There are times in history when things change radically. The fall of the Roman Empire. The end of Apartheid. When women were given the right to vote. Events that affect more than just a small group of people; moments that transform society.
I wonder what it was like when the disciples realised that Jesus was alive. This moment changed everything:
“While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.” Luke 24:36-39
The disciples would have been wondering what had just happened. Maybe they were disheartened by the way everything had just ended. Yet in this moment Jesus demonstrates that he is the Son of God. The promised Messiah.
Monumental moments change everything. They lead to exciting places; a changed society; a transformed people. But they also demonstrate how humans have the power to change the way the world works. And so often it’s groups of passionate people who bring about this change.
Let’s go back to the disciples. There were only twelve of them but they gathered in an upper room and God came. The Holy Spirit began their ministry and they lived radically within their society. They so believed in the message they were sent that they travelled far and wide to tell others. The message spread and grew. Christianity exploded in a society that banned it. The disciples weren’t just chatting quietly but shouting loudly. And people listened. Christianity kept going. And it all started with a moment.
Throughout history, people have been transforming the world. On 10 September, 1946, Mother Teresa experienced a calling from God to go to Calcutta - a moment that transformed the rest of her life. As a result she set up a network to help some of the world’s poorest people. On 1 December, 1955, Rosa Parks - a black woman - refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. This moment led to protests known as The Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Rosa became known as the first African-American civil rights activist.
We can all start transforming the injustices of our world. It just takes a monumental moment.
When people gather, there’s the potential for change to happen. In our world today, hunger is still an issue. One in eight people are hungry, and that’s unfair. But this year there’s an amazing opportunity to start making a difference because the G8 are meeting in the UK.
