Though we are already quite numerous in Taizé this week, this is the time just before the big summer meetings when our brothers can take a little rest. Not all of us are here at the moment. Like you, we need sometimes a break and to experience a new way of being for a while.

Last week, I was with two brothers in the mountains. To be plunged into the beauty of nature was a real gift. On the mountain tops it was still winter but as we came down we passed through spring into summer seeing with delighted eyes crocuses, narcissi, geraniums and azaleas.

How wonderful God’s creation is! When we contemplate it, we can only give thanks for what we see.

At the same time, we become aware of how God asks us to take care for what we are given. In another valley a short distance away, floods were devasting a village in an extreme weather event linked probably with climate change.

Each one of us has a role to play in the care of God’s wounded creation of which our wounded human family is a part. The little choices that we make can become part of something far bigger than we can imagine.

Our world and society presents us with so many challenges at the moment. As people who desire to follow Christ, we do not want to flee these challenges but to consider them in the light of our trust in his love.

This week during evening prayer, we have been reading from chapters 5 and 6 of Matthew’s Gospel, a collection of Jesus’ teachings that we often call the Sermon on the Mount. It’s as if through his words, words which reflect his own life, Jesus opens for us a path.

As we listen to these words, then we understand that we are called always to choose the path of a greater love. This affects the way we see others and the choices we make because of them.

When I was 19 years old, I read a book by a German theologian called Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It was called The Cost of Discipleship (Nachfolge / Le Prix de la Grâce) and it had a great influence on me. Part of it is a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount.

Bonhoeffer lived in a time of war. He saw the danger of compromising our faith with tyranny and the politics of hate. The choices he made cost him his life, but his testimony still speaks to us today in our complex world.

Many of our countries in Europe and the West, but also elsewhere in the world, are at a crossroads. Like Bonhoeffer, will we be ready to take the risk of choosing the path of a greater love, to show that the Gospel leads us to live lives for and journey together with others?

In that way can we come close to the vulnerable and oppressed and perhaps contribute to overcoming the polarisations that seek to divide. We can become pilgrims of peace where God places us.

You are preparing to leave Taizé. When you return home, look to see what opportunities exist already around you to pray, listen to God’s Word and build community with others. It’s not easy, but it is possible.

I would like to ask you to re-read in the next weeks the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapter 5 and 6. Read it slowly, let its words go deep into you and let them lead you in the choices you make.

Tomorrow evening join us at 8pm to pray in silence here in the church for peace in the world. There are so many situations of violence in our families, our societies and of war.

As we remain in silent prayer, we show our solidarity with those who suffer. And perhaps intuitions will rise in our hearts to help us make the choices that are possible for us.

Would you like to join us in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia from December 28 to January 1? Our 47th European meeting will take place there. Join us in praying for peace in the world and on our continent, where war is once again present.

In Tallinn, we want to live a visible sign of an open and welcoming Europe. It also be an opportunity to share our faith with young people from all over. We look forward to seeing you there!