April is going to be a tough month for a lot of people as there are many prices rising; utilities, amongst other things, will see a rise in monthly payments. If you are to be able to budget your monthly income, there is going to have to be a lot of juggling going on to make ends meet. Many people won’t be able to do that, and will have to live on a day-to-day basis, and may even choose to miss meals, turn down the heating or be frugal in their spending. I’m guessing that some will fall into debt, or end up borrowing more than they really can afford.
Now is the time we need to be aware of those in our communities who will fall into some of the categories above. Now is the time to be more supportive to those who have a fixed income, and whose spare cash may be eaten up by the monthly increases. I know we all face difficult decisions with all that is going on, not only locally, but also worldwide.
There seems to be a lack of hope going forward, even with the predictions that in the future we will all be better off, as what is happening hits most people now. As Christians we believe in a God who provides hope for the future, and we in turn have the task of providing hope for those who have no hope. This is spread by reflecting the love which we receive and helping to relieve the suffering of those in most need. I pray that the love we see in the death and resurrection of Jesus prompts us to bring that love to our communities.
With God’s love and blessings this Lenten time.
Revd Graham
