Sunday, September 07, 2008

God knew what he was doing

It was an interesting experience of community, regardless of our racial and cultural backgrounds.

I am English and white, but it was an Indian who helped me carry two heavy cases as far as the ticket barrier in the station, an African who, a few minutes later, picked up the heavier of the two and took it to the top of a long flight of steps, a Japanese, who then lifted it on and off my connecting train… This spontaneous kindness came, unrequested, from complete strangers as we travelled our separate journeys on the London Underground.

Those who insist on associating with people of one particular skin colour or racial background are unfortunate. They lose the opportunity to discover that goodness is everywhere and is independent of culture.

Courtesy and kindness are treasures that enrich the whole of the human race. Often they are in short supply. They are to be celebrated wherever they are found and, when they occur across cultures, languages and creeds, there are few things that do more to build bridges and establish a community of understanding.

God knew what he was doing when he made us all different!

God bless,
Sr. Janet