Scene: A spontaneous gathering

Laura Digan August 26, 2025 0 0

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Isaiah 58: 9-14 (NIVUK)

9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: here am I.

‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
    with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
    and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

13 ‘If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
    and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
    and the Lord’s holy day honourable,
and if you honour it by not going your own way
    and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the Lord,
    and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land
    and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.’
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

A spontaneous gathering with neighbours eating together and giving thanks on the street

It could have been viewed as one of the worst days of her life but there was a lot to be thankful for. 

Jenny had taken her baby out for a walk in his pram. It was just a short walk around the village. They were out for maybe 20 minutes. But when she got back she could hear the fire alarm blaring. When she opened the front door smoke billowed out. She phoned 999 asking for the fire brigade to come. As she waited outside with her wee boy, neighbours came to comfort her. 

After the fire was extinguished, it was found the fire was started by the tumble dryer. Jenny had left it on when she had gone out walking. The level of damage was found to be extensive, but it could all be repaired. 

Again the neighbours came to comfort Jenny with wee bits they thought she might need. Bits for the baby, a kettle, some towels, blankets, tea bags, bread and milk. 

Someone brought mugs of hot tea, someone made sandwiches. Gathering in the street they comforted Jenny, giving thanks that she and her son were ok, giving thanks that the house could be repaired. 

Prayer:

Father God,

Help us to be your arms of comfort to those in need

Amen