03/03/2021

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Beverley Humphreys.

Good Morning. Today is Budget Day. The Chancellor’s speech will discuss taxes journalists will compute the likely effects on prices. One thing that won’t be discussed is the cost of love and what happens when you haven’t received any.

A few years ago I was sitting in a draughty hall with a young man who’d just arrived at the Night Shelter. David was homeless, he’d been in and out of care for years and alcohol was his only escape from depression and the chaos of his life. On a faded poster on the wall were the words “God is love”. He said “Huh !!- what’s that all about!”!? No-one’s loved me since I was five”. Instinctively I put my hand over his and found myself saying “David, you and I sitting here, over a cup of tea, your hand in mine - that’s a kind of love”. He managed a rueful smile and falteringly began to share some of his feelings.

I don’t know whether David remembers that – all these years later –but I do. It reminds me that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Jesus told us that love is the most important thing in life and he asked us to love one another- just as he loves us. It sounds simple but it’s a challenge. The love that Jesus talks about is strong and it’s contagious - it crosses borders - it crosses religions and cultures and can occur between people who will never see each other again and yet still bring hope, even in the darkest moments.

All-embracing Lord . When we feel unloved and yearn to belong, show us that in the circle of your love we are infinitely precious; that you know our name, share our secrets and still call us to be yours - and most of all- loved. Amen