Sunday 29 December 2024
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THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR "The eyes of the Lord are always upon you, from the beginning of the year, even to the end." This Sunday is the last Sunday of the year. When "the bells" chime on Tuesday night, we will pass from one year into another. For some, this is a time of anticipation, with an eager 'looking forward' to what the new year may bring. For others, this is a time of mixed emotions, with feelings of loneliness, weariness, and a sadness that time is moving forward much more quickly than desired. Yet for others, there's the indifferent attitude - those for whom the New Year means neither one thing nor the other. What frame of mind might we adopt today as we approach the close of 2024? Forty-two years ago, I spent Christmas and New Year in the lovely city of Toronto in Canada. In the centre of Toronto, I came across a grand, tall department store with a large front window overlooking the bustling street. Behind this window there was a splendid display, with life-size characters busy "counting" something. One was looking at a calendar on the wall, counting the days until the end of the year. Another was kneeling on the floor, counting the Christmas gifts that had piled up underneath the Christmas tree. Another was standing at a fireplace, counting the Christmas cards on the mantelpiece and on other furnishings. Another was in the kitchen, counting the items coming out of various shopping bags. And another was at a desk with a wallet, counting his cents and dollars. But one was at the fireside, reclining in an armchair, telling us what he was doing: "I'm counting my blessings!" As we come to the last Sunday of this year, this is an opportunity for each of us to "count our blessings." We could take time to sit down and quietly reflect on the year that is closing, and count the blessings we have received in the providence of Almighty God. Our attitude, then, might be one of gratitude, of true thanksgiving. Even though this has not been the most cheerful of years, there must be something for which to express our gratitude. The love of God has never failed us, and we can take enormous comfort from St. Paul's conviction that nothing in all creation can separate us from the divine love we see in Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:39) Let us take some time to "count our blessings," and express our thanksgiving to God, who, in his love for the world, has safely brought us to this hour, to this very moment, and to the gate of another year in our life's continuing journey. A happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you all, with every blessing in 2025! A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Eternal Lord God, by whose command the order of time quietly runs its course: we give you thanks for bringing us through a challenging year of our life's continuing journey. Forgive us our ingratitude in the year now endingt, and our forgetfulness of you, and teach us, now and in the coming days, to number our blessings and give you due praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the Lord who has blessed and kept us in the year now ending, preserve our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and for evermore. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen. |
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Wednesday 25 December 2024
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CHRISTMAS DAY
THE INN-KEEPER The Christmas story, as recorded in St. Luke's Gospel, was a most incredible event. The birth was announced by angels, singing in the night sky. Their message was heard by shepherds, who left their work and went straight to Bethlehem to see the new-born child. Mary and Joseph were in a stable or cattle stall - not the usual place for a birth. And at some later point, according to St. Matthew's Gospel, the child was visited by wise men from the east, bearing their threefold gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There is, however, one person on whom the story depends, who rarely, if ever, receives a mention. Nor do we usually see them represented in a Christmas crib. That is the inn-keeper. We are told that there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph on the night that Jesus was born. But we are told nothing about the inn-keeper who led the couple to a cattle stall or some other structure, so that the birth could take place. We do not know the inn-keeper's name or anything about their identity. Yet this was the one person who did something practical and positive when there was no room in their hostelry, and offered the couple help when help was urgently needed. Here is a Christmas thought. The main characters in the Christmas story are well-known. One of them is anonymous, but without their contribution, the story would not have taken the shape that it does. The inn-keeper gave Mary and Joseph accommodation when the inn was filled with guests. He could easily have turned them away, and ignored their plight. Instead, he did something practical, while remaining anonymous to us. In the Christian faith, there are countless people like that inn-keeper: people who are unknown to the world, but are known to God. The inn-keeper is a reminder today of those 'anonymous Christians' on whom the whole fabric of the world depends, and whose practical and positive help we all need. On Christmas Day, let us remember them, and give thanks for their service and self-sacrifice on our behalf. Like the inn-keeper, these saintly souls are anonymous to us. But day by day - and even on Christmas Day - they keep the wheels of civilisation turning for us. A happy, peaceful Christmas Day to you all! Point to ponder: "Each of us is an inn-keeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!" (Neal A. Maxwell) A CHRISTMAS DAY BLESSING May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child be ours this Christmas Day. Amen. |
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Sunday 22 December 2024
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THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CHRISTMAS SUNDAY CHRISTMAS PRAISE It is a well-known fact that some of the finest music in our repertoire of Christian praise was specially written for Christmas, and in this holy season we sing hymns and carols, often first heard in childhood years - at school, in church or in other public place - and sometimes to the accompaniment of a lovely brass band. According to St. Luke's Gospel, the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem was announced by a choir of angels, singing in the night sky. And it must be said that music and the worship of God have always gone together. The writer of Psalm 150 urges his Jewish readers to worship God in his holy place, and to do so with a range of instruments: with fanfares on the trumpet, with harp and lyre, tambourines, flute and stringed instruments, and with the sound of crashing cymbals, while St. Paul tells people at Colossae to sing out from the heart in gratitude to God - with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. The Christian Church has always been "a singing Church," and our Christmas hymns and carols allow us to praise God with the human voice, which, according to some, is the most important of instruments, and which must be a comfort to those who say that their singing is poor or non-existent! A renowned hymnologist has claimed that all the images contained within our Christmas praise point to one truth: "the uniqueness of Jesus Christ." Whatever the source of the text, or the mood of the music, our Christmas praise collectively proclaims in word and song "the uniqueness of Jesus Christ," born a child, but yet a King. "The uniqueness of Jesus Christ is the truth to which all Christmas words and music give direction and purpose." The "uniqueness of Jesus Christ" is not something we should leave locked in a hymnbook or some other source, only to be brought out once a year at Christmas. The "uniqueness of Jesus Christ" is something his disciples today should preach and practise in their daily lives, acknowledging him, not as a child in a manger, but as King of kings and Lord of lords - the One to whom all power in heaven and on earth belongs. At Christmas, however, "the uniqueness of Jesus Christ" is something we can proclaim in sacred song, and welcome the coming of Jesus Christ in the same way as the angels did on the night of his birth - with joyful praise! "Joy to the world, the Lord is come! let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing." (Isaac Watts 1674-1748) A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS SUNDAY Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we give thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all people, and for your constant care over all creation. On this Christmas Sunday we remember and give thanks for those who wrote our Christmas praise, which has urged and inspired us, and cheered us on our way through many years and many generations. Above all, we give thanks for Jesus Christ, born a child, and yet a King. May the joy of his coming among us bring healing to us and to a broken world; and so may his uniqueness be a blessing we proclaim, every moment of our day. In his name we pray. Amen. THE BLESSING Let us now go forth into the world in peace, with Christmas praise ringing in our hearts. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 15 December 2024
