Pastoral
Letter for Wednesday 12th August:
My
Dear Friends,
Many
people have been greatly distressed recently by the thoughtless and
selfish behaviour of certain irresponsible citizens following the
easing of lockdown restrictions. We have seen careless attitudes and
an excessive lack of social distancing on some of our beaches and in
certain of our pubs.
This
arrogant entitlement flies in the face of the regard and
consideration we should have for one another as a society after so
much suffering and sacrifice.
I
am reminded of a story once told by the Greek philosopher Plutarch.
A rather down at heel old man once attended the Olympic Games. The
stadium was full; and he wandered round bemused, looking for a seat.
No one would make room for him; and the crowd laughed and jeered and
shouted at him to sit down. There was, however, nowhere to sit.
Then he came to that part of the arena reserved for the Spartans.
One of the strict rules that was part of the Spartan upbringing was
that the young should show respect for the old. Immediately, row
after row of the Spartan young men jumped up to offer the old man a
seat.
When
the crowd saw this they stopped laughing and jeering – and began to
clap the young Spartans for their chivalry. The old man shouted out
with the voice of an orator which could be heard all round the
stadium: “All Greeks KNOW what is right; but only the Spartans DO
it!”
We
all know what is right; but only a few are willing to do it. This
applies not only to the rules of social distancing; but to the
Commandments of God. Its not enough to talk the talk. We must also
be willing to walk the walk.
Liz
joins me in sending our love to you all.
Alex.
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