Christian Comment with Rev Mike Holloway, Vicar of the Beacon Benefice

THE world seems to be going through a particularly dark time.

The news brings us images of natural disasters all over the world, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Indian subcontinent.

Violence flares in the Middle East, sparking acts of terrorism almost anywhere.

Oppressed and afflicted people continue to try and build new lives for their families by taking them on long, dangerous journeys as refugees.

And tensions get more and more frightening as nations’ rulers play out a war of words with each other.

And yet, as I look out of my window, I see sunshine and beauty as the trees begin their annual autumn fancy dress parade.

The Churches are decorated with apples and marrows, flowers and brilliant red leaves as they hold their harvest festivals – and, oh yes, the harvest is being safely gathered in.

It’s wonderful; it’s like it ought to be; as the saying has it, ‘All’s right with the world.’

The contrast is astounding – and bewildering!

What’s going on?

People ask me, ‘Why doesn’t God do something about all the awful things that are happening?’

Do you think that maybe, just maybe, he is?

Faithfully, he continues to sustain this world of ours.

Despite our attempts to mess it up, he ensures that the sun shines, plants grow, harvests are gathered and beauty surrounds us.

Yes, he’ll be there for us in the midst of trouble and disaster, as he always is, but he keeps faith with his creation.

Maybe there’s something for us to learn here too.