The Voice of a Stranger

‘Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him’  
(Psalm 34:8)

When we think of the Lord Jesus, and all that he has done for us, we want to be like him.
One thing we see in the gospels is a person who cared for the individual,
for the people who were despised or rejected by the world around them.
Think of the leper and how Jesus touched him. Think of the woman who washed
his feet and how Jesus spoke up for her. Think of the woman who was taken in adultery,
and how Jesus saved her. Think of the thief dying beside him on the cross and how
Jesus assured him of a life in Paradise. All around us, both where we live and across the world,
there are needy people, often alone in their suffering. We are blessed to have taken refuge
in the Lord and to know Jesus. It is wonderful that there are so many organisations, including Mothers Union,
which reach out with blessing to those in need. We can support them and pray for them.
But let us not forget our next-door neighbour and the person with a sad face we see in the street.
We can always pray for such people, and ask that they too will ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good.’

Question for thought:  What strangers do I care for?

Gracious heavenly Father, we bring our members in the Diocese of Ottawa, Canada before you
and pray for their wide range of community work including marriage support, parenting programs,
providing food and campaigning against gender-based violence. Give them wisdom,
humility and compassion as they serve you. May it be to your glory. Amen