The following is an extract from a New Year message from the Archbishop of Canterbury. To read the rest of his message, and to find out the context of the image, you’ll have to follow the link at the end …

The Good Samaritan is “… a story told by Jesus about someone taking the risk of reaching out to another who was very different to them. Yes, the person needed help – but they also needed connection.

“Christian faith doesn’t promise us a comfortable life. Christ promises us hope, meaning, peace, purpose and joy – but not comfort! It’s about following in the footsteps of Jesus, who took the risk of connecting with people who were separated from him.

“… every time we reach out and connect with someone, it is an act of heroism. Don’t underestimate it.

“It could be someone you know. It could be someone you’ve always wanted to connect with but never have. It could be someone you really disagree with.

“Let’s go for a heroic New Year’s Resolution. Let’s resolve to reconnect. To reach out to just one person we don’t know, or from whom we have drifted apart.

“Pick one person. Pick up the phone. Send them a text. Meet them for a cup of tea. Make that connection. Let’s begin cementing our unity one brick at a time.

“For this new year – and this new decade – I pray that we find the hope offered in Jesus Christ.”

The full text of +Justin’s message is available at this link and during January you can listen to it on iPlayer.