Where will the good news come from in 2010?
For many of us, our first interaction with the world each morning is when we tune into the news whether by radio, TV or on-line. Sadly, some mornings it is so dreary or even appalling that our first reaction is to want to go back to bed and cancel the rest of the day.
As we begin 2010, much of the news from around the world is bad; the war drags on in Afghanistan, politicians continue to argue, climate change talks have failed, an election looms, the economy is struggling. There doesn't seem to be a lot of good news about.
Perhaps, though, there is a different way of thinking about good news. Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus say that we should be looking to political leaders and our society for good news. Instead, he put the responsibility for bringing hope to people firmly on us, in the living of our everyday lives.
"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." (Matthew 25: 35-36 NLT).
What a challenge! Jesus put the responsibility on us to be good news to other people and to show his compassion in the ordinary actions and relationships of life. Sure, he expects some of us to be involved in impacting the 'big issues' of society and govenment, but for most of us, our challenge is more straightforward, more immediate.
So, as you enter 2010, ask yourself: "The world may be a mess, but for whom can I be good news today? Who will have cause to be thankful today, whose life will be a bit brighter, who will be given fresh hope because of something I have done in the name of Jesus?"
Being good news to someone today and every day, that is the responsibility of each one of us.
(With thanks for this article to the Seapatrick Parish Magazine)