I was on a train earlier this week from Derby to Exeter, and it was pretty full probably because it was the cheapest of the day. I had booked my seat but couldn’t find space for my suitcase, so I decided to stand between carriages until we reached Birmingham when there would be a changeover of travellers – and luggage.
In a public space it’s quite difficult to ‘zone out’ of other sounds, and I found myself hearing a conversation between two young women. They were discussing Ramadan and the practices followed by Muslims during this period of fasting and prayer. Their concerns centred around a friend, recently married to a husband who seemed to be able to fast – mostly – but who showed no sign that he was retreating to pray as is the norm. What struck me was the openness in which they were speaking of their real concern that this man was hurting himself as well as his new wife and family; because we don’t tend to speak loudly of how our faith works in everyday society, unless we feel in a safe environment with people of similar ‘beliefs’.
I went on to imagine a conversation between Christians. Something like, “my new brother-in-law claims to be ‘religious’ but doesn’t read his bible or say the grace before dinner, and I fear for his soul”. When I did find a space for my suitcase and was able to sit down, I have to say that no other conversation around me concerned any religious issues or practice. Travellers appeared more anxious about mundane everyday issues with which tend to fill our minds, rather than a theological reflection.
Then yesterday I read a short news item entitled ‘Police get more powers to protect places of worship’. I can’t see that needing to be put into practice around our small rural churches any time soon; but isn’t that a generally positive move to prevent ‘intimidating’ protests staged near churches and mosques? ‘Yes’ would be my first answer if it means that people have more freedom to worship. But do we need protecting from the freedom to express our beliefs, whether in public worship or on public transport?
Jesus preached his Father’s word openly and without fear, despite growing persecution and unbelief. He did not glorify himself, it was God who glorified him (John 8:54), and he had our Father’s blessing and love throughout his incarnate existence.
We also are blessed by God with his love, and I think we should be honest and confident, trusting in God’s faithfulness to us, to speak about it openly – with or without police protection! There will be times when our Christian understanding of what it is to be human obliges us to think and act differently from others around us. And there are also times when we are not able to speak but have to remain silent and retreat into reflection and prayer.
And of course there are many other unspoken ways in which we can teach God’s love – through the way we relate to others particularly. It’s a non-stop process – a smile, a gesture of empathy, a listening ear – the list goes on.
May I close with a ‘thank you’ to the kind lady who helped re-arrange the cases in the luggage rack so that my own suitcase could fit snuggly all the way to Exeter!