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THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
JOHN THE BAPTIST "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Our modern world is one of sending messages, whether in a traditional way or by the various means of technology at our disposal. though there are still those for whom pen and paper will never be surpassed. Our world is indeed one of sending messages, while postal and parcel services, along with other couriers, continue to serve as messengers. In the Advent story, John the Baptist is acknowledged as a messenger, called to 'prepare the way' for the coming of the Messiah - which we find rooted in the Old Testament. In a passage from the book of Isaiah (40:1-11), the prophet foretells the coming of God's messenger to 'prepare the way' for his Chosen One - someone later identified as John the Baptist. John was, what we would call, an eccentric: he lived an austere life, dressed up in strange clothes, ate locusts and wild honey, and behaved in a way that many would regard as bizarre and unorthodox. As a preacher in his own right, the interesting fact about John is that he never sought publicity for himself. John regarded his ministry as one of preparation - as one of 'preparing the way' for the 'advent' or 'coming' of Jesus Christ. When Jesus finally appeared, John retreated into the background to allow Jesus to have the foremost place. From what we know about him, John never sought to draw attention to himself, or crave the kind of recognition that attention-seekers look for today. It is often said that we live in a celebrity-driven culture, where many go to inordinate lengths to attract public attention and approval. One writer has recently said that we are living in an "attention-seeking society," where self-worship has reached new heights and is almost a national industry. Yet John the Baptist, in spite of his eccentric appearance and erratic manner, stands as a reminder to all of us that while "attention-seeking" might be the way of the world, it is not the Christian way. Humility and grace are Christ's way, and this is something of which John the Baptist was acutely aware. As part of our Advent discipline, we may reflect on this, and work for a world where humility and grace are much more in evidence, and where John the Baptist's modesty becomes an inspiration, an example for each of us to follow. "John the Baptist pointed the way to Christ. He was just the voice, not the Messiah. We should be like him in our Christian witness." (Anonymous) A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK Almighty and ever-living God, by whose power John the Baptist was born into the world as forerunner of the promised Messiah: help us to hear and to heed once more his message of repentance and amendment of life, and to follow his blessed example of humility, grace and self-denial; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the Lord Jesus Christ, who by his most blessed Advent, came to redeem the world, sanctify our bodies, minds and spirits; that we may await his coming again in glory with faith, and without fear. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 8 December 2024
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THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
"The Lord is our strength and our might and has become our salvation." The Advent season was, and still is for many people, a time of preparation for the "coming" or the "arrival" of Jesus Christ into our world. It has also been one of "getting ready" for what is called the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of history. The shortness of time is something of which we are all aware. In recent times, the days and months have passed quickly, while people often say that the years pass by at an incredible pace. Many famous people have expressed their anxiety about the brevity of time. In his Songs of Travel, Robert Louis Stevenson admitted to fear of "the sunset gun" going off too soon, while in When I Have Fears, the poet John Keats expressed his anxiety that he might "cease to be" before completing his life's work. Like so many great people, St. Paul was haunted by the shortness of time. This was founded on his belief that the Second Coming of Christ was imminent, and would most likely take place in his lifetime. The early Christian Church expected Christ to return to this world at any moment, and people had to be prepared for it. Therefore, in his Letter to the Romans (13: 11-14), the apostle affirms his deeply-held belief that time is short, that the Lord's re-appearance is near, and that his readers must live in such a way as befits this cataclysmic event. What are we to make of this today? After some two thousand years, this event, with all its attendant drama, has not happened. Jesus Christ has not returned to earth as expected, and in the awesome way described in many Advent hymns and readings. "Lo, he comes with clouds descending, Christ, the Lamb, for sinners slain" - these lines from Charles Wesleys's splendid hymn describe an experience which has not taken place in this cataclysmic manner. Perhaps we need to interpret this less literally, and look at the conviction on which the belief rests. The conviction is that history is not, as some suppose, a random and unrelated series of events and experiences, thrown together by pure chance. The whole course of history has a meaning and purpose to it, and the climax of history will be the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ, and of everything that he stands for. In other words, there is a reason for our being here, and all our experiences, whether good or otherwise, are part of the divine plan. Therefore, in view of this, and as Professor William Barclay points out, we should live in such a way as if Jesus were to come among us at any moment. For every day, we draw nearer to that time when the child of Bethlehem will be Lord of all. In this Advent season, we may ask if we are living in a way that would meet with Christ's approval should he come to us unexpectedly, or in a way that would bring judgment on ourselves, and dishonour to his name. Whatever we think of the Second Coming today, it points to the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ, whose birth at Bethlehem we are preparing to celebrate. Therefore, "Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come!" A PRAYER FOR TODAY Holy God, righteous and merciful, beyond our deepest understanding, yet made known to us in Jesus Christ: as we pass through this Advent season, take your Church, and strengthen it; take our world, and civilise it; take our nation, and purify it; take our society, and cleanse it; take our culture, and enrich it; take our health, and restore it; take our lives, and make them fit for every duty that awaits us, that we may be faithful servants of Jesus Christ, whose coming we await and whose day draws near. Amen. A PRAYER FOR ADVENT Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. THE BLESSING The God of peace make us holy in all things that we may be ready at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 1 December 2024
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THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
