Killing 132 school children is astonishing., and we shall see whether the politicians and military in Pakistan can unite to deal effectively with the Taliban threats.
In September 2013, two Taliban suicide bombers attacked a Church in Peshawar, killing at least 80 members of the congregation. No one knows the final death toll from that attack, as so many bodies were blown to pieces.
That attack brought many ordinary Muslims to support the threatened Christian community in wonderful ways. But still the darkness threatens all in Pakistan.
Sydney's siege is over, and questions are asked about how these events can happen. We can understand the sense of horror and vulnerability that such events generate.
John's Gospel famously reminds us of the battle between darkness and light, and we do well do recall these words.
'The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.' (John 1.4-9)
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.' (John 1.4-9)
As we recall over the Christmas season, Jesus brings light into our dark world. Both He and his cousin, John, paid with their lives for the costly business of bringing light into our dark world.
But John reminds us of a deeper truth - the darkness can never extinguish it.
So today, while we may be more aware of how deep is the darkness, we can also recall that after the darkness of Good Friday, there comes that glorious morning, when the light shone brightly again, and when we often sing, 'See what a morning, gloriously bright!'
In that hope, we invite all to come and see the humble entry of the Light of the World into our darkness.
Best wishes,
Richard
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