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By Our Love: A Reflection on Faith and Community Support
The commandment to love your neighbour, present in all four gospels, is reinforced in the writings of Paul and James, echoed in Peter’s epistles, and rooted in several books of the Hebrew Bible.
The Revd Chris Thomason, Chaplain
Perhaps it’s a mere coincidence, or maybe it’s God at work in my life, but I’ve noticed a recurring theme that I feel compelled to share. This semester, I’ve been immersed in the study of Systematic Theology, focusing on theological ethics and political theology concerning the neighbour.
The commandment to love your neighbour, present in all four gospels, is reinforced in the writings of Paul and James, echoed in Peter’s epistles, and rooted in several books of the Hebrew Bible. This commandment extends beyond loving your neighbour to include loving your enemy, a challenging yet profound directive.
But why is it so difficult?
As we transition into what was traditionally known as ordinary time in the church’s liturgical calendar, I find myself reflecting on the powerful sermons delivered during the Easter season. These sermons emphasized love and the commandment, ‘that you love one another’ (John 13:34b NRSV). Those sermons inspired me to renew my commitment to follow that commandment.
My reflection led me to revisit last month’s Messenger article from Anglicare WA, written by Anita. It tells the moving story of Olivia and Grant, who, amid the current cost-of-living crisis, were forced to live in their car, struggling without the basic necessities many of us take for granted. Their lives began to improve only after connecting with Anglicare WA’s services. While a permanent solution is still elusive, the support from Anglicare WA has made Olivia and Grant feel less alone.
It was then that the phenomenon known as an earworm entered my head. A song from my youth on repeat in my mind. That led me to find the latest version.
Peter R Scholtes, a former Roman Catholic priest who was active in the Civil Rights movement in Chicago, wrote a song in 1966 for ecumenical, interracial events supporting the movement. That song is known by various titles, including And They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love and in one of its latest version as By Our Love. The song’s lyrics resonate deeply with me. Lines like ‘We will walk with each other; We will walk hand in hand’ and ‘We will work with each other; We will work side by side, and we’ll guard each other’s dignity and save each other’s pride’ beautifully capture the care, support, and love shown to Olivia and Grant.
This spirit of love and support is embodied in Anglicare WA’s daily work across all its services and locations. However, they cannot do it alone. Anglicare WA relies on community support to continue providing desperately needed services across the state. You can contribute by donating to their Winter Appeal or by sponsoring someone Taking the Plunge to raise funds for Anglicare WA.
Together, we can make a difference, walking hand in hand and working side by side, ensuring dignity and pride for all.