Who are your heroes?

Last week we heard of the death of Olympic runner and former mayor of the Gold Coast, Ron Clarke. In his life he was also a successful businessman, author and a philosopher.

Sadly, a minute’s silence for this Olympic legend turned ugly last week as a few loud and disrespectful State of Origin fans shouted and whistled through the tribute.

Still, we all have heroes – people we look up to. At the moment the filming of the latest installment of “The Pirates of The Caribbean continues in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, and fans are camping out to catch a glimpse or have a chat with lead actor Johnny Depp. At the same time there was news of a royal visit to Germany, with locals lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the Queen and Prince Phillip.

In 1997 three very different but well-known people died, suddenly, in vastly different circumstances – Dianna, Princess of Wales, Michael Hutchence and Mother Teresa. In each case there was an incredible outpouring of public grief.

Why? Because each in their own way touched a chord in the heart and spirit of the public! And, while each was larger than life, each also lived a life of light and shadow. At once we are reminded of our own humanity, and the light filled possibilities embodied in each life.

Likewise, Peter and Paul, the two men we remember today, are a blend of light and shadows. They were not perfect but we remember them as great men of faith whose consistent efforts, in the face of imprisonment, persecution and great hardship, laid the foundations of our own faith. We see them as heroes of faith, not for ‘godlike’ perfection, but for their perseverance in the midst of their flawed humanity. Their humanity gives us hope; that we might ourselves, live lives through which others might catch a glimpse of the divine.

We might all fall short of the example of Christ but none fall short of the love of God.

Many Blessings

Reverend Shan