What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Prayer for Flight MH17

    It would appear from news report that are still breaking that there is a very strong likelihood that the Malaysian plane which has crashed in the Ukraine has been brought down deliberately by someone as yet unknown but connected with the conflict that rages in that part of the world.

    It is one of those moments where the world looks on with horror at something utterly terrible.

    I find myself struggling to know how to pray in circumstances like this but prayer must be found somehow. How to form a prayer for Flight MH17? Something prompts me to think of St Adamnan of Iona – one of those saints whom more people should know about. He is most famous for writing a biography of St Columba but should be far better known for his Law of the Innocents. It was one of the first attempts to lessen the savagery of warfare by getting those fighting to commit to leave the innocent untouched by conflict. Adamnan’s witness shines like a beacon from the Celtic lands. A product of what we now know are Ireland and Scotland, his influence is with us today and his message is entwined with modern diplomacy, concepts of human rights and the work of all who strive for peace.

    So Adamnan of Iona, prompt our prayers….

    Eternal God
    for all those killed this day,
    for those killed in warfare,
    for those who work for peace,
    for those killed on flight MH17,
    for those who work for justice,
    for those who are innocent who are killed in the conflicts of others,
    for diplomats, peacemakers, politicians and opinion formers in all places of danger.
    Lord in your mercy,
    Hear our prayer.

    , ,

4 responses to “In praise of Easyjet staff on a very bad flight home”

  1. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    I’m sure I should have reacted in the same way as Mr Angry, which is why I never fly. It’s a form of claustrophobia – I also never travel by train if I can possibly avoid it, because passengers these days are powerless to open the windows and doors, and even to travel in a car with central locking is an ordeal. So, in effect, I can’t travel nowadays.

    Reply
  2. Rosemary Hannah Avatar
    Rosemary Hannah

    The last time I had a Mr Angry he was sat next to me in a very public place where my reputation was at stake. Also I have a professional connection with him. Inevitably I felt it all reflected on me. It was a bad experience. A really bad experience. Anger of that kind is, I suspect, needing professional help of some kind.

    Reply
  3. Beth Routledge Avatar
    Beth Routledge

    I’ve done the getting off the plane and spending the night in a hotel business, and I do not recommend it. 22 hours late. Our families were interviewed on local news.

    Still not sure I wouldn’t rather do that again than sit through what sounds like one of the worst non-crashing flights in commercial aviation history.

    Reply
  4. Christine McIntosh Avatar
    Christine McIntosh

    Wonderful tale, Kelvin – we’re enjoying it as we sit with our feet up looking out over The Minch at the end of a perfect day on Berneray …(sorry!)

    Reply

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