(ADVENT SUNDAY) "Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he comes, shall find watching." Today is the First Sunday of Advent, otherwise known as Advent Sunday. It has been said of Advent that it is "a season clouded in mystery," and if there is substance to this claim, we may well ask where all the mystery has gone. In our constant, and sometimes desperate attempt to be relevant, we have arguably oversimplified or even trivialised the Christian faith. We may have overlooked the profound sense of mystery that has always been central to Christian belief and devotion, and contented ourselves with what has been called "an abridged version of Christianity." We have, of course, seen this shift in emphasis in other areas of life. It is a sure and certain sign of our times that the modern mind is suspicious of mystery and will not accept too much of it. We need to cut through life's mysteries and get to the root of everything. In making the faith easier to understand, we may have lost the deep sense of mystery that once underpinned it. Advent is historically a season of expectation, a time of preparation for something that will forever remain a mystery: the coming of God in Jesus Christ. These holy days of Advent invite us to reflect on the greatest mystery the world has ever known, and however intelligently we try and explain it, the very notion of God's coming to our world in Mary's child is something that defies rational explanation. If we want a simple, easy-going Christianity, then Jesus is no more than an outstanding preacher, teacher and healer. If we want the mystery, we must see Jesus in a much greater sense: as the One who, according to St. Paul (Colossians 1: 9-20), is the image of the invisible God, the One who embodies God's wisdom and God's nature, the One in whom God in all his fullness chose to dwell. This will always be a mystery. But beneath the mystery is the conviction that in Jesus Christ, God chose to disclose himself in a human life. This is forever a mystery - but forever a marvel as well. "Advent is a time to wait, listen and ponder the awesome wonder (mystery) of God who sent his only Son as a baby to save us." (Jean Wise: author, speaker, retreat leader) A PRAYER FOR ADVENT SUNDAY O Lord our God, by whose everlasting grace we come to these most holy days of Advent: may this special season always be for us a time of reflection, repentance and renewal; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, prepare us once more for the birth of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, the child in the manger, the infant of Mary, the world's true light for ever shining. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE ADVENT SEASON O God, through the everlasting mystery of Advent, give us grace to celebrate the birth of your dear Son, to commit our lives to his example and to his kingdom, and finally, when our earthly days are over, to see him face to face in all his glory; in whose name we pray. Amen. O God, in this holy season of Advent, bring us through the mystery of these coming days, that when Christ comes and we celebrate his birth at Bethlehem, his coming among us may bring light to the world, peace to all mankind, and fresh hope for all your people; in whose name we pray. Amen. THE BLESSING Look forward in hope to the coming of our Saviour; prepare the way for Christ our Lord; welcome him with love and faith when he comes in glory. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 24 November 2024
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'CHRIST THE KING' SUNDAY
SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE ADVENT LAST SUNDAY OF THE CHRISTIAN YEAR "The Lord is King: let the earth rejoice!" This Sunday (24 November) marks the end of the Christian Year. We now progress into Advent, leading on to the celebration of Christmas. In many branches of the Christian Church, this Sunday is celebrated as 'Christ the King' Sunday, when Christ's authority over all things in heaven and on earth is duly acknowledged and proclaimed - the One in whom "God in all his fullness chose to dwell." (Colossians 1: 19) In the period immediately after World War 1, there arose a profound suspicion of authority, while the inter-war years saw a marked increase in the process of secularisation throughout Europe. For many people, the War itself had shaken or destroyed their faith in God and humanity, and in consequence there was antipathy to religion in general, and to Christianity in particular. In the political sphere, dictatorships were on the rise, while even within the Church, much of traditional Christianity - including the authority of Jesus Christ - was being questioned. In that sceptical age, something was needed to bring Christ back into focus. It is said that 'Christ the King' Sunday started in 1925 as a means of restating the ultimate sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all things, and was soon adopted by the mainstream Christian denominations. One of the lessons of 'Christ the King' Sunday is that we all live under the most just and gentle rule of Jesus Christ - the One who, according to St. Paul has "the primacy over all creation." (Colossians 1: 15) When we speak of Christ as King, we are not thinking of some oppressive ruler - a capricious tyrant - but someone who was prepared to die for us, and whom God raised to the highest place in his presence. The Christ whom the disciples followed here has become the risen, ascended and glorified Lord, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. And today, he brings mercy, truth, love and forgiveness in infinite measure - his healing gifts this wounded world so urgently needs. At this time of ongoing war in Ukraine, and horrifying conflict in the Middle East, and when the world seems to have lost all logic and commonsense, and also its spiritual moorings, and when many voices loudly clamour for our attention, it is reassuring to know that 'Christ the King' is our ultimate authority here and hereafter, and that his eternal rule is one of light, love and life. So let us now proclaim with one accord: "The Lord is King: let the earth rejoice!" A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Holy God, righteous and merciful, on this 'Christ the King' Sunday, we confess that we have failed to live as if Christ ruled over us, as if Christ inspired us, guided and directed us. "Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways; reclothe us in our rightful mind; in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise." Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us, that we may walk in Christ's way, abide in his truth and live in his love, every moment of our day, every day of our life; for his name's sake. Amen. THE BLESSING Christ the King make us faithful and strong to do his will, and bring us to reign with him in glory. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 17 November 2024
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THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT
REMEMBRANCE: A FINAL THOUGHT Over the last few weeks, our thoughts have been focussed on the theme of 'remembrance.' At All Saints' Tide, we honoured God's faithful people of every age and place, especially those known to us and loved by us, whose memory we treasure. Then on Remembrance Sunday and on Remembrance Day, we paid solemn tribute, by our traditional ceremonies, to all whose lives were taken in wars, past and present, and to all others who have lived and died in the service of mankind. For many people this season reawakens painful memories, and our prayers have included those in any physical, emotional or spiritual way affected by war or conflict in ages past, or at the present time. In the village of Lochawe in Argyll, just off the main road between Dalmally and Oban, stands the beautiful St. Conan's Kirk, often described as 'Argyll's hidden gem.' Designed and built by Walter J. Douglas Campbell (1850-1914) of Innis Chonain, an architect and a younger brother of the 1st Lord Blythswood, the Kirk attracts visitors from all over the world, with its magnificent lochside setting and accessible location. Indeed, this place of Christian worship is unique in the Scottish Highlands for having an example of almost every style of Church architecture within its hallowed walls, with Gothic flying buttresses, a Norman doorway, a Saxon tower and a Celtic cross. At the Kirk, there is an oval, white marble plaque in memory of Lieutenant Ian Alastair Campbell of Barcaldine, 2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, who was mortally wounded on 21st October 1899 at the Battle of Elandslaagte - one of the Boer War battles - "while giving a drink of water to a wounded foe." The cause of his death is a most interesting one. Over the years, we have rightly remembered and paid tribute to those who laid down their life for their friends. Here is a young man, however, who laid down his life for a wounded enemy. We are not able to say if this is a unique incident in warfare, or whether there are others who lost their lives while giving assistance to their enemy. It may well be that documents yet undiscovered will reveal that this was common practice, or we may never know. One of the hardest sayings of Jesus is the command laid down in St. Matthew's Gospel (5:44) to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. In other words, Jesus calls his disciples to treat people in such a way that, no matter how they treat us, or what they do to us, we are still to regard them with a benevolence that seeks their highest good. It has been suggested that this command may only apply to 'personal antagonists,' but whatever its precise meaning, it goes against human nature to fulfil it. By doing so, we show the all-embracing love of God, who freely offers his grace to those least deserving of it, and even to those who refuse to acknowledge him. It also allows us, as his people, to confront challenging circumstances with compassion and forgiveness. Is this an impossible objective? It certainly goes against our natural tendency to extract revenge through anger and bitterness, and thereby resort to conflict. Yet that young soldier, commemorated in St. Conan's Kirk, who laid down his life while helping a dying foe, is an honourable example of what Jesus meant. What a different world this would be if we were much more conscious of our common humanity in Jesus Christ, and made every effort to turn foes into friends, hostility into harmony, and the wilderness of war into the garden of the Lord! PRAYERS FOR THE DAY O God, the Father of all, whose love extends to all people, all creatures, all things, and whose Son has commanded us to love even those who are our enemies and stand against us: give us grace to fulfil this command by leading us forward in goodwill, and without prejudice or malice; and in your own good time, bring us all to stand reconciled before you, with foes transformed into friends, and hate transformed intro love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble: hasten the day when wars shall cease and pain and suffering shall end, that earth may finally know the joy and peace of heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Monday 11 November 2024
