In his latest column for us, the Vicar of Mossley says the 'worrying and frightening things' which have happened in the world in the past week 'make us take stock of what matters to us'.

The past week has seen bewildering change in parts of our world. 

The news from Afghanistan has been bleak and fast-moving, and we who live in peace, freedom and security must pray for those now wondering what will happen next - we recall with gratitude those of our own armed forces and others who gave their lives in that country for the freedom and security of others.

At this time of turmoil in Afghanistan, many who served there and their loved ones may be wondering what their service was for, and what the legacy of that service is to be. 

To serve others, and particularly to risk life and health for others is a colossal sacrifice and in itself a heroic act. 

Whatever current events might be, we stand with those who served in Afghanistan and elsewhere in gratitude and thankfulness  and the lives and hopes their actions secured. We are here for you, thankful for you, praying for you.

We have also heard the terrible news from Plymouth and the appalling killings there by a person who felt so detached and disaffected from the world that the awful things which took place were his means of getting the attention he seemed to need.

These worrying and frightening things make us take stock of what matters to us, and perhaps lead us to think on what life really means, amidst all that we take for granted as ‘normal.’ 

For many, religious faith provides hope and comfort, and something to anchor ourselves to in the midst of life’s storms. Religion isn’t a crutch for those who feel unable to cope, and people of faith don’t pin their hopes on something removed from reality.

For me (probably not surprisingly), and for many millions of others, religious faith is a model and pattern for life. ALL major religions teach love and peace as being central to their claims and hopes. Sadly religion, like so many things, can be hijacked for selfish and negative ends by those wishing for power and influence at any cost.

We pray for our world and for peace, we give thanks for the many blessings we probably too often take for granted, and by our encouragement and simply the way we live our lives, we do what we can to make our world a better place, not just for us, but for those who will follow us.

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