18/07/2009

To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite”.

The inspiring words of prisoner 46664 Nelson Mandela who is 91 today. Today’s being celebrated in South Africa and in many parts of the world as Mandela day and it’s hoped it will be a growing global initiative to honour and celebrate the former South African President and his legacy.

It will be held annually on his birthday July 18th as an opportunity for people around the world to take some time to make a contribution to the world around them. Not simply celebration, but a call to service.

On a trip to Cape Town I remember standing in Mandela’s cell in Robben Island prison; seeing the quarry where he spent days under the sweltering sun breaking stones. I still marvel at this statesman’s lack of bitterness. It is inspiring to think of how he taught fellow prisoners to read and write during his rest periods in the quarry.

In the Bible, St Paul calls us to catch this vision of service, He says, “Use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows.