CHRISTIAN Comment with Canon Ian Marsh, lay chairman of Stroud Deanery and chairman of the PSALMS board.

August is sometimes called 'the silly season'.

Politicians and newsmakers are on holiday.

There is very little serious news at home to occupy the headlines.

We indulge in our favourite pastime of 'celebrityitis'.

Wayne Rooney, Lady Gaga and of course Jeremy Paxman's beard! But does it have to be the silly season? I was struck by the recent image of Benedict Cumberbatch as he was harassed by photographers during the filming of a new series of Sherlock, holding up a placard to the press with the words 'Go photograph Egypt and show the world something important'.

It reminded the press (and us), that there are crucially important things going on in our world even in August, albeit not involving celebrities.

Can you imagine what it must be like to be in a Damascus hospital suffering the effects of a possible chemical attack, or a Coptic Christian in Egypt going to church and finding the building ransacked, or living in Japan near Fukishima and wondering if you have been contaminated by radio-activity? It doesnt have to be 'the silly season'.

Perhaps for us it could become 'the still season' when we reflect on and pray for our world - God's world.

There are things we all can do like giving to those in special need - but we can also reflect on our own priorities and relationships.

Am I making a difference in my neck of the woods?

God has given me the gift of life.

Am I using it for Him and for others?