Visiting clergyman reminds Christians to love

Christians are being reminded to love just as Christ loved the church, especially with the vices seen in the international community.

Visiting Long Island, New York, Dean Reverend Dr Michael Sniffen made the call as he delivered the sermon at a special service at the Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels, St Michael’s Row, The City, Sunday morning. 

“Climate change, sea level rise, access to health care, housing and affordable energy affect the people of this world’s islands’ first, and even though I am far away from my home island I feel at home,” he said. 

“I feel God’s presence here and I know you have much to teach the world about the power of God’s love although there may be an ocean of challenges that we face together as members of God’s family.”

Reverend Sniffen added that what Jesus is reminding people to do for their entire Christian life is to love.

“When Jesus was at the crucifixion and he was short on time he simply said to his students, friends and to us, he said to love. That was all. Perhaps you’ve had the privilege of listening to someone’s last words. There is often a simple thank you, I love you, hold my hand, or remember me. All that [boils] down to is love,” he said.

“It is not a recommendation, a proposal, or a five-point plan. It is not something we do when we don’t feel like it or when we get around to it after a lifetime of procrastination. It is a commandment for us to  [carry on]. Laying down our lives and giving sacrificially [just as Christ] did,” Reverend Sniffen said.

Speaking with reporters after his sermon, Reverend Sniffen said that although it’s his first visit to Barbados, with many parishioners trying to get him on the island for the past 12 years, he’s glad he’s finally here.

“It’s wonderful. I’ve been spending most of my time at Codrington College and I just moved over to the West Coast and I’m really enjoying it. It’s an extraordinary place,” he said.

President of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason was among those in attendance. (MR)