THEY'RE IS a true story of an engine driver who, it so happened drove his engine on the rail track that passed his own home and garden. When possible, he could look at his family in the garden, and even give them a friendly wave. He was a man of faith, and never failed to be in his church on Sundays.
One day in the course of his regular routine as an engine driver, and as he passed by his home, there was an accident. His little five year old son was killed by the train driven by himself. One can imagine the horror and shock that ensued for the driver and the family. As is typical in such situations of tragedy, and typical in sensitive people, a reproaching of self is liable to set in. However, in time, and as feelings submitted to facts, the sad incident was seen as an accident.
Faithful to his routine, the engine driver arrived at his local church for Sunday morning worship. As one might surmise, he was feeling anything but well disposed to his loving Heavenly Father. Quite naturally. his vicar was concerned about what help be might be able to give to one in such a distraught state.
Pointing to a stained glass window nearby. the engine driver said of God sarcastically: "He doesn't care that my darling little son has been killed." The vicar had expected such a remark, and had prayed that he would he given the right answer. The vicar was given an answer. He pointed to a nearby window depicting the agony of Christ on the Cross at Calvary, and said: "God does care. He cares that much."
The man concerned had seen those stained glass windows every Sunday. Now the full impact of the Cross began to grow in him. He gradually moved from agonising over his heart breaking loss for himself his wife, family and friends, to giving thanks for the blessings he knew actors whose value he knew would play an essential part in rebuilding life lovely memories of the innocent child alive, with his gifts of trustfulness and gladness in heaven. In their mouth was found no guile for they are with out fault before the throne of God."
In that story. the vicar's prayer for the help and guidance of the Spirit of Christ was mightily used. not only to save a man's reason, but to enable him to realise the power of that love of Christ at Passiontide and Holy Week; the love we celebrate each time we join in the Eucharist. There we give thanks for such amazing love. so divine, that it demands glad response.
In every pang that rends the heart
The man of sorrows has a part;
He sympathises with our grief,
And to the sufferer sends relief.