During the recent horrific attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London’s Borough Market, and the disaster at Grenfell Tower, I have been struck by the very public and widespread expressions of solidarity, as well as the touching stories of compassion being shown by one to another. People have had time for each other, hugs have been offered to strangers, and evil has been denounced. It’s as if we have somehow been given permission to care, and to express that care openly and unashamedly.

These tragic events have caused people to think about what really matters in life, and to appreciate more than ever those close to them. Survivors speak about valuing each new day. The orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, having spent 12 hours performing life-saving operations following the Manchester Arena bombing, returned home to his family, and said of his young son: “I gave him the biggest hug I’ve ever given him...I cherished any moment with him more than I ever have.”

How interesting that it seems to take shocking tragedies to alert us to the needs of others, to appreciate one another, and to make expressions of care ‘acceptable’. And how tragic it would be if we quickly return to our self-absorbed lives and routines, in which we fail to notice those around us with their varying needs, and revert to taking each other for granted. Rather, let’s not wait for another disaster to remind us that we all have neighbours, and that opportunities to show love present themselves every day, albeit unheralded.

When Jesus asked, “Who was the neighbour?” in the story of the Good Samaritan, the obvious answer was, “The one who showed compassion”, to which Jesus responded “Go and do likewise.” May we not put off till tomorrow the good that we can do today.

Stephen Hitchcock

Sandylands Methodist Church, Kendal