Exploring Street Theology

Twilight of Life

Whilst much of the Mosaic concentrates on youth, childhood and those who support them, it is good to see in one corner sits an elderly couple described by the artist, as the Twilight of Life, There inclusion marks how the Loft Centre was also used for a Bing Sessions,  Behind the couple the image of the setting sun completes the picture.

I have always had the view that facilities should be open to all ages for society to achieve an integrated wholeness. I recall on visiting Seefeld in Tirol seeing a building that included a residential home, a kindergarten and a community cafe,

I wonder what these pensioners thought when they visited the Loft Centre. Did it set off a stream of memories of their own childhood. This inclusive ‘all’ is spoken of in the Bible; “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people and in Acts 2:17 We find Peter quoting the prophet Joel, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

Later in Acts we find an inclusive description where “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32). This is followed through in the letter to the Phillipians 2:2-3 with the exhortation. “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”

Believing we can do everything ourselves shows a lack of humility. Opening up to others across the age spectrum may seem scary, but we have more to gain by investing in friendships with our communities than we have to lose.

When we invest in selfishness or segregation, it inevitably leads to destruction. But when we respond to God’s command to love others, and we invest in relationships, we experience the joy, compassion, and depth of emotion that comes from a life well-lived.

Jane Adams, an American Social Reformer said, “The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life. ”

Loving Lord, we ask for a flourishing community, where neighbours learn to love each other and come to know Jesus. We pray that we can be good stewards of Your love to each one of our neighbours. We ask that You help us to learn from our community, and that it may be a place where all are welcomed.

Give us the compassion and empathy we need to understand what those in our community are going through. Help us to love them well. Help us not to judge or condemn, but rather come alongside them to offer support and to be Your hands and feet. Amen.