91热爆

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Canon Simon Doogan.

Good morning.

鈥楪od the rock star鈥� was a piece in The Economist kindly sent to me recently by my father-in-law. It explored the claim that, with its new broadcast audiences, lockdown has turned religion into a winner-takes-all business.

Those churches which can offer a slicker, more polished online worship experience may fare better than those which simply can鈥檛.

Granted, the joy of reopening church doors over the last few weeks has been widely accompanied by relief at seeing people walk through them again.
But regardless of how tech savvy or social media friendly churches are, that Economist article felt its way to a closing quotation which at one level
will resonate with many in Christian ministry:

鈥淭he hand of God and the invisible hand,鈥�
鈥渟ometimes seem to work wonderfully well together.鈥�

The Invisible Hand is Adam Smith鈥檚 metaphor for the unintended greater social benefits and public good which flow when individuals act in their own self-interests.Well undeniably for believers, the remembering, the phoning and the checking-in on, the deliveries made, the errands run, and the practical, extra-mile kindnesses have all born real spiritual fruit over this season.

Yet I would say that what鈥檚 borne even more fruit has been reaching out to those beyond our immediate families of faith. Some give freely, yet grow all the richer鈥� as Proverbs puts it. A generous person will be enriched鈥� one who gives water will get water.

Lord, glad as we have been for virtual services,
we ask today for more opportunities for the actual service
which is the hallmark of every true follower of Christ,
to keep people connected, to energise local communities,
and to envision people and nations.
Amen

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