LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

“I have read many wonderful sayings in the great writings of the past but in all I have never read: ‘Come to me all who labour and are heavy burdened...’” (Matthew 11.28 NIV, LDS, KJV) a comment I read recently by the fourth century African Bishop Augustine of Hippo. Many may be currently enjoying a holiday but for many in our world this will be only a pipe dream never perhaps a reality and for many reasons not least the dire circumstances of their daily lives.

In early spring of 1977 Father Rutilio a young priest was brutally murdered in El Salvador for his long time defence of justice in his country. He had preached & actively promoted radical changes in the social systems but along with many other men and women through the years both in South America and elsewhere had met a bloody end to their lives for upholding the rights of the poor.

Oscar Romero a few years later, also in El Salvador, and Shabaz Bhatti a Catholic politician earlier this year in Pakistan killed for similar reasons for voicing their opinions about injustices and the suppression of the poor and landless. Prison, torture, disappearance and even death were and are sadly not uncommon for many who would dare challenge the inequalities that have and do exist in too many places in the world to this very day.

There is seldom any shortage of advocates for ‘something must be done’ but the price to even moderately address the problem will always be a step too much for many of those who could really pay whether that be individuals or governments. I have yet to hear or read of any politician or leader anywhere invite all to come to them who labour or are heavy burdened and they will find rest in them. The one who spoke these words himself suffered the fate of so many who dared to speak out for truth and justice.

Thank God there will always be a Father Rutilio and his like who are prepared to question the comfort zones of those who could make a difference, and give some hope to the millions searching in desperation for a true Light to light up the darkness of their lives.

Fr David

Judgement Day (more on page 6)

Jonah & the whale (see page 7)

Craft at the Exhibition (page 7)