Columbans Prayer for Humanity

At the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, as a community here in Solihull, we committed ourselves to 15 minutes of daily silent prayer for humanity. We did so because it was the only way for us to contribute to the global effort. The words of the poet John Milton came to mind. John was struck blind at the age of 44 and writes in the last line of the poem 'On his blindness', “they also serve who only stand and wait.” The poet reflects that he has a place in God's world despite his disability. With this in mind and aware of the vast numbers of people around the world living on the periphery of society, lacking running water,  space and whose only choice was between risking infection by going to work or going hungry, we offered our prayer. The focus of our prayer was that the key decision makers in the political, economic, medical, social and religious fields, would come together and cooperate globally in a coordinated global response to the pandemic. Besides that, to also seize the opportunity to create an economy that is more inclusive and sustainable going forward. Helping the millions of people across all boundaries and cultures is not only right but it is in our own interest as well. As long as this pandemic lingers anywhere in the world, it will keep coming back to countries that think they've overcome it. As Gordon Brown said, “none of us is going to be safe until all countries are free of this pandemic. A short quote from Pope Francis;

“Rivers do not drink their own water;

Trees do not eat their own fruit;

The sun does not shine on itself;

and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.

Living for others is a rule of nature.

We are all born to help each other.

No matter how difficult it is……

Life is good when you are happy;

but much better when others

are happy because of you.”