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REMEMBRANCE DAY:
A SHORT COMMEMORATION God is our refuge and our strength, a timely help in trouble. Those who look to the Lord will win new strength, they will soar as on eagles' wings; they will run and not feel faint, march on and not grow weary. O God, as we mark this day of national remembrance, fill our hearts with true thanksgiving for all your mercies to us; give us grace to honour the fallen, not only with our lips, but in our lives; and grant us peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Silence. Silence is kept for two minutes. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." We will remember them. In memory of those who died, make us better men and women in our day and generation; and in gratitude to God let us live as those who are not their own but who are bought with a price. Amen Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve: to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, this Remembrance Day and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 10 November 2024
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: A THOUGHT
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." Once again, on Remembrance Sunday, we hear these moving words at war memorials, churches, schools, parade grounds and other locations where those who gave their lives in two world wars, and where those who have lived and died in the service of mankind, are commemorated. They were written by the English poet, dramatist and art scholar Robert Laurence Binyon CH (1869-1943), and come from his poem For the Fallen, written in 1914, when Binyon was on a visit to the cliffs on the north Cornwall coast. These lines, the central part of the poem, are called the 'Ode of Remembrance,' and were first published in The Times in September of that year. Today, they have been claimed as a tribute to all casualties of war, regardless of nation. On Remembrance Sunday, we hear much about the supreme sacrifice having been made for our 'freedom,' and to enable us to live in a world where 'nation shall speak peace unto nation.' We value our freedom greatly, and we continue with our thanksgiving and remembering for we have no right to forget. The liberties we enjoy today, and so often take for granted and as our due, were bought at a price: at the cost of countless lives. We pray that by remembering the conflicts of the past, we may work for a peaceful future - for us, for our children and for our children's children. In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah (4: 1-5) offers us a vision of the world as it might be, a vision that throughout the ages and into modern times has captured the human imagination. It has been said of this passage that it is so striking in its vision, so evocative in its language and such a powerful expression of human hope, that it has become a classic text. There is no certainty as to whether Micah actually wrote these words - the same passage occurs in Isaiah (2: 2-4) in almost identical form - but the message of the text is clear: instruments of war will no longer be necessary, as nations will live under God's law of love; the terror of violence and battle will become a thing of the past; and in this new world, nations will live together in harmony, each with its own faith, but Israel with a renewed faith in its one true God. In order to create such a world, we must take our 'freedom' seriously, and we must use it responsibly. All too often, 'freedom' degenerates into licence, and an excuse to do as we please, and not to do as we ought. Most of us do use our 'freedom' aright, and are forever grateful to those who laid down their lives to make it possible. There are others, however, who have debased the concept of 'freedom,' and have turned liberty into licence, and an excuse to do whatever one pleases. There is nothing new about this. Writing to the Christians at Galacia, St. Paul had to remind them that their Christian freedom gained by the death of Jesus Christ was not a permit to act recklessly and irresponsibly, but a gift of grace to behave in a true Christ-like way. The Scottish philosopher David Hume said that "the corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst." The corruption of 'freedom,' so evident today, gives rise to all kinds of misguided practices and wrong values. It is therefore incumbent on us to use the 'freedom' won for us in a way that honours those who paid for it with their lives. What it ultimately comes down to is this: At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. The question we must ask on Remembrance Sunday is this: Would they wish to remember us? (Born in Lancaster, the son of Frederick Binyon, an Anglican clergyman, Laurence Binyon had a Quaker ancestry. From 1933-34 he was the Norton Professor of Poetry at Harvard University in the USA, before returning to the UK. While the quoted verse is internationally acclaimed, his poem on the London blitz, The Burning of the Leaves, is said to be his masterpiece. In 1913 his was among the names suggested in the press for the post of Poet Laureate - such was his high reputation - though he never received this accolade). PRAYERS FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY God of power and love, bless our country and commonwealth. Give wisdom and strength to the King, govern those who make the laws, guide those who direct our common life, and grant that together we may fulfil our service for the welfare of the whole people and for your praise and glory. Bless our sailors, soldiers, and airmen. Defend them in danger. Give them courage to meet all occasions with discipline and loyalty. So may they serve the cause of justice and peace, to the honour of your name. Bless our friends and those who were our enemies, who suffered or are still suffering from war. Grant that your love may reach out to the wounded, the disabled, the mentally distressed, and those whose faith has been shaken by what they have seen and endured. Comfort all who mourn the death of loved ones, and all who on this day miss the comradeship of friends. Bless your Church throughout the world. By your Holy Spirit draw the scattered flock of Christ into a visible unity, and make your Church a sign of hope to our divided world. Grant that we who bear your Son's name may be instruments of your peace, bringing peace to our homes, our nation, and our world. And now, rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence, and give you thanks for those whom we have known, whose memory we treasure. May the example of their devotion inspire us, that we may be taught to live by those who learned to die. And at the last, grant that we, being faithful till death, may receive with them the crown of life that never fades; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 417, 418, 419 THE BLESSING God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth, and all mankind, peace and concord; and to us and all his servants life everlasting. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 3 November 2024
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TRINITY 23
