麻豆社

Good morning,

In my diary I keep a list of people I admire in the world. Whenever I look at it, it inspires me to see the bigger picture. These people have shaped me profoundly. Some are no longer alive - my parents and sister Linda, then there鈥檚 saints and pioneers, writers and artists. I like to imagine interviewing these people about what they鈥檇 make of our current times. Can they show me a new perspective? A different way of seeing and being?
A rabbi asked his students how they can tell when night has ended and day has begun.
One said: "Is it when you can look at a tree in the distance, and tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?"
"No," answered the rabbi.
"Well then, when is it?" the students asked.
"It is when you look on the face of another human being and see that he or she is your brother or sister. Because if you cannot do that, then no matter what time it is, it is still night."

Today the United Nations celebrates International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It originally commemorated the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa where peaceful anti-apartheid protestors were killed. This day still serves as an urgent and global call to action against racism and other forms of discrimination; as well as promoting positive racial equality and understanding.
I pray that we celebrate our wonderful diversity of cultures, languages and nationalities.
May we build inclusive societies free from hate and rich in mutual dignity.
Let us recognise our brothers and sisters - no matter what time of day or night it is.
Amen.