In a thought-provoking Christmas Day sermon at York Minster, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, shed light on a pressing issue that resonates with many: the growing fear and division between people. He emphasized that this fear is particularly directed towards strangers, stating, 'We have become fearful of each other, and especially fearful of strangers, or just people who aren't quite like us.'
The Archbishop's words carry weight, especially after his personal experience in Israel. He recounted a trip to the Holy Land, where he was 'intimidated' by Israeli militias, who prevented him from visiting Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank. This incident served as a stark reminder of the barriers that divide us and the impact they have on our relationships with others.
Cottrell's sermon was a call to action, urging the congregation to reflect on the walls that separate us, both physically and metaphorically. He highlighted the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, stating, 'We don't seem to be able to see ourselves in them [strangers], and therefore we spurn our common humanity.'
The Archbishop's message was a powerful reminder of the need to break down these barriers and embrace our shared humanity. He emphasized the importance of getting to know our neighbors and creating new friendships, echoing the themes of The King's Christmas message. By doing so, we can build a more welcoming and inclusive world, one that is ready to embrace Christ's message of love and unity.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cottrell's sermon also invited reflection on the walls we build around ourselves, both physically and metaphorically. He questioned the impact of our fear of strangers on our ability to welcome Christ into our lives, stating, 'the ones we construct in our hearts and minds.' This thought-provoking statement encourages us to consider the barriers we erect and the potential consequences on our spiritual journey.
As the Archbishop concluded his sermon, he left the congregation with a powerful message: 'We are in danger of failing to welcome Christ when he comes.' This statement is a call to action, urging us to reflect on our own fears and the impact they have on our relationships with others. It invites us to engage in meaningful conversations and take action to break down the walls that divide us, both physically and metaphorically.
