Dear Parishioner

AI Generated or a “real” person?  A recorded message or an Actual person?  Playing to the audience. “It’s what my fans, followers want, expect!” ”The “Real Deal; “The Genuine article” or a performance? A fake?  ”All surface, no depth!” It’s never really been easy, but now more than ever it is getting harder and harder to find, to get, authenticity, honesty, genuineness.  The camera is always on; people always watching, expecting, wanting drama, excitement, satisfaction.   

In the world we now live in, the full reality of AI is quickly making its presence felt in every aspect of our lives.  Trying to work out what’s truly happening and where is it leading, isn’t straight forward, black and white. The implications for the lives we live, and our safety as whole, are huge. 

Who am I?  I’m  in the body. I’m in your blood.  I’m in your sweat. I’m in your tears.  I purify.  I disinfect.  I destroy impurities. I  preserve life and health.  In New Testament times I was used to prevent wounds from festering.  I can  be a catalyst for making fire.  I was so important that soldiers were paid in part with a ration of me, hence the saying ‘worth one’s ?’. I make a difference.  I have a powerful impact for the good! The Answer ……… SALT.  Did you guess it?

Jesus is calling us to be real, authentic witnesses in the world.  His witnesses, his heralds, his disciples. He is calling to be salt. He is calling us to be merciful, peacemakers, to stand up what is right and not to play to the audience and not do something because that’s what crowd wants, expect.  As Baptised Christians we are his light in the world, his fire that burns brightly for all to see and makes his Kingdom a lived reality, a lived experience in our world, our lives! Be that salt.  Be that Light on the stand!