±«Óãtv

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley

Good morning. When the words ‘Houston, we’ve had a problem here’ were uttered by Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert the attention of the world turned upwards into outer space as the drama unfolded. It was on this day 50 years ago that the command module entered Earth’s atmosphere, and splashed down in the South Pacific ocean.

What I find remarkable about the accounts of what took place during the efforts to return the crew safely to Earth was not so much the innovation and ingenuity that was required, rather more the fact that the crew is reported not to have complained about their predicament. Conditions on board became hostile to life: it was freezing cold, and impossible to rest. That’s where character becomes important. how can I assess a situation by facing reality and calmly moving forward? I read a book recently where the author (who had served in the military) described giving some advice to a young soldier who was afraid of the minesweeping task that lay before him.

His words to the soldier have stuck with me: how can I find the path and not the obstacles? Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but with lived experience wisdom can inspire and lift me out of my present challenge. It’s telling that the Apollo 13 astronauts’ last words before re-entry were directed at mission control: ‘I know all of us here want to thank all of you guys down there for the very fine job you did’. It all comes down to maintaining the right attitude, and that’s my challenge and opportunity for today.

Lord Jesus, I pray that the example of your life will shape my attitude today. Keep me from complaining, and help me to find the path ahead with clarity and calmness.

Amen.