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	February 2003
		From the Vicar General by Robert Legg
			Intso such a world... I am writing this conscious that by the time it is published the world situation may have changed dramatically. I write with the knowledge that English troops and warships have embarked on what is loosely described as 'joint exercises' with Malaysia. Australian S.A.S. special forces are also leaving for places un-named but understood to be the Middle East and at the same time in excess of 50 000 US troops are in transit where they will join approximately 100 000 others in bases within reach of Iraq. Whilst all this is happening North Korea has withdrawn from the United Nations Nuclear Non Proliferation Agreement. As a certain well-known TV commentator is fond of saying 'It's all happening!' I could go on to mention renewed bombing and fighting in Israel and Palestine, and countless other places where there is war and rumour of war, civil commotion and rebellion. Since just before Christmas I have been much moved and helped by a poem which our retiring Bishop's Chaplain, Laurie McIntyre, brought to my attention. First Coming He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release. He did not wait for the perfect time. He came when the need was deep and great. He dined with sinners in all their grime, turned water into wine. He did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt. To a world like ours, of anguished shame He came, and his light would not go out. He came to a world which did not mesh, to heal its tangles, shield its scorn. In the mystery of the Word made Flesh the Maker of the stars was born. We cannot wait till the world is sane to raise our songs with joyful voice, for to share our grief, to touch our pain, He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice! by Madeleine L'Engle, from A Cry Like A Bell first published 1978 I am usually a positive person, but the situation in which I find myself at the beginning of 2003 is causing a certain amount of consternation within. Like many I want to see peace. Like many I want to see an end to war. Like many I want to see our resources used to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Like many I want the refugees to find home and statehood. Like many...!!! Into such a world as this the Lord Jesus comes. Pray to the Lord for His presence to permeate the affairs of humankind. Resolutely Robert Legg Vicar General