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18/03/2016
A short reflection and prayer with Richard Hill.
Last on
Fri 18 Mar 201605:43
BBC Radio 4
Prayer for the Day, Richard Hill
Good Morning
Today in 1992 is described by some as the End of Apartheid- well in theory perhaps. Before we had those powerful images of people of all creeds and colours queuing to vote in 1994 there was the 1992 election. White South Africans voted overwhelmingly for change supporting the direction which had been adopted by FW De Klerk.
"Today we have closed the book on apartheid,'' Mr de Klerk said. It was clear from the support he received in the election that the white minority in South Africa was ready for change.
An historic decision created the potential for peaceful transition.Coming from Northern Ireland, I have often had cause to reflect of Jesus words when he wept over Jerusalem saying, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19.42 NIV)
Knowing the things that make for peace is a start, it then needs action. It needed Mandela and De Klerk in South Africa, Begin and Sadat in the Middle East, Hume, Adams and Trimble in Northern Ireland.
Perhaps leadership is beginning to stand in another's shoes and learning to take the first steps with the other towards the new future. Perhaps it starts with a glimpse the things that might bring peace.In “The Cure of Troy” the wonderful Northern Irish Poet Seamus Heaney wrote,“History says, don't hopeOn this side of the grave.But then, once in a lifetimeThe longed-for tidal waveOf justice can rise up,And hope and history rhyme.”Amen.
Today in 1992 is described by some as the End of Apartheid- well in theory perhaps. Before we had those powerful images of people of all creeds and colours queuing to vote in 1994 there was the 1992 election. White South Africans voted overwhelmingly for change supporting the direction which had been adopted by FW De Klerk.
"Today we have closed the book on apartheid,'' Mr de Klerk said. It was clear from the support he received in the election that the white minority in South Africa was ready for change.
An historic decision created the potential for peaceful transition.Coming from Northern Ireland, I have often had cause to reflect of Jesus words when he wept over Jerusalem saying, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19.42 NIV)
Knowing the things that make for peace is a start, it then needs action. It needed Mandela and De Klerk in South Africa, Begin and Sadat in the Middle East, Hume, Adams and Trimble in Northern Ireland.
Perhaps leadership is beginning to stand in another's shoes and learning to take the first steps with the other towards the new future. Perhaps it starts with a glimpse the things that might bring peace.In “The Cure of Troy” the wonderful Northern Irish Poet Seamus Heaney wrote,“History says, don't hopeOn this side of the grave.But then, once in a lifetimeThe longed-for tidal waveOf justice can rise up,And hope and history rhyme.”Amen.
Broadcast
- Fri 18 Mar 201605:43BBC Radio 4
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