A journey of the soul – Day 14

When Jesus is asked to summarise what he believes, he simply says, “Love God with all your heart and your neighbour as yourself.” That is what our faith is all about – personal relationships, not only with God but also with others. This summary of the commandments covers the whole spectrum of relationships we are confronted with in our daily dealings with people.

What does this mean for Christians? Our country is once more at the crossroads of history where those who do not have resent the “haves” and the “haves” feel threatened by the growing poverty surrounding them. Our job is to mend these relationships. We need to spend time with other Christians, not only on Sundays when we pray together as the body of Christ, but also as citizens of the world we live in. And just as each limb in a body is dependent on another, in the same way, we are part of the body of Christ. By being part of the body, each one of us forms an indispensable link in the fabric that makes up our communities. We cannot stand by idly while our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer.

As the body of Christ, our voice must be heard in our own society, where justice and mercy are denied. We have to pull together to make our world a better place. Where there is poverty, we need to lend a helping hand; where division and hatred flourish, we need to bring peace. Where ignorance reigns, we need to roll up our sleeves and share our skills. You do not have to go far to find a place to bring relief; the need is all around you – on our city streets, in the suburbs, in our townships – everywhere! We are Christ’s hands and feet in a world that has become blind and deaf to the cries of those who suffer. Let us work to make the kingdom of God a reality, by becoming his hands and feet in the world.