On Monday 30 September Sean was able to once again bring the 'Word for the Week' on Behnaz Akhgar's BBC Radio Wales afternoon show.
You can listen in for next few weeks on BBC iPlayer or BBC Sounds to learn why Sean is carrying a wine bottle cork from Ukraine around in his pocket. (Go to 1:20:30 into the programme)
Once the programme is no longer available online the full transcript will be available below.
TRANSCRIPT IS BELOW
Behnaz: “ I hear you’ve been on your travels again…?”
That’s right Behnaz. As you know, I’m part of a Christian Motorcycle Club, called God’s Squad.
Just a few weeks ago, our European chapters gathered together in southern Germany to encourage one another. We’re a crazy mix of characters, language and cultures from all over Europe.
But one noticeable absence this time, was our much loved chapter community in Ukraine – who for obvious reasons, couldn’t be there. We visit them regularly, bringing pastoral support – but it’s not easy, or appropriate, for them to leave.
We miss them deeply. None more so than when we gathered together for the sacred act of sharing ‘communion together’.
It’s a moment, where the ancient tradition of bread and wine is shared by followers of Jesus, to remember what it is that holds our faith, and community together.
As we gathered together outside, on a German hillside, language barriers and cultural differences fell to one side.
We became aware of our own weaknesses, and reminded of the grace of God. Aware of our own doubts and fears and reminded of God’s peace.
Aware of those we share the road with, and those we miss.
The presence of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters was felt among us. Not in some spooky way – but in a beautiful act of defiance and solidarity, they were with us at the table –– as the wine we shared together, was a bottle of Ukrainian wine, they’d managed to get to us.
We wanted to embrace them, but we couldn’t. In this simple gift of a bottle of wine, passed across borders, from Kyiv to the Black Forest, we gathered in unity, renewing our commitment in faith together.
A gesture of hope, reaching out, bridged a gap.
Those we feel distant or separated from, may not be as extreme as my story here, where we’ve been separated by war. But separation comes in lots of different ways.
Sometimes time just passes. Sometimes there’s disagreement that cools a relationship. Sometimes it’s the physical or financial demands, that make it hard to stay connected with people.
But what I do know is; a reaching out, the giving of a gift, a phone call, a letter, a message, can bridge a gap. It can make us feel that we’re not alone.
What touches me most about this story, but shouldn’t really surprise me, is that it was our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, who sent a gift to us.
So, never underestimate what a simple token gesture can do, when it’s sent, with love.
As for the cork from that wine bottle – I’m carrying that around in my jacket pocket, as reminder of dear friends, who I long to see again soon.
Talking points afterwards included:
Ukraine and the warm response I had to my BBC Radio Wales Parkinson’s documentary broadcast since I was last on the show.