My dear Sisters and Brothers,
As we enter another New Year, it must be our prayer that this year will be a better one than last year. Although this is the case, there was also much to be thankful for last year. We give thanks to God for the blessings of the 2005, and that we have lived to see in 2006. The outgoing year - from the day after Christmas 2004 to the present - was marred by one disaster after another: both man-made and 'natural.' On the morning after Christmas Day 2004, we were horrified by the news of the tsunami in South East Asia. As this news unfolded over the following days and weeks, the extent of the disaster went beyond our comprehension. The immediate loss of life and the massive task of rebuilding lives and livelihoods presented a desperate situation. The resilience and determination of people, who had lost so much, was humbling and inspirational. We are sometimes privileged to witness something in the human spirit that seems to be able to rise above the horror of such experience.
As the year went on we received news of more disasters: famine in Niger, and now Malawi; a hurricane that caused devastation in the area of New Orleans; a mud slide that engulfed whole communities in Guatemala; an earthquake in Pakistan, Kashmir and India that has taken the lives of tens of thousands, including many children; and finally man-made disasters such as the devastation caused by warfare and terrorist attacks, or the quiet violence of poverty brought about by bad governance and diabolically unequal world economic systems. It is invariably the poor who suffer most when a country is exposed to corruption and abuse of power or when disaster strikes: in time of famine the poor cannot afford to buy food when crops fail; it is the poor whose houses are built in places most vulnerable to storm and earthquake; and it is the poor who cannot afford to move away from high risk areas. The suffering of the innocent defies our understanding, particularly in the light of our worship of a loving, merciful and almighty God. It sometimes seems easier to understand man-made disaster, where we can see who is responsible. But, who is responsible for an earthquake or tsunami? It is a mystery. On this side of eternity, we will never fully understand why some people are called to an early death or to unspeakable suffering. However, we are called by God to work with Him to bring His Kingdom here on earth, where His will is always done. Peace with justice will be the nature of God's kingdom, where God's will reign supreme. On the evening before he died, Jesus spent time with his disciples.
The words he spoke to them were to comfort and strengthen them. Whilst informing them that he would be leaving them, he was determined not to leave them comfortless, saying, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.' (John 14: 27) Jesus continued to speak words of comfort to his disciples, assuring them that, through the Holy Spirit, he would continue to guide, protect and strengthen them. He says, 'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.' (John 16: 33) Jesus is encouraging his followers to persevere. They may face many trials and difficulties, but, at the end of everything, all will be well. God is all that is good. God's kingdom, when it has fully come, will restore a world where all is good. In the meantime we are required to build up our lives, and thus the lives of our communities, with qualities that are honourable and godly. We are God's hands and feet here on earth. We are called to do His will, and to speak the words He gives us. Any one of us can be used by God. We are the agents of God, who can transmit His love, mercy and comfort to those around us. No person is unworthy if they are prepared to use their lives - from this day forward -in the service of God. It sometimes seems that evil is overcoming our world. When we consider the tragic events of the last year we could be led to believe this.
However, we must remember Jesus' words to his disciples' take heart! I have overcome the world.' Evil is Not the strongest force. God - and the goodness that comes from God - is much stronger. Let us remember: Good is stronger than evil Love is stronger than hatred Peace is stronger than conflict Justice is stronger than injustice Forgiveness is stronger than vengefulness Kindness is stronger than cruelty Hope is stronger than despair Truth is stronger than lies Faithfulness is stronger than unfaithfulness Mercy is stronger than hardness of heart Life is stronger than death. Are these not good qualities for us, under God, to build our lives and our communities upon? They are qualities that can give us the kind of inner peace that can only come from God. This is the kind of peace that can survive even when we are faced with difficult times. If, under God, we can build our lives, our families, our communities and our nation upon such strong foundations, the world could become a better place to live in. It is our prayer that we may come to know more of the peace of God during 2006. May God's kingdom become a reality in our lives, our communities and our nation. To God be the glory. May God bless you all, today, throughout the coming year, and always, Happy New Year.