The Season of Advent is especially challenging at this time – it should be about Hope, but we are drenched in distress throughout the world.
Here at St Matthew’s, we have been knocked back severely by not being recommended for a Glasgow City Council Communities Funding grant. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and supporting the most vulnerable individuals and groups and this has come as a shock since we work closely with other local groups who have benefitted from the grant funding.
Saint Andrew’s-tide and Advent coincide at this time – St Andrew, as well as bringing his brother Simon to Jesus, is the one who notices the small boy with just some bread and fish to bring to feed an impossible amount of people. We are now forced to see how little we have and how much is needed – may Advent bring us the Grace to step forward with the love of God in our hearts in order to make provision for those in need. And by so doing, we know we will receive grace ourselves.
Meanwhile, we must address ourselves to further funding applications in order to keep the roof over our heads! It’s hard work!
While contemplating these local needs, we are ever more mindful of the devastation facing people in the West Bank and those returning to Gaza with no homes and those frightened of bombing in Ukraine and those fearful of conflict in Sudan….Saint Andrew, pray for us, stand by us please.
And a little Child shall lead them