The Gospel for this week talks about how, at the harvest, one person will sow and another will reap; each are dependent on the other (John 4:34-38). In our hermetically sealed, self contained, privatised world
where competence is assumed and self-reliance is praised it is not immediately apparent how much we need each other. Economically, it is self-evident – I buy food from all over the world, travel for my holidays and at the moment am wearing a Marks and Spencer’s turquoise sweater made in China and costing £9.95. Environmentally, we are still learning about how the behaviour of one person affects the living of another. Emotionally and socially, needing other people is not always easy to recognise and sometimes it can be hard to accept. The more real, honest and open are our relationships are with other people the stronger becomes our understanding of who we are in the world. This means that vulnerability and openness to others are not just theological ideals but basic principles of living. Next time a person speaks to you, listen hard; she may have more to say than you can hear.

Weekly reflections on the Gospel for the coming Sunday are available on request. They will come once a week and will never be more than 200 words. If you would like to receive these emails then please email the Parish Secretary