ALL SAINTS' TIDE "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us...". In the Christian Year, this is All Saints' Tide - All Saints' Day falling each year on the 1st November. When we think of a saint, we may think of a figure in a stained glass window: a man or woman of outstanding spiritual and moral qualities, whose influence and example have gained them a permanent place in Christian devotion. We may also find a saint depicted in a painting, carving, tapestry or other object of Christian art. In Reformed thinking, all the faithful are saints. It has been said that saints do not belong exclusively to the past, but are real people in the world today. It is claimed that each of us has known many saints or saintly souls - those who first brought us to faith, those who have encouraged us on our way, those who have provided care, compassion and comfort when most needed, and those who in other ways have sustained us on life's journey. Saintly souls are real today as in every age. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (11: 32-12: 2) thinks of all those who have gone before him. Someone has referred to the list of those he mentions as faith's "hall of fame." He then sees them as occupying a grand stadium, making up an 'unseen cloud of witnesses,' for evermore around us. In other words, like a vast audience in a sports stadium, the saints of old and all the faithful servants of Christ are now unseen, but not unknown witnesses to our performance in this life. This means that our own Christian life is not lived alone. Every moment is lived in the gaze of the heroes of the faith, and of ordinary souls of every age and place who are now part of that 'blest communion, fellowship divine.' With such an audience looking down on us, we cannot possibly fail to go on our way with courage, hope and patience. They cheer us and support us until at last we join them in the presence of Jesus Christ. At All Saints' Tide, we remember and give thanks for those who have have gone before us in the Faith, and for countless others, known and unknown, who have touched our lives in many ways, and are now in God's eternal presence. Above all, we remember that we live this life in their company, in fellowship with them and under their watchful gaze. And with an audience like this around us, we may run with perseverance the race of life that lies before us, upheld by those saints and heroes of the past who have now completed their journey. A PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS' TIDE Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son. Give us grace to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those inexpressible joys which you have prepared for those who perfectly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 690-691 A PRAYER FOR THE WEEK Gracious God, faithful and constant across all the ages: as we pass through this earthly life, encourage us through all who have journeyed before us, that we may encourage those who, in time, come after us; and in our own journey of faith, help us to learn from lives lived for you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May God give us grace to follow the example of the saints in all virtuous and holy living. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 27 October 2024
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TRINITY 22
CHANGING THE CLOCK THE GIFT OF TIME "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) In the early hours of this Sunday morning, British Summer Time came to an end, with the clocks set back by one hour. This brings with it shorter days and longer nights as we move closer to winter, a season most likely dominated by concern over rising energy costs and cost-of-living issues. Nevertheless, at 2.00 a.m. British Summer Time (BST) ended and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) began. In the Bible, 'time' is an important concept. In the Old Testament, in the Book of Ecclesiastes (3:1) we read that "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," while the writer goes on to say (3:11) that "He (God) has made everything to suit its time." In the New Testament (Ephesians 5:16), St. Paul tells the Christians at Ephesus to "make the best use of time, because the days are evil." Believers are encouraged to make the most of every moment in God's service, and no one would question this advice. There are many things we can do with time. We can use it, lose it, spend it, waste it - but we can't replay it. We may wish we could set back time by an hour, a day, a month or even years. By so doing, through the gift of hindsight, we could act differently, or consider how events might have turned out had circumstances been different at the time. Unlike the sports programmes on television, where actions are often repeated in slow motion, there is no possibility of replaying time. As the Psalmist (90:4) said: "Yesterday is past." And time is always moving forward. "If only" is a short phrase in common currency. We use it to express regret, remorse, sorrow and guilt. So many feelings and emotions lie behind these two words, which indicate a desire to turn back the clock of life. Even Jesus might have felt like this when, aware of the death of his friend Lazarus, he arrived at the home three days later, only to receive Mary's stern rebuke: "If only you had come, my brother would not have died." (St. John 11:32) Yesterday is past. And time is always moving forward. Those of us of Christian faith can move forward with confidence, trusting in the grace of God, offered to us in Jesus Christ. By that divine forgiveness, the failures of the past lose their power over us, and set us free to move forward in faith with renewed vigour. As we change the clock, let us continue to "make the best use of time" in God's service. For as Isaac Watts reminds us in his well-known hymn, time moves on "like an ever-rolling stream," and that the passing of time is unstoppable, regardless of anyone's actions. "We must use time wisely and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right." (Nelson Mandela,1918-2013) Holy God, righteous and merciful, as this new day beckons with its opportunities of pleasing you, we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings and all that is amiss in our lives; for we have so often resisted your will, and wasted the precious gift of time you have generously given to us. Lift us high above our failures; and may your power remake us and shape us into what we ought to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, by whose grace we come to this new day: set up your kingdom in our hearts and make us your obedient servants, that we may give our lives to your service and always seek to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and ever-living God, God of the morning, God of this new day: give us, we pray, the humility to acknowledge our mistakes; the honesty to recognise our weakness; the courage to seek your strength; and the desire to find our satisfaction in work well done; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to himself; may the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service; may the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls; and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us and abide with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 20 October 2024
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TRINITY 21
PROXIMITY AND DISTANCE There are times in life when we need the proximity of family and friends. In times of anxiety or difficulty, we value the company of those who willingly and cheerfully uplift and support us. During the Covid pandemic, it was a constant complaint that close ties with other people was not possible, and that many suffered severe distress as a consequence. John Donne, the English poet, scholar, soldier and cleric, who was Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in London (1621-1631) famously noted that "no man is an island," meaning that we all need human contact and are dependent on one another. Jesus was well aware of this human need for proximity. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus used proximity as a pastoral tool, getting close to people as a means of healing and helping them, and of restoring their dignity and worth. For example, Jesus got close to Nicodemus who, burdened with questions, came to him secretly by night. We see proximity in the conversation Jesus has with the woman from Samaria, whom he met at the well of Sychar; and we see it in his meeting with Zacchaeus, the hated tax-collector, whom he ordered to come down from a sycamore tree so that he might be a guest in his house. There are many occasions when Jesus exercised a "ministry of proximity" to others, getting alongside them to comfort, confront and even challenge them, and often restoring their dignity and worth. There are also times in life when people do not need proximity but distance. In other words, there are occasions when people need what we call "space," and when the "ministry of proximity" is not appropriate. In St. Luke's Gospel (18: 18-30), there is the story of a rich ruler, unable to meet the demands of discipleship because of his trust in his "great possessions." In this context, the term "ruler" might refer to a local magistrate, public official or civil servant, or even an officer in the Jewish synagogue. What is significant in the various versions of this story is that