of his love and compassion shines in the darkness and gloom of our modern
world. There are many ways of doing this if only we care enough for other people. It's easy to sit around cursing the darkness, but this isn't good enough for a Christian. Christians are called to let the light in- even if it's only a little.
Australia Day was declared in 1946 and over the years has become a community day recognising both the first settlers and the indigenous residents of Australia. In so many ways, we’re truly the lucky country. Of course no country’s perfect,we only have to look at what’s happening in our streets after dark- with excess alcohol fuelling unacceptable behaviour. ; However, each country and culture has its own blessings. We’ve so much to be grateful for in our country, the relatively beautiful weather , our democratic freedom, our relative freedom from congestion, a high standard of living, our natural resources and the excellent health and unemployment support we are able to provide. Any problems we might think we have in overcrowding and pollution, are as nothing compared with many other countries in the world.
Australia Day’s a good time to reflect on the great land that God’s given us and to thank him for all the blessings that many take for granted – blessings like peace, freedom, caring friends and loving families. So, let’s pray that people throughout our country will deepen their sense of belonging to a country dedicated to the good of all, with peace, respect, harmony and care for others in our society, and that we might always care for those less fortunate,
especially the sick, the elderly and the persecuted, whether they were born here or whether they have made their home here from somewhere else in the world.
Why not take a moment- today- to reflect on our story and ask”how well is my light shining- for others in my community,” and let us pray for God’s continued blessing on our country.
of death.
We all have areas of darkness in our lives- fear, illness, pain, sin, error, loneliness, oppression and so on. It touches all our lives and this is why we need the light of Christ which comes as a friend, but as an intruder because it disturbs us by showing what’s wrong in our lives, and demands that we do something about it.
As Christians, we're also called to be bearers of the light. Christ's light has come into the world. It's up to US, his followers, to make sure that the light of his love and compassion shines in the darkness and gloom of our modern
world. There are many ways of doing this if only we care enough for other people. It's easy to sit around cursing the darkness, but this isn't good enough for a Christian. Christians are called to let the light in- even if it's only a little.
Australia Day was declared in 1946 and over the years has become a community day recognising both the first settlers and the indigenous residents of Australia. In so many ways, we’re truly the lucky country. Of course no country’s perfect,we only have to look at what’s happening in our streets after dark- with excess alcohol fuelling unacceptable behaviour. ; However, each country and culture has its own blessings. We’ve so much to be grateful for in our country, the relatively beautiful weather , our democratic freedom, our relative freedom from congestion, a high standard of living, our natural resources and the excellent health and unemployment support we are able to provide. Any problems we might think we have in overcrowding and pollution, are as nothing compared with many other countries in the world.
Australia Day’s a good time to reflect on the great land that God’s given us and to thank him for all the blessings that many take for granted – blessings like peace, freedom, caring friends and loving families. So, let’s pray that people throughout our country will deepen their sense of belonging to a country dedicated to the good of all, with peace, respect, harmony and care for others in our society, and that we might always care for those less fortunate,
especially the sick, the elderly and the persecuted, whether they were born here or whether they have made their home here from somewhere else in the world.
Why not take a moment- today- to reflect on our story and ask”how well is my light shining- for others in my community,” and let us pray for God’s continued blessing on our country.
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