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Good morning, and this morning our thoughts and prayers go out especially to all those caught up in the horrific terrorist attacks in London on Saturday evening. At times like this, our first thoughts are often for those who have been most directly affected, the injured and bereaved; but over the weekend, I’ve been led to reflect on the impact such events have on those called to respond to them, whether as members of the emergency services or simply ordinary citizens trying to do their bit.

I was particularly struck by an interview on the Sunday programme with Dr Ibrahim Magid, the lead trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. He spoke movingly about the way he and his team sought to respond professionally to the challenge of so many injured children being brought into hospital following the Manchester bombing only two weeks ago. He reflected on the impact these events had upon him as a surgeon and as a Muslim; and then having worked through the night, he shared what it meant for him as a father to see his young son on his return from nursery, and how he gave him the ‘biggest hug’ ever.

In the face of such callous, not to say inhuman acts of cruelty, it was heart-warming to hear a story that reaffirms the importance of the relationships we all hold so dear.
It reminded me that the vulnerability which comes with love is a part not only of our human experience, but also of our understanding of the God who loves us and all that He has made. And it encouraged me to believe that the things which bind us together as human beings are stronger than those forces seeking to drive us apart.

Heavenly Father, In the Bible you show not just your love for us but your willingness to share our pain and suffering; strengthen us in these times of grief to recognise our common humanity and so your divine image upon us all, Amen.