The Church Of The Holy Rood -- Wool, Dorset, U.K.
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The Church Of The Holy Rood -- Wool, Dorset, U.K.
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Charity begins at home – but how far should it go? Last month we witnessed a devastating fire in Wool, resulting in the loss of several homes, and part of the heritage of the village. We also saw the generosity of people towards their neighbours as the community rallied to support those most affected. There have been many selfless acts of kindness and practical help as well as a wonderfully generous response to the appeal for funds to help them. It comes naturally to respond to the needs of those we know and love, and to those who suffer through no fault of their own. Much of the time that is where our charity stops: with those we would feel comfortable living next door to or inviting into our homes. Jesus’ message challenges us to go beyond this point. In his great Sermon on the Mount he says this: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5.38) Why should we bother with this radical message? Two reasons: First, as Jesus continued in his sermon, that in following this advice we will be like our Father in heaven who “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5.45) Second is the example of Jesus’ life: his refusal to meet violence with violence, since that only results in more violence, as so many conflicts in the world today prove. This is true “charity”: love that expects no reward, but risks all in the hope of breaking the cycles of hatred and violence that govern our world.
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