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Good morning.

We live in a very fearful world. All sorts of threats seem to multiply against us.

In truth, however, for many of us in the western world, life has never been safer. You are less likely to die a violent death now than at any time in history – as long as you don’t live in poverty or in a war zone.

So, how we deal with threat, perceived or otherwise, is very important. We can build barriers, defences, and walls; or we can learn the lessons Jesus taught about meeting the human being, face to face and having the grace to hear their story and build relationships. There was a mentally ill man Jesus met one day. People had tried to chain him up, he was self-harming and probably people thought he might harm them. Jesus asked this man his name. A very simple question – but one with great significance – because it was also an invitation to tell his story. Once we hear people’s stories, they are less of a threat. It is the unknown that we fear most, not the person.

When Nelson Mandela became President of South Africa, he reserved a special place at his inauguration for his jailers. His liberation was also theirs. Liberation from the fear of those who are different.  

Lord Jesus Christ, you always listened for the story behind the people you met. Often, when we hear the stories of those who unsettle us, we hear of injustice, poverty or people being treated without dignity. Help us to master our fears and find the grace to deal with all in justice and compassion. Amen.