麻豆约拍

Good Morning.

Some people believe that religion and politics don鈥檛 mix.聽 But politics and religion both ask basic questions about who we are, what we believe, and how we should act. It's impossible for them not to be intimately related.

70 years ago this week when the United Nations General Assembly convened for the first time, the chosen venue was a thriving church - Westminster Central Hall. This impressive building has hosted live televised electoral debates, speeches by Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and Boutros Boutros Ghali. If you visit you will find a plaque that reads 鈥淭o the Glory of God and in prayer for peace on Earth", commemorating that first ever meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations from January 10-February 14th 1946.

Though its a few weeks past now, the angel song of Christmas may still linger on in our memories. 鈥淧eace on earth鈥� is what the heavenly host proclaimed to a lowly underclass of shepherds on a Bethlehem hillside. The coming of Jesus was supposed to have political consequences. But as we look around the world today, the angel's declaration seems a long way from being fulfilled.

I think the apostle Paul would nevertheless want us to continue to pray for the work of the UN. He certainly seemed to think that politics and faith went hand in hand when he wrote these words:

鈥淚 urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone鈥� for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.鈥澛�

Lord, Father of Humankind, please unite us as one family.
Jesus, Prince of Peace, please fulfil the angel's song for peace on earth.
Spirit of Reconciliation, please guide our leaders to seek the common good.
Amen.