麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Canon Rachel Mann

Good morning.

It surprises some people when I admit that I, a Christian priest, am not a huge fan of Christmas. Of course, what I really mean is that I struggle with the tinselly, excessively commercial version of Christmas. Rather, I want the focus to be on the birth of Jesus Christ. However, for all that, I do like a good Christmas movie. While some people are fans of Elf or Die Hard, for me, the ultimate Christmas film is Frank Capra鈥檚 It鈥檚 a Wonderful Life, which had its premiere on this day in 1946.

It tells the story of George Bailey who spends his entire life giving up on his big dreams for the good of his small town. However, on Christmas Eve, he falls into despair as he faces losing everything due to the machinations of the wicked millionaire Mr. Potter. Bailey wishes he鈥檇 never lived. Then a miracle happens: his guardian angel, Clarence, falls to Earth and shows George how his town, family, and friends would have turned out if he had never been born. He discovers how much he means to so many people. He realises that even if he lost every material thing, he has everything to live for.

St Paul speaks of how the church is, like a body, made up of many different parts. Not everyone gets to play a glamorous or exciting part. None the less no body can function without each of its parts working together. That鈥檚 true of society too. Frank Capra鈥檚 classic film captures this truth. I may not know exactly the impact I have on the common good, but when I embrace my part I can make a huge difference.

Living and loving God, show us how to work for the common good and weave us into your community of love.

Amen.