The country has been roiled by accusations made by the KZN Police Commissioner against the Minister of Police. The president of the country will be addressing us over the weekend on this topic. The Government of National Unity is also busy falling apart, yet again. While we as a country have lots to be optimistic about, there are also areas of grave concern.
On Friday 18 July the country celebrates Mandela Day. I have to wonder what our secular saint is thinking as he looks down from his place in the bosom of Abraham and sees the situation his beloved country is in. Would he cry? Would he be tempted to give up hope? How are you doing? How are you responding to the situation we find ourselves in?
As always, we are left with a choice: you can decide that you are powerless in the face of evil, or you can refuse to allow the evil sweeping our country and communities to triumph over the love and goodness present in our hearts and lives. We already see many good people in our country choosing to love, when they become whistleblowers at great risk to their lives. We see it in our communities when people choose to protect the spaza shops owned by non-South African nationals against those who simply want to loot and burn. We
see it in the generosity of people who continue to support good causes even in our tough economic climate.
Many people, as individuals, families or companies have tried to make our country a better place by volunteering in some service activity on Mandela Day. When I was in Soweto, companies volunteered to come in and paint our school, and when I was in Braamfontein people volunteered to come in and work at the soup kitchen for the homeless. For those who would like to make some contribution on this Mandela Day but can’t do what you usually do or would like to do, can I suggest you donate to the Church and allow us to do the
good for you that you can’t do yourself.
If you make a deposit into the parish bank account, with a reference “Mandela Day – SVP”, we will use your gift in the service of the mission of the Church, in particular our outreach to the poor and homeless. It is our intention to start up a Saint Vincent de Paul group here in this parish for ministry to the poor, and any donation received for Mandela Day will be “seed money” we use to support this ministry.
Or maybe you can show up and support the REEA bookstore or charity shop by either donating something to them or buying something from them. Maybe this is the day the beggar on the street hits the charity jackpot by you giving him more money than you think is wise, or a blanket or warm clothing.
Whatever you do, and however you celebrate Mandela Day this year, I pray God’s blessings and protection upon you.
