By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us (Lk 1:78).
Most Sundays, and especially on Holy Communion Sundays, we greet one another with the words “The peace of the Lord be with you”. We don’t mean, “I’m not fighting with you”[1]. Rather, we have in mind the Hebrew idea of Shalom; wholeness and fullness in every relationship and facet of life.
In Sunday’s bulletin is a request for assistance in putting together “Kits of Comfort” for 4000 people in Masiphumelele who lost everything in a terrible fire. The Masiphumelele folk are not experiencing shalom, and while they suffer, neither can we be at peace. The crisis has inspired many to give generously. It also provokes deeper questions around shalom – why is it that our poorest communities are most vulnerable to fires and floods?
How do we live as people of Shalom in a broken world? Perhaps the answer lies in the beautiful words (above) of Zechariah’s song. Because of God’s great compassion, in Christ, a new age has dawned. His light awakens compassion within us so that we can live as bringers of shalom.
God Bless, Sean
[1] Unless, of course, we have been involved in an altercation, in which case it is imperative that we make “peace” before receiving the Lord’s Supper