TOMORROW’S SUNDAY

Since my early childhood I have been a massive fan of comic books, not the usual Beano and Dandy style but the ones that deal with the world of Superheroes. Many of these early comic book writers were driven by the political and spiritual circumstances of the day, with what is deemed to be the “golden age” of comic books following on from the Great depression and world wars. There was a sense that humanity had to be better than what was being witnessed in the world. As a minister, I find myself offering what can only be described as a prayer of desperation for the things I see in the world around, the terrorist atrocities and selfish financial practices of some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Our focus and our drives are dictated to us by the TV media and gossip columns, which so many of us are drawn towards. In our own personal resurrections, we are encouraged, in the words of Ghandi, to be the change we long to see in the world. Too often we look for the big transformations when what we see around us is the power of the small. Small acts of random kindness that make the hope and promise of Jesus; love for the world a reality in the lives of those around us. The original superheroes were the defenders and protectors of the weak and powerless, they brought safety, security and hope, maybe that is why I am drawn to them so much. I would encourage you this week to reach out to someone in need, someone lonely, sad or disillusioned and be the difference they need at that moment.

The Rev Gareth Phillips