When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Matthew 5:1

We are in an interesting season for news and global events. It is very hard to ignore the intensity of the reporting on international tensions, war, politics, and sport. There are times when it would be good to turn off the noise and retreat into a level of isolation. 

In all the media amplification of such happenings it is important to not lose our awareness and sensitivity to the situation of our world and the impact of these things have on people. Maintaining our attentiveness is important, so that we remain sensitive to the those who are most vulnerable and marginalised. 

Jesus sees ‘the crowds’ and their needs. He steps away from the many people and the disciples come to him. Jesus teaches them the Beatitudes, about a lifestyle and spirituality that takes us beyond self-concern, into a focus on the needs of the crowds.  The disciples, including you and me, are invited to live life with a framework of compassion, care and peace making.

These values are deeply countercultural and critically important right now. Jesus invites us to prayerfully and courageously seek them. One step we can all take is to affirm and nurture signs of hope and new life. Another is to speak in ways that resist polarities and so encourage people to be open to the other without the filters of judgement and criticism.    

This is not an easy process. Change is possible and can happen as we live together as people of the Beatitudes.

Rev John Gilmore

NCCA President