Nyanga
I
am in Nyanga, in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, an area largely unknown
even to Zimbabweans. I am with several of them, all middle-aged for whom this
is their first visit. The sun is out and the mountains and slopes are green
after the first rains. The air is sharp and pure – a contrast to the pollution
of the capital.
There
are two Nyangas; the town itself with its bustle and all the ways of a struggling
urban settlement in today’s Zimbabwe, and there is here, close to the Troutbeck
Inn, a hotel hinting at the leisure of a past age. I was offered a glass of
sherry as soon as I entered the foyer and the fire there has burned continually
for 63 years.
I
have been here before and, while enjoying it, have habitually disdained this
luxury setting; an island in the midst of poverty. But today I felt
differently. This creation was the outcome of the imagination of an Irish born
British army colonel who had fought in World War Two. The lakes and hills, the
bracken and rocks, all reminded him of his home country and he set about sharing
his vision with others. And his dream is
now clearly enjoyed by the sons and daughters of the soil.
There
are many ways of doing things for others. The gospel of Matthew (chap. 25)
speaks of feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger (the migrant) and visiting
the sick and those in prison. But we must not be caught up into thinking that
these good deeds, which cry out to be done today, are the only ones. There are
so many ways one can share his or her gifts with others. The musician, the
artist and the sports person thrill us with their prowess. They tell us what a
human being is capable of. They “stretch” us in their area and inspire us to
stretch in our own.
So
we can see the story of Jesus separating us into ‘sheep’ and ‘goats’ quite
broadly. The devoted teacher who gives time to a struggling student is ‘feeding
the hungry’ just as much as those who physically provide food to the famished.
The artist who raises our eyes from the dross that often surrounds us is also ‘giving
drink to the thirsty.’ And the civic activist, journalist or writer who
attempts to ask searching questions about our society is also ‘visiting those
in prison.’
The
‘goats’ on the other hand are those who pursue their own interests regardless
of all others and in the end only compound their own unease and unhappiness.
Those
who enhanced the natural beauty of the Eastern Highlands for the benefit of all
who visit are lifting our spirits and helping us to breathe pure air and come
in touch with the one who blows where He wills.
23 November 2014 Feast
of Christ the King
Ezekiel 34:11-17 1
Corinthians 15:20-28 Matthew
25:31-46
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