Month: June 2015

A Need for Respect

I note a report about violence against Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) drivers.  This was in the Toronto Star, but it’s not the first I’ve read or heard about this problem. There is a sign at the front of TTC buses that says at least one TTC worker is assaulted daily somewhere in the city. The notice further points out, quite rightly, that this is one too many, and those who commit such violence will be held accountable for the crime that this is, with fine, imprisonment or both, and, in all cases, a criminal record.

There seem to be people on whom it is all too convenent to take out frustations. There is a level of anger that is seen also in road rage, rudeness, and general impatience with others. This is all very wearing for everyone. On the other hand, it is really very easy and simple to practise what another “r” word (other than rudeness) represents: Respect. “Show proper respect to everyone” (1 Peter 2:17).

Moving Mountains

It would seem the massively tragic 7.8 earthquake that rocked Nepal in April actually moved Mount Everest 3 cm. Now, the mountain is moving a bit all the time anyway, but the earthquake moved it in the opposite direction!

We are told we are to have faith such as to move mountains. I think it is probably just as well if we do not take that up literally; we would never agree on what mountain should be moved where! And it’s probably just fine, and majestic and beautiful, and maybe even useful, right where it is. Nevertheless, we do have such power in our midst.

All the power of God resides in Christ, says John (read John 1:1-14), and, through acceptance, Christ resides in us. Some people are deluded to think they have great power of their own strength, and lord it over others, maybe even thinking they are doing a favour to those persons and the world at large. Nothing truly good can come of such ego-driven power, no matter how it is rationalized. But there is such power as to move mountains in the love Christ shares in and through  us.  We are not to think we should or can not make a difference.