When Jesus sat down at the lakeshore, the people flocked round him to hear. The surf, and the wind from the mountains, they carried his words to their ears, of sowing and fishing and treasures: and all is nearness and wind from afar. When Jesus sat down at the wellside, a woman came out from the town, rejected by public opinion because of her doubtful renown; but Jesus returned her to living: and all is nearness and streams from afar. When Jesus sat down in the desert, they brought to him those who were ill. He healed their despair and diseases: 'Arise and go home, you are well!' And then he broke bread with the hungry: and all is nearness and strength from afar. And now he is with us for ever: he sits at the Father's right hand; he serves us at table, we meet him in city streets and on the land. His word is our hope and our challenge: and all is nearness, for his is the world.