大象传媒

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Bishop David Walker

Warning signs

Good morning

I recently got a new car. I don鈥檛 drive a great deal, public transport being my preferred option, but for some journeys, especially Sundays and late at night, there鈥檚 not much choice. From day one, I was struck by how many warning lights and signals the latest models have - from a flashing light which informs me of an overtaking vehicle, to a reminder, every time I climb out, to check whether I have left any belongings, or passengers, on the back seat.

The story of the wise men visiting the infant Jesus, which has lain behind my reflections this week, ends with them being told in a dream, to go home by a different route. Like most of the lights and signals in my car, they are warned because otherwise lives may be at risk. Crucially, they trust and heed the warning. As, if I wish to be a safe and careful driver, guarding my own life and other road users, I must too.

Beyond the comfort of my car, the warning lights may be less obvious, but are no less vital. The global increase in extreme weather warns me that human driven climate change is not just a future risk but a present emergency. Equally, the steep rise in the number of food bank parcels being distributed in my churches year on year, warns that increasing numbers of my neighbours are living on the bread line. So today I will pray:

Open my eyes God, to see the warning signs around me, even when it is not my own life or wellbeing that is threatened. And, that heeding the alerts, I may act and react in a timely and effective manner.

Amen.