Happy Valentines Day!
Today we marked Racial Justice Sunday, and reflected on God’s call to ‘listen to his Son, Jesus Christ’ (Mark 9:7) who teaches us to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). On this Sunday, we are invited to reflect on how we can show a Christ-love to the disadvantaged, oppressed and marginalised in our communities. May we be encouraged to enlarge our vision and increase our capacity to love people who might look and/or act differently to ourselves. It takes courage to see Christ in ‘the other’, to listen to those stories, and be challenged in our positions and worldview. May God grant us that generosity of spirit to love all people.
A Prayer For Racial Justice Sunday
Compassionate God,
who sent Jesus Christ
to deliver us from all manner of injustices
and inequalities,
create in us new hearts
and enlarged visions,
to see the image of God in every person
irrespective of background, race and ethnicity.
May we be generous in our love of others
as we work towards ending misunderstanding,
racism and injustice;
creating communities of human flourishing,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
— Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo
Also, may I commend to you today’s Cathedral sermon for Racial Justice Sunday by the Bishop’s Chaplain, Martin Gainsborough (about 19 minutes into the clip).
The Cathedral Eucharist on Sunday 14th February 2021
Thank you so much to all who contributed to today’s online worship event: Malcolm, Jean, Jenny B (readers); Judy (poem); Barbara (prayers); Malcolm and Richard for playing for us. Your ministry is invaluable. And, again, many thanks to all who gathered for our online worship — it’s always a privilege and a joy.
Blessings,
Revd Cathy