麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon

Good morning.

Spring is most definitely upon us, despite Jack Frost still nipping at our fingers and toes in the late evenings. In the early morning, as the sun wakens to warm the earth, the dawn chorus heralds the spring. For some people that may be a harmonious and joyful trilling sound while for others it may seem shrill and raucous. For the birds it is their song of joy, letting the garden, the community, and the world at large know that they are present, and that they should be listened to. I am always thrilled to hear the joyful cadence of their singing, as they welcome the day in full voice.

I have been reflecting on that phrase in full voice, and the way in which - many of us who can - use our voices to communicate how we are feeling to those around us. Sometimes our voice stands out above the clamour and clatter of daily living, but most often we are part of the great sea of noise which makes up the rhythm of life. This can sometimes mean that some voices are drowned out or go unheard.

In both testaments of the Bible there are many instances when God speaks into the world, calling us to listen. People often expect God鈥檚 voice to stand out above the clamour, but sometimes it comes to us, neither shrill nor trill, not in the earthquake or whirlwind, but in a still, small whisper.

Loving God, give us ears to listen to the sounds of nature and to those around us, always making time for the voices which often seem to go unheard.

Amen