The reality is that this mission is not only given to Isaiah but also to each one of us. Last Sunday we celebrated the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. As Jesus was baptised the voice of God was heard proclaiming, "You are my Son the beloved, my favour rests on you." This is precisely what also happened at our baptism. We are the beloved sons and daughters of our God. God's favour and protection is resting with us at this very moment. No wonder that as Christians we are called and enabled to touch the lives of so many.
How are we going to do this today Sunday January 16? As we are all aware today has been earmarked as a National Day of Mourning and reflection for all those who have died as a result of the tsunami tragedy. We also remember the people who died in the recent fires in South Australia. This is the second time that a National Day of Mourning has been organised in our country. The first one occurred on October 20, 2002 to commemorate the Bali bombing. We are also asked to observe a minute's silence at 11.59am
Our nation has responded in a remarkable manner. The reasons for this are many and varied. Our hearts are distressed as we have witnessed the terrible sweep of the waters carrying so many people to their death. Some of our fellow Australians are among those who have been hard hit. Some of our fellow Australians are among the dead. Many of us are familiar with the places where the tragedy occurred because they are places where many Australians choose for their holidays. Moreover, we are a nation where our main cities are built on the sea shore. Therefore we all can imagine what it could be like to lose everything that we have worked and strived for in our lives as a result of natural disasters.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have also been motivated to play a big part in helping those in need. As human beings we feel like everybody else the necessity and the need to somehow seek proper ways to respond to this event. However, as Christians we have an added dimension. We are also motivated by the presence of Jesus Christ within us. Jesus was always ready to give himself totally to those in need because we are so important and special to Him. As Christians we also believe that even though we do not personally know the vast majority of those who have been affected by this disaster, they are nevertheless part of our family. They belong to the same family as we do because God has created them. They have a dignity that needs to be acknowledged, respected and safeguarded. This is the reason why besides participating in the necessary financial and material help, we are meeting together this afternoon at 4.00pm at the Cathedral to join with other Christians to pray for those who have died, to thank God for all the volunteers who are doing such magnificent work and to renew our commitment and care to those who are still in need.
Moreover, as Christians we also understand that we are not only invited to respond in practical ways when tragedies occur. We are called to respond every day. There are people around us who are living in anger with depression and without hope as a result of so much hurt in their lives. There are so many around us today who are suffering pain in their hearts. This is a pain that will not be righted simply by giving a donation. It is a pain that needs patience, words of encouragement, a lot pf prayer and a lot of time. Because Jesus Christ is alive in us, we as Christians are well equipped and so are particularly called for this ministry.
A mother tells how her three year old son was struck down with paralysis of the legs. This paralysis gradually spread throughout his body. As a result he also lost his sight. One day, sometime before he died, the mother was sitting beside him weeping with deep sorrow and with a sense of helplessness. Suddenly this little boy turned to her and said, "Don't cry mummy I still have a heart to love my mummy". This small boy had attained real maturity, yet he was only able to do this and keep going in spite of so much going against him only through the support and love of his mother. It is true that love redeems and saves everything. We have a great witness to this : Jesus Christ. While it is very important to help others financially and in other practical ways, love is the only prescription that can heal the wounds of the heart. This is our speciality - as Christians. This is the reason why like Isaiah, our call and mission influences and changes people all over the world.
