The Queen recently referred to a ‘sombre mood’ in the nation following the recent terrorist attacks and devastating fire in West London.

Such unexpected and large scale loss of life hits us hard, raises many questions but has prompted remarkable community responses. Since then there has been a further provocative incident outside a mosque in London.

The Big Day Out in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox last weekend reminded us as a nation of her words that we have more in common than divides us. But recent events teach us there is much more to do. But what?

Listen to each other. Anger at being ignored, being left behind, being a ‘just about managing’ community, is close to the surface and it doesn’t take much to create an outburst of emotion that spills out onto the streets and expresses the deeply felt divisions that exist in all parts of the country. The big cry after the Grenfell Tower fire was for voices to be heard.

Be hospitable to each other. Crossing the thresholds of our homes to share life with our neighbours is a vital key to better community life. But we easily retreat to spend time with those like ourselves, because it requires effort to branch out of our comfort zone.

We recently hosted a Muslim family at Bishop’s House for tea and now have been invited back to their home for Eid. Finding ways of meeting across social and religious divides through the sharing of a meal brings new friendships and breaks down caricatures and stereotypes.

Talk honestly about our differences. Too often we are afraid to hold the honest conversation, fearful of the reaction, rejection, or being misunderstood and so we keep quiet.

Differences never get aired and the relationships remain superficial. It takes courage to say what we feel and believe and yet at the same time it strengthens respect.

Admit that as human beings we have one experience in common. None of us know when our time to leave this world is going to come. Recent events remind us that we are not in control of life, we need to treasure each day as a gift and we should prepare to meet our Maker.

May this ‘sombre mood’ of reflection cause us, not to panic or be fearful, but to pray and make the personal changes that will transform our communities.