Suffering in our modern context

In the Gospel today (Luke 21:12-19) Jesus warns his disciples of the impending persecution and martydom that many of his followers would face. While many Christians continue to be persecuted today, we are mainly free from that type of suffering. Yet there are so many people in the world who are suffering from the ''persecution'' of the Corona virus and its long term efects.

 

Last week, I had the experience of translating for a Spanish speaker and the psychiatric team at the Porirua Mental Health Centre. When we finished, I asked if the team was very busy. The answer was a resounding yes, because of the mental health problems caused by the lengthy lockdown. Now, the majority of the Porirua population are migrants, mainly from the Pacific Islands. When I asked if they had mental problems, the answer was No. The reason given was that they and other migrant groups had very strong whanau, community and church support.

 

It was the youth from richer, isolated families who were the principal sufferers. ''They live in their little bubbles of computer games and virtual friendships, with no community life,'' I was told.

 

We are in a unique position to encourage small prayer and bible reflection groups. ''Where two or three are gathered together, I (the risen Lord) am there with you. I am knocking, Will you open the door?''