Ascension : News From The Grotto - Thought of The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 29.01.2004 (Article Archived on 12.02.2004)

In the second reading we are taught about how God made all the parts of the body, different but all contributing to the whole

In the second reading we are taught about how God made all the parts of the body, different but all contributing to the whole.  We are reminded that all of His people are like this, different, but important and equal parts of the whole.  When we look around the world, this is shown to us in all its glory.

Everywhere one goes in this world, people look different on the outside.  The languages, customs and traditions are different.  But this is what gives the world its wondrous diversity.  How boring it would be if everyone were the same.  There would be no reason to travel, to study other cultures.  Everybody would think, act and talk alike.  All we have to do is look around our own little island and realize how great it is to have this diversity.  Ascension is a melting pot of different cultures, St. Helenian, British and American.  Even within these groups, diversity is apparent.  The Saints have a mixed background, European, African, Asian, East Indian.  The British population consists of English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh.  The Americans boast a varied background as well, Caucasian, African, Asian, native and others.  And then there are others on this island from other countries.

We are fortunate to live somewhere that has such a cultural diversity.  It shows us that people of all backgrounds can live and work together.  In so many parts of the world, diversity causes tension, discord and all manner of problems.  All we have to do is watch the news.  How many countries are torn apart by internal strife caused by differences in ethnic origin or religion?  How many people suffer each day from prejudice?  How many people waste precious energy in hating another simply for the colour of their skin, or the way they worship?  This week there was a documentary about Dr. Martin Luther King, and his famous “I have a dream” speech in Washington all those years ago.  It outlined the events leading up to the rally and his speech, the indignities suffered, the courage of the many involved in the fight for civil rights.  Dr. King, like many others, paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was cut down by a sniper’s bullet.  This story is repeated all over the world.  We see many courageous people who suffer because they only want what is their right, the sense that as a race, gender, religion or nationality, they truly belong to the world, with respect and dignity.

God has taught us that together we are Christ’s body, but each of us is a different part of it.  How can the body be complete if parts are missing, if parts are kept away because of prejudice or mistrust?  How can we function as a whole if indeed we are only parts without a common being.  He tells us that if one part is hurt, all parts hurt with it.  Those among us who harbour feelings of prejudice and superiority have to come to realize that we are keeping ourselves from living in a world where God’s body is whole and complete.  We are, to use the old adage, cutting our nose off to spite our face.  There is truth in the saying that if a person does not respect another, they cannot truly respect themselves.  People who hold others in less esteem than themselves, or those who are the same in colour or beliefs, are suffering from a stain on their souls. 

All of us must work to bring God’s words to a world that is torn apart and suffering because of these problems.  We must live our lives as an example of His teachings, and to work to end prejudice in the world, and the suffering that it brings.  No one should suffer because of who they are.  Because, as God as taught us, we are all different, but equal, and part of the whole.  So many people in this world have put their own lives on the line to bring equality to those considered less deserving.  We should give thanks to these people for their courage, and for the wisdom of those who listened to their message.

So this week, let us examine our own hearts.  Are there hidden feelings that would be a disappointment to a loving God?  If we find them, let us root them out and send them away.  And let us work to bring peace and understanding to a world riddled with strife.  In our own way, let us be an instrument of God’s love.