Archbishop Stephen gave the Pause for Thought on Sara Cox's BBC Radio 2 breakfast show today, reflecting on the love and kindness we can show to those around us. This follows in full.
Earlier this week, I welcomed Sir Kevin Sinfield and his team to Bishopthorpe, where I live. It was part of his 7 in 7 challenge – seven ultra-marathons in seven days – which concludes at Old Trafford this Saturday. We welcomed him on Monday and blessed him on Tuesday as he set off on another run. He is raising awareness and funds for those with Motor Neurone Disease.
He's doing it for everyone who lives with this terrible disease, but also for his friend, the rugby player Rob Burrow, who died from MND and wore the number 7 shirt. Rob himself said that everyone should have a friend like Kevin.
Jesus famously said that there is no greater love than this, that one lay down one's life for one's friend. Kevin isn't actually laying down his life. But he is putting himself on the line for a friend he dearly loved. And in doing so, he is doing good for others who live with this disease and inspiring us to think how we could put ourselves on the line a bit more to help others.
Last weekend I was on pilgrimage in the Isle of Man. I was doing it to raise awareness: of the need to tread more lightly on the earth, reach out to one another, build community and learn from Jesus, who shows us how to live generously and who walks alongside us.
My pilgrimage ended at Cathedral Isle of Man. An elderly man greeted me and told me we had met before. Twenty years previously, when I was Bishop of Reading, I had held his wife's hands, prayed for her and blessed her as she was dying. I don't remember this little act of kindness. But he remembered it – little offering though it was – and as he told me this, we both had tears in our eyes.
7 ultramarathons in seven days. Over £11 million raised and thousands inspired. Or one small moment of prayer. I look out at our world, and think, if only we could be a little kinder to each other, more prepared to do a little more for each other.
Whether you run a marathon or hold someone's hand to comfort them, may you be blessed in offering friendship and kindness to those around you.
