INTER-DEPENDENCE DAY

I've been away at BUGB Racial Justice Training and then a week's holiday in sunny (yes really)Ireland. I just got back in time to record six Prayers for the Days for BBC Radio 4 on Thursday. This was all pretty tight as the first one was broadcast this morning at 5:45 am. Just in case you were not up so early (I know i wasn't) the script is below. I'll put the rest up as they go out.

Americans round the world today will be in jubilant mood. This is Independence Day: a national holiday when friends and families go to baseball games and concerts, picnics, barbeques and firework displays. They will be remembering the birth of their nation, the day when many years ago they declared their Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

From that day on the character of independence has been deeply enshrined in American life. We see it played out often on the movie screen from Hollywood, maverick heroes win the day against incredible odds and all without the help of anyone, except perhaps the token female.

Of course Independence can be a positive characteristic: I remember the joy when my daughter could stand up on her own, and when she learnt to walk, but it can have its downside too. The poet John Donne famously reflected that No man is an island, and in the Book of Ecclesiastes, the bible reminds us that two are better than one, if one falls down then a friend can help them up.

That is the power of interdependence: For all the values that is found in national and personal autonomy, real strength in life often lies in being working with two or three or even more; giving and receiving help.

There will be times for everyone when circumstance will leave us feeling that we can’t go on, moments when the only thing that makes tomorrow possible is the helping hand from friends today.

Or as we try to work together for the common good, this morning might bring the opportunity for us to return a favour and offer our support to someone else.

Lord God

may we remember today
Our dependence on another:
And in those who offer us help

May we see your face. Amen