Jesus respected the man's decision to walk away. Jesus made no effort to try and persuade or cajole him into discipleship, not did he even engage in debate or discussion. Jesus "warmed" to the man, but let him go, wholly respecting his decision.. This man needed "space" to reassess his priorities in the light of what Jesus had told him. In this case, the "ministry of proximity" would not have been appropriate. The "ministry of distance" was the better option. There are times in our life when we need not proximity but distance. There are times in our life when we need "space." When something unexpectedly comes our way that requires serious thinking, the proximity of other people, however well-intentioned, may become a distraction, rather than a solution. In truth, we all need "space" at one time or another in our lives - times when we need to get away from everything and from everyone, and not feel constrained by the proximity of others. Jesus was well aware of this. In this public ministry, he knew when it was appropriate for the "ministry of proximity" and the "ministry of distance." The question is: do we? O God, by your Spirit of wisdom, give us grace to discern when proximity or distance is the better option, so that we may give others the space they need to reflect, and not distract them by our well-meaning closeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE WEEK O God, whose beauty is beyond our imagining and whose love we cannot comprehend: we give thanks that in your loving kindness you have safely brought us to another week. May each new day bring its opportunities of pleasing you and of serving you, and may all that we think and say and do bring blessing to us, to others and to you, our Lord and our God; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD Almighty and eternal God, creator of the world, and of us, your creatures in it: have mercy on our broken and divided world, torn apart by conflict and strife, by poverty, want and disease, and by so many other problems, beyond our understanding to resolve. Take this world into your care and keeping; bring peace to the Middle East and to every place where the love of power corrupts and destroys; and help us to be beacons of hope and bearers of light, even in earth's darkest place; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. AN EVENING PRAYER As the day you gave us, Lord, is ended, watch over us and protect us through the coming night, so that in the morning, when the new day dawns and the world wakes from sleep, we may rise refreshed to love and serve you, and to put our whole trust only in you, our creator, sustainer, redeemer; in the name of Christ our Saviour. Amen. THE BLESSING The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and for evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 13 October 2024
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TRINITY 20
THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE "Put it down to experience!" We often use this expression to comfort or encourage those who have faced an issue in their lives that has not been particularly pleasant. How do we understand "experience?" As a help? Or a hindrance? In St. Mark's Gospel (8: 1-21), Jesus and his disciples are on a boat, crossing over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. However, they have forgotten to bring bread with them. Jesus is warning them about the Pharisees and King Herod, noting the evil influence that each might have on them. They ought to have been listening, but all they can think and speak about, fearing that they might starve, is the fact they have no food with them. Jesus saw their obsession with this, and reminded them that only a short time before, he had satisfied the hunger of a large crowd (4000) - with enough food to spare. It was as if Jesus, reminding them of this scenario, was pointing out that "experience" hadn't taught them a lesson, and that in their present circumstances, they didn't trust Jesus enough to help them. How do we understand "experience" in the world of today? As a stepping-stone or a stumbling block? Do we see "experience" as an educator? Or, like the disciples on that vessel, do we disregard it, and dismiss it as of no significance? Sometimes the lessons of "experience" do slip through our minds, and we repeat the mistakes of the past. But there are those "experiences" that have had a positive effect on us, and we have learned much from them. This has helped us to face seemingly insoluble problems and get a satisfactory solution. Through "experience," we find a way of coping with all kinds of circumstances, recognising it as an educator. In a wider context, "experience" teaches us much about ourselves and the world around us. It may help us find a true purpose in life, make more accurate and meaningful decisions, or enrich our lives in a new and exciting ways. It also assists us in learning new skills and techniques, and develops empathy and compassion for others. The precious gift of "experience" is not to be squandered or taken lightly. "Experience" is what leads to growth, knowledge and wisdom. It may be a tutor that assists our progress in the so-called "university of life." Sir Roger Bannister was an English neurologist. He was also an athlete and the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. This was accomplished in 1954 in Oxford, and achieved with the minimal training, while practising as a junior doctor. His record lasted only forty-six days. But Bannister had found his way into the history books - using the experience of others who had tried this before him. "Experience" was Bannister's mentor. We are sometimes like Jesus's disciples, and forget that God in Christ, having safely brought us thus far, will continue to sustain and support us. We forget that God in Christ can bring us through whatever life may throw at us, because we ignore our past "experience" of him, and we fail to trust him enough for our present or future deliverance. God has given to each of us what a poet called once "the everlasting freshness of experience." This is a gift from which we may learn and grow. And there are times when we should thank God for the lessons "experience" has taught us. "Experience" should be our teacher, our God-given educator. That is what the disciples forgot. That is what we should always remember! How, then, do we understand "experience?" As a help? Or a hindrance? Gracious God, in whom we live and move and have our being: grant that through the gift of experience, we may learn the lessons of the past, and put our whole trust only in you, our rock and our redeemer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR OURSELVES Almighty God, Creator and Lord of all things, as we continue on our earthly journey, teach us to be creative in our lives, and to bring about things worthwhile, for our own good, and for the good of all; and make us creators of goodness every moment of our day, that in a troubled world, we may be bearers of light and grace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. A GENERAL PRAYER Gracious God, source of all life and light, as we pass through this autumn season, we ask your blessing on the Church, on our world, our nation, and our community, and especially on those for whom the Middle East conflict has caused so much destruction and distress. Surround them with your presence; enfold them in your love; sustain them by your strength; and may your peace possess their hearts. We ask this prayer through him who lives to make intercession for us, your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to himself,; may the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service; may the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and abide with you always. Amen. |
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Thursday 10 October 2024
THE AURORA BOREALIS
A THOUGHT
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
The writer of Psalm 19 (19:1) starts his work by gazing at the heavens, no doubt with a profound sense of awe and wonder, and pondering the sheer mystery of creation. Though human beings do not see God by looking up at the night sky, the heavenly bodies could be said to reveal God's glory, and that behind the whole majesty of nature, the divine hand is at work.
In recent weeks, the Aurora Borealis has been visible in our area in the night sky, creating shafts of light over our communities. This is caused by energised particles from the sun colliding with gases in the Earth's atmosphere and emitting beautiful ribbons of light in the process. This solar activity produces a variety of colours, visible to the human eye on a clear night.
Behind this marvellous phenomenon we may well see something of God's creative power in the universe, and agree with the writer of Psalm 19 that the heavenly bodies do proclaim God's glory, and the sky the divine mind and the divine mystery in action.
