Thought for the Week

Revd Pat Reid

Associate Minister, All Saints Church, Ilkley

TWO weeks ago many of us shared the joy of our Queen and the royal family as the nation celebrated her majesty’s 90 remarkable years. There was a great feeling of happiness and joy in the crowds as they waited at the road side, or walked together as a crowd up the Mall. Glimpses of moments of delight shown by the Queen, and happiness on faces in the crowd as the younger royals went walk-about gave us joy; happiness was shared and it was catching. Even sitting quietly watching TV in our homes, we were able to engage with the pleasure.

What a stark contrast were the reports of fighting and violence after the world cup football match in Marseilles. Happiness for the genuine football supporter was marred by the actions of others. “No man is an island”. What we plan and what we do has consequences on others for good or bad.

The murder of the MP, Jo Cox, in Birstall stunned the nation. The mind-set and consequent behaviour of one man tore apart the lives of Jo’s family, and it disturbed many others. Political difference and intolerance of a different viewpoint was expressed in brutal murder. Surely this is yet another reminder of the danger of intolerance and the importance of a mind-set that looks to the good of others and not to their harm. The Archbishop of York has described Jo as a martyr – someone who dies for a cause.

In the first century Paul wrote, in advice to a church in Phillipi, “And this is my prayer for you, that your love may overflow”. Paul had been a man who had been zealous in his persecution of followers of Jesus. It is recorded that he stood by and watched as Stephen was stoned to death – the first Christian martyr. But Paul’s life was suddenly and dramatically changed and his mind-set and heart-set turned him from hate to dedication, service of God and love. Surely to love and have the good of others as our priority is a better mind-set.

Our actions affect others. We can make deliberate efforts to plan in actions for good – actions that will give pleasure – a shared celebration, a treat for someone, a letter or a note, a gift of flowers a kind word. We can live a life in which our love overflows. That is the better way.