A moment of reflection for Jo Cox
By: Rev Dr Stuart Mousir-Harrison, University Chaplain
We live in a world full of potential. The potential to see beyond ourselves, beyond the colour of our skin, the jostling of our politics and our immediate day-to-day selfish existence. Sadly, we so often only hear of those whose actions make a difference for good after their voices have been silenced.
The sadness is doubled, therefore, when the lives given in love and service to others are ended at the hands of those expressing, accidentally or deliberately, our human capacity for destructiveness and hate.
This morning, and in this mourning, for the loss of Jo Cox, MP, a mother, partner and loving human seeking to do the best for her community with the skills and talents she possessed, let us look at ourselves. Let us do so honestly, assessing our potential (for both good or ill) and resolve to make a difference.
Let us continue to seek the growth, fulfilment and blessing for others, not just in the thinking of good thoughts or the offering of prayers, but in action, in doing. Jesus taught that after having a proper awareness of what God requires of us towards the divine that we should love our neighbour in the same way as we love ourselves. To seek the betterment of others rather than simply ourselves. Not by looking on, but as participants.
It is right to express our horror and sadness. It is right to ask what can be done. And it is right to take the next step, and move on, as the Changemakers that we proclaim we are, to do what we can, where we are, to further the greater good, to resist evil, rather than lament it. To do good, rather than wish it. To turn potential into action Today, and everyday.
