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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Dr Krish Kandiah

Good morning.

Many years ago, my neighbour and I appeared on a television show. Two interior designers took over our identical terraced houses and gave them makeovers. At the end of the show, the houses were judged and one was declared the winner. The 拢400 makeover budget stretched to a few tins of paint, the odd piece of furniture and a collection of houseplants, cushions and other finishing touches. Unfortunately, the superficial makeover did not tackle the more serious issues. Rugs covered frayed carpets, cleverly positioned furniture hid cracks in the walls and camera angles avoided where wires stuck out. However beautiful the houses looked to the audience, the true value of each lay beneath the surface.

Jesus once told a story along similar lines about two apparently identical houses with two similar owners, both of whom assumed they would be safe and dry in the houses they鈥檇 built. But when the storm comes the real difference is revealed. As the waters rise and the wind howls it becomes clear that one of the houses has shoddy foundations. One owner in one house finds himself in disaster.

However good our lives appear on the surface, it is what lies beneath that counts. A show of faith does not even count. Attendance at church, and attention during the sermon are nothing if we aren鈥檛 prepared to see its application in our life. According to Jesus we build strong foundations when we put into practice his commands to love God and love one another.

That can be done if you live in a huge mansion in the middle of the city or if you live in a one-room studio flat in the middle of nowhere. Let鈥檚 pray

Lord God, may what happens under our roof honour you. Make us more welcoming, more compassionate, more generous, for your name鈥檚 sake.

Amen.