Listening works for Sheila Maxey

The letter of James famously states that faith without works is barren. I have been wondering what, in my old age and with declining energy, constitutes ‘works’.

I had an email from my 89-year-old German cousin, Christoph, describing a visit from an old, close friend – a fellow Marxist. Over lunch his friend spoke of his dread of ageing, loss of powers, and death. He felt quite bitter that, in spite of all his efforts throughout his adult life, the world was as bad as ever – and what would his legacy be? My cousin listened with understanding and compassion – but not necessarily agreeing with all he said. Towards the end of the lunch they had a cheerful conversation on other matters but my cousin was utterly exhausted. He had performed a good work: he had listened…

Sheila Maxey is a member of Ingatestone United Reformed Church, Essex