National Unitarian Fellowship
Affiliated to the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches
A faith for the 21st Century
NUF Meditation by Rev Chris Goacher Minister to the NUF
Published in the Inquirer dated 7th January 2005
NUF Meditation
The Carthaginians had wealth beyond the dreams of avarice together with a commerce which
made them masters of the Mediterranean, yet, in sequel, they became the mere puppets of a soulless splendor, and ultimately they were crushed beneath their weight of golden circumstance. (Tsanoff The Moral Ideals of Civilisation)
The beginning of a new year is always, or should be, a time of reflection, of renewing our vision of the possible, of how we see the world and our part within it. This is most commonly seen in the making of New Year Resolutions; those throwaway promises to eat a little less, give-up smoking and go easy on the alcohol. How many of them last 48 hours less to Twelfth Night.
Perhaps we have lost sight of the value of such true reflection; like the idea of Sabbath, it is giving ourselves time to step back from the day-to-day grind and see things as they truly should be, free from those things that blind us to what matters most. The Carthaginians were blinded in much the same way, and if we take a moment to view the modem world we can see many comparisons; a world where farmers are paid not to grow crops while thousands starve; a world where might is right and thousands are trodden under foot as a consequence; a world where species are being lost and climate affected and still we belch out filth to maintain the health of the corporate Balance Sheet.
We need a time of reflection; the world needs a time of reflection. There is a place deep inside where we know the true answers to our personal and global problems, the Prophets and Seers of humankind have been telling us for millennia. If we take a time of reflection can we find the courage to make a difference in our own lives and that of our World? Can we see a vision? Can we make a lasting resolution?
Remember that the word resolution is rooted to the word resolute. To make a resolution, particularly of the New Year variety, is perhaps too easy, especially if we fail to attach the second word resolute.
To be resolute is to be determined, determined to make a difference, determined to see our lives and our World become the place we know, deep down in our souls, it can and should be. A world of peace and equity, of tolerance and respect, a world where all are fed and our grandchildren's grandchildren have a future.
This New Years sees the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee of the NUF. This too is a time to reflect, in good Charles Dickens style, on the NUF past, present and future. It is also a time of celebration. Let the party begin!