Forward
Monday 8 January 2024
With Whom, Caught in Darkness,
Can We Share The Light of Christ?
Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.
Hebrews 6:7
Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
…
Words of Grace For Today
In 1666 the Black Plague hit Herxheim, DE killing many inhabitants. The village was quarantined and food became scarce! The neighbouring villages delivered bread to the borders of the quarantined village, which saved many from starvation.
In thanks the villagers swore each year to return the gifts, delivering a wagon full of bread to the neighbouring villages. They have kept this tradition for more than 355 years.
Of course, the bounty of the land (blessed by God) provides food for most of the world (if only we would distribute it fairly and generously it would be more than enough for everyone.)
More important for life than food, is the love and care that we provide for one another. The Herxheimers knew they were loved by their neighbours, and each year the return that love in a small way with their wagon of bread tradition.
What can we do today to provide for those most in need the bread of life, food, and more importantly love?
To whom do we owe our survival because of the gifts of food and love they have given us?
How will we offer thanks, to God, and to people, and
Is it not most precious and needed if we ‘pay it forward’ to those most in need, sharing the Light of Christ with those caught in darkness, instead of returning gifts to those who have plenty (also more than plenty of resources to enjoy light)?