Thought for the week

Tag: hope

  • The secret of happiness

    Va’aiga Tuigamala, known as “Inga”, has died at the age of 52. He was an outstanding rugby player, a gentle giant of a man. Originally from Samoa, he represented the New Zealand All Blacks in 19 Test Matches, including at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, and later played for Samoa. He played Rugby League in…

  • Loving our children and grandchildren

    We are all conscious of the seriousness of climate change. What we are doing now will have serious implications for future generations – our children and grandchildren. Children who have contributed the least to the climate crisis will pay the highest price. Higher temperatures will leave many families living in poverty with less food, less…

  • Good news of great joy

    The birth of Jesus was announced to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. The darkness of the night was suddenly banished as an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good…

  • Abraham’s Table

    In June 2020, 13-year-old Adeola “Abraham” Olagbegi, who lives in Jackson, Mississippi, was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. His body was not producing enough blood cells to support itself and Abraham’s life was in danger because of possible bone marrow damage. When he was asked how he felt about this…

  • Facing our fears

    Fear is in the air. During the pandemic many people have been afraid of catching the virus, of being seriously ill and even dying. Every day we are told on national television how many people are infected and how many have died. Some scientists are forecasting a very difficult winter ahead with more people dying…

  • The only way out is through

    On the morning of September 11, 2001, Christina Stanton and her husband, Brian, stood on their balcony in lower Manhattan watching with horror as the second plane flew right over them and exploded into the World Trade Centre just blocks away. The plane’s impact into the South Tower blew them back into their living room…

  • I believe in God

    Many people in Western Europe today have embraced secular humanism. They have rejected religion and believe in the freedom of each individual to set the terms of his or her own life. Nature is all there is, and science is the key to understanding our world, our universe and ourselves. They do not appeal to…

  • Love your enemies

    Sadly, there are many examples of hatred in our world today. Hatred between peoples leads to conflict, such as the present hostilities between Israel and Hamas. In Africa inter-tribal conflicts blight the lives of many people. The systematic persecution of the Uighur Muslims in China seeks to rob them of their human dignity. Many Rohingya…

  • Hope in the face of death

    More than 3 million people from more than 200 countries have died from Covid-19. These people come from every strata of society and every age group. Most deaths have been of elderly people but that doesn’t diminish the significance their deaths. None of us can escape the reality of death for ourselves and also for…

  • Resurrection joy

    Easter is a time of great joy. The resurrection of Jesus lifted his first disciples from a spirit of defeat and despair to an experience of great joy and hope. They saw their risen Lord who sent them out into the world to proclaim the wonderful message of the resurrection. This message has transformed many…