The Family of Man

We’ve spent the last couple of days with the Yorkshire part of our family. It’s been great to catch up with news and re-establish relationships with my brother Bryan and his family. We reflected on stories from our shared past… nieces Catherine and Virginia were bridesmaids at our wedding. We’ve seen pictures, heard news of jobs, studies, houses…

Most important we’ve talked about people, their thoughts and feelings, their relationships with each other and to us. We’ve appreciated their care, love and support. It’s our family. We’re personally involved. We’re part of it.

My mind went back to a song that we sung fifty years ago – with language that’s dated and inappropriate, but a sentiment that’s just as relevant today.

I belong to a family, the biggest on the earth, Ten thousand every day are coming to birth.

Our name isn’t Davis, Hall, Groves, or Jones, It’s a name every man should be proud he owns…

I’ve got a sister in Melbourne, a brother in Paris, The whole wide world is dad and mum to me.

Wherever you go you’ll find my kin, Whatever the creed or the colour of the skin.

The song says that ‘family’ is much bigger than our biological family. Today we might have a verse about our family in Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine… Slums and palaces, suburbia and refugee camps… It’s not one or the other… It’s all our family. We’re personally involved. We’re part of it.

The miner in the Rhondda, the coolie in Peking, The men across the ocean who plough, reap and spin.

They’ve got a life and others to share it, So let’s bridge the oceans and declare it.

From the North Pole ice to the snow at the other, There is not a man I wouldn’t call brother.

But there isn’t much time, I’ve had my fill, Of the men of war who intend to kill.

But it’s also about the small world of individuals. This morning I read the end of John’s gospel. Jesus has died, come back to life. He appears to and talks to three individuals – Mary Magdalene, Thomas and Peter. Three flawed, imperfect individuals whom Jesus chooses to prioritise. It’s His family. He’s personally involved. He’s part of it.

Some people say the world’s a horrible place, But it’s just as good or bad as the human race.

Dirt and misery or health and joy, Man can build or can destroy.

The family of Man keeps growing, The family of Man keeps sowing,

The seeds of a new life every day.

Today we shall enjoy being with our family. We shall remember those who are no longer with us. We shall share opinions, stories and experiences. Tomorrow we shall return home to Lowestoft. I can’t opt out of relationships and responsibilities… I can choose to build or destroy my family; it’s my personal involvement; it’s the part that I play.