Much is made of the way 27 years in prison made him into a President who brought healing change to a divided and hate-filled land. With humour and courage, he opposed those calling for revenge and violence, and taught us all to see each other as fellow human beings. Again and again, he echoed the words of Jesus about forgiveness and peace. How that man's one life transformed the destiny of millions brings a challenge to us all.
St. Paul reminds us of what we can do with our one life, if we choose to go the right way. 'And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' (Romans 12.1-2)
Mandela, at the close of his trial speech, indicated that he was ready to live, and if necessary die, for what he believed to be true.
St. Paul call us to live, and if necessary die, in our grateful sacrificial response to God generous mercy towards us.
When I look back to Jesus dying in my place, for my failings and wilfulness, nothing I do for Him looks very difficult. But living like this makes all the difference to how we live. Living like this will make a startling difference in the lives of those we we encounter. I want to live like this today. Will you?
Richard
Richard
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