The pictures below illustrate this phenomenon beautifully, with the Aurora Borealis over Straiton and its Church on the evening of the date stated.
A THOUGHT
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
The writer of Psalm 19 (19:1) starts his work by gazing at the heavens, no doubt with a profound sense of awe and wonder, and pondering the sheer mystery of creation. Though human beings do not see God by looking up at the night sky, the heavenly bodies could be said to reveal God's glory, and that behind the whole majesty of nature, the divine hand is at work.
In recent weeks, the Aurora Borealis has been visible in our area in the night sky, creating shafts of light over our communities. This is caused by energised particles from the sun colliding with gases in the Earth's atmosphere and emitting beautiful ribbons of light in the process. This solar activity produces a variety of colours, visible to the human eye on a clear night.
Behind this marvellous phenomenon we may well see something of God's creative power in the universe, and agree with the writer of Psalm 19 that the heavenly bodies do proclaim God's glory, and the sky the divine mind and the divine mystery in action.
The pictures below illustrate this phenomenon beautifully, with the Aurora Borealis over Straiton and its Church on the evening of the date stated.
Sunday 6 October 2024
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TRINITY 20
A THOUGHT FOR HARVESTIDE "The land has yielded its harvest. God, our God, has blessed us." Of the Seven Deadly Sins, it has been said that "pride" is by far the worst. By "pride" we are not thinking of a natural pride in our work, in our family and friends, or in something we have made or achieved. By "pride" we mean an attitude of mind that compels us to see ourselves as the "master of all things," convincing us that we can achieve anything if we apply our minds to the task. This way of thinking leads to the arrogant assumption that everything we have is the outcome of our own hard work, and entices us to look snobbishly on those who are not so successful. In the Book of Deuteronomy (8: 7-18), Moses addresses the people of Israel, who are about to enter the "Promised Land." This is a rich and prosperous land that God has given to them, and Moses reminds them, in no uncertain terms, that they have not achieved their worldly wealth entirely by their own efforts. They must not become conceited, or puffed up with pride, in the mistaken notion that their own efforts have gained them the prosperity this land offers. They must always remember the Lord their God. Their affluence, their success in life must never cause them to neglect the worship of the God of Israel, and lead them to think that they can get on in life without him. He is their "Good Provider," and it is ultimately to him that they owe a huge debt of gratitude for their success in the land he has given to them. At Harvestide, Moses is reminding us that we are all ultimately dependent on God for everything that we have, and that we cannot claim complete credit for our talents, not even for our ability to work hard to achieve our level of success. Therefore, like the ancient Israelites, we must remember the Lord our God, and not, through the sin of misplaced pride, neglect or reject him. Our Harvest produce is a reminder that all things come from God, that "all good gifts around us (whatever they are) are sent from heaven above", and that our frame of mind should not be one of hardened pride, but of profound gratitude to the "Good Provider," whose generosity never falters or fails. "Remember the Lord your God," warned Moses. Let us do this not only at Harvestide, but every day of our life! O Lord our God, as we celebrate Harvestide, help us to remember that we have not gained this produce wholly by our own efforts, but that all things come from you, and to you alone we owe thanksgiving and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER OF CONFESSION Most generous God, our maker, to whom we owe our every breath: we confess with shame that all too often we have been unfaithful creatures, unworthy stewards of your creation.... We have taken your gifts for granted, and have been indifferent to you, by whom alone all things exist. Forgive us our ingratitude, we pray, our pride, our greed, our selfishness, our abuse and misuse of your bounty, our desire to gain, rather than give. Set us free from all our sins, and teach us to use your gifts wisely, responsibly, effectively, at Harvestide and at all times; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Gracious God, as we celebrate Harvestide, we give thanks for keeping your promise that as long as the earth remains seedtime and harvest shall never cease. We give thanks for the order of nature, for the beauty of the earth, and sky, and sea, and for all good things around us that come from you, our good provider; but most of all, for the riches of your grace, brought to us in Jesus Christ. Make us truly thankful for these and for all your gifts, and may we show forth our gratitude, not only in prayer, but by the way we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A HARVEST PRAYER Gracious God, as we celebrate Harvestide, we pray for those less fortunate than ourselves: for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the oppressed; for those overwhelmed by epidemic or other disaster; for those whose crops have failed, and for all those who lack the necessities of life; that you may enable us to share from our abundance with those who live in need, and cry for help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the grace of Christ attend us, the love of God surround us, the Holy Spirit keep us, at Harvestide and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 29 September 2024
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TRINITY 18
MORE AUTUMN THOUGHTS Autumn, with its stunning beauty and other blessings, has been aptly called "a season of transition," a time of change between one part of the year and another. If autumn is "a season of transition," it has been said that the world is passing through a period of transition and turmoil. Everything around us seems so insecure: in Church and nation, and in international affairs. The state of our own country, with the cost of living crisis, escalating energy costs, industrial unrest, with an ongoing war in Ukraine, and continuous conflict in the Middle East are only a few of the crises causing many to be fearful of the future. It was said in a news report that "after a summer of chaos, we face a winter of calamity." What is the Christian's response to this? In this rapidly-changing world, it is reassuring to know that God remains constant. God does not change. His fundamental nature and character remain the same. Henry Francis Lyte, who wrote Abide With Me, said in verse two that Change and decay in all around I see. We can agree with this. It is easy to see change all around us - much of it positive, but much of it also negative, with the decay of moral, spiritual and social values, and the removal of landmarks and boundaries, once hailed as the linchpins of humanity. The Christian faith, which in former times held our society together and was once one the 'linchpins' that we were familiar with, has largely faded from public life and private devotion, while respect for others and for self has likewise been abandoned in favour of a 'do as you please,' rather than a 'do as you ought' attitude. Some would say that common sense - the accumulated wisdom of the ages - is virtually non-existent, while it is even claimed that human beings are doing themselves out of existence by the introduction of machinery and other gadgets that can do almost everything for them. The truth is: we live in an ever-changing world, but God does not change. As Malachi puts it in the Old Testament (3:6), "I, the Lord, do not change," while in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:8), Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's character, is said to be "the same yesterday, today, and for ever." God does not change, even if all else changes. Our need for God does not change. Whatever life brings, we still need the grace, the love, the forgiveness of God granted to us in Jesus Christ. We still need that peace which the world cannot give, and the light that earthly shadows cannot darken. It is deeply ingrained in the modern mind that "man is the master of his own destiny." It is true that mass technology allows us to organise our lives in a sophisticated way, and chart our daily journey with little or no divine assistance. That is not the end of the matter. Our need for God has not changed. Indeed, it is greater, for there are so many things over which we have no control. In such circumstances, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." (Psalm 46) God remains a safe and solid anchor for the troubled soul. A recent magazine featured an interview with a family who had suffered one calamity after another. Nothing seemed to go right for them, and the interviewer asked them whether life had lost its meaning or purpose. The interviewer must have been taken aback when the head of the family said: "We have suffered a lot, but we still have God." In their crucible of suffering, God still proved to be their refuge and a source of strength; and what is true for them is also true for us. Our need for God has not changed with the passing of the seasons. Autumn has finally arrived - "a season of transition and change" - bridging one part of the year with another. In a world where change is constant, let us remember that God does not change, nor does our need for him. Long may we live in God's eternal changelessness! A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Gracious God, full of grace and truth, as we come to the season of autumn, a time of transition and change, we confess that we have not put our whole trust in you, nor have we always recognised our constant need for you.... Therefore, grant us your forgiveness and the grace of a new beginning; and in these changing times and seasons may we put our confidence only in you, and in him whom time cannot change, your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. A PRAYER FOR OURSELVES O God, the protector of all who trust in you, our refuge, our rock, our everlasting hope: be with us in this age of change and transition, that though everything around us is uncertain, and many are fearful of the future, we may know that our strength to sustain us comes only from you, our maker and friend; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen. |
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Sunday 22 September 2024
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TRINITY 17
TRUSTEES OF CREATION As the year moves forward, the distinctive Autumn colours are making their appearance. The leaves are slowly turning from green to a yellow or rusty brown, while the summer flowers are fading away. It has been said by one spiritual writer that the season of Autumn is one in which "God's glory shines through Mother Nature," and reminds us of our duty to protect the planet and pass on such divinely-given beauty to those who come after us. In a passage from Psalm 104 (1-6 and 10-23), we learn much about God's Creation, noting how it reveals God's greatness, his power and his majesty, while his outer garment is a robe of "light," illuminating the cosmos he has made. Not only that, there is an "orderliness" to the earth, with the regularity of the seasons, providing food and drink for all God's little creatures, while God keeps all chaos in check. The Psalmist recognises that trees, wild goats and young lions are beloved of God, and that all this creative work is for the benefit of mankind. Human beings find their place within the setting of rain, wind, day and night, growth and decay - a world with a pattern and a purpose to it. What we have here is a statement to the effect that the whole Creation is God's handiwork, and that he has complete mastery over it. God rejoices in the beauty of his handiwork, while human beings are called to tend this "Garden of Nature," to work in harmony with all God's creatures. Mankind is called to act as a steward, as a trustee of everything that God has made, and not turn the "Garden of the Lord" into a wilderness of waste, or treat it with disdain and disrespect. We all depend on God. We are all 'messengers' or 'ministers' of God's creative work. We are all God's trustees. The word 'trustee' has assumed a new significance in recent times. All our charities are managed by trustees, and overseen in Scotland by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. (OSCR) Ministers and church elders are trustees of the local congregation by virtue of their office, while we also have trustees who look after wealth, land, buildings, schools, farms, estates and a host of other commodities and institutions. In 1810 the Reverend Henry Duncan, Minister at Ruthwell in Dumfries-shire, founded a savings bank in a cottage for his poorer parishioners. With a minimum deposit of sixpence, the bank was available to farm workers, domestic servants, craftsmen and others of limited means. Henry Duncan's experiment developed into the savings bank movement, quickly spreading across some ninety-two countries. These banks were not managed by salaried officials, but by local volunteers or directors who became 'trustees' - charged with the responsibility of looking after other people's money. The importance of the trustee in this model of banking cannot be overstated. Just as those trustees managed their banks, so we are called by God to manage his creative work, and to do so in such a way that always seeks its betterment and improvement. We are trustees of Creation: each of us with a 'ministry' to preserve its beauty and protect its integrity. This Autumn season is an opportune moment to reflect on how carefully or carelessly we serve as trustees of God's Creation, and see if we are doing what we like, or what we ought with it. In other words, what kind of trustees are we? Are we thoughtless and indifferent? Or do we see our role as those who care for Creation in a way that will benefit those who will succeed us? After all, William Morris, the British textile designer, poet, artist, activist and novelist, said: "We are only the trustees for those who come after us." May God enable us to be responsible trustees of his creative work, who, when one day called to account, need never be ashamed. By treating Creation with respect, we honour the One whose handiwork it is. O Lord our God, as the Autumn season now reveals its natural colours, empower us to be good stewards of your creative work, and to pass on to those who succeed us a world of peace and joy and beauty, worthy to be called your garden; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Almighty and ever-living God, by whose grace we come to this day: as we now behold the morning light, fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit, that we may praise you worthily and love you perfectly; and as we commend ourselves into your tender, loving care, grant us your all-sufficient grace and preserve us in peace and safety; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE SANCTITY OF LIFE Eternal Father, source of life and light, whose love extends to all people, all creatures, all things: grant us that reverence for life which becomes those who believe in you, lest we despise it, degrade it, or come callously to destroy it. Rather let us save it, secure it, and sanctify it, after the example of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Robert Runcie 1921-2000 Archbishop of Canterbury 1980-1991 THE BLESSING May the love of God enfold us, may the mercy of God absolve us, may the strength of God support us, may the peace of God console us; and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with us now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 15 September 2024
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TRINITY 16
BE STRONG IN THE LORD! On this Battle of Britain Sunday, we mark the 84th anniversary of the remarkable victory of Royal Air Force pilots and aircrew, which was not only a dramatic turning point in the Second World War, but the first decisive battle in history fought exclusively in the air. It was Britain's darkest hour, as its very survival hung in the balance. The elimination of the Royal Air Force in the air and on the ground would prepare the way for a massive seaborne and airborne invasion. "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed to so many by so few." This famous quote by Sir Winston Churchill was a light in darkness, and strengthened the resilience of the people at a time of national peril. In Ephesians 6: 10-20, it is the words of St. Paul, and not Churchill, that become a light in darkness. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." At Ephesus, the Christians were passing through difficult times, just as this country did over eighty years ago. They faced the constant threat of persecution for their faith , and even the reality of a martyr's death. It was a fragmented society: disunity and disharmony were rife, and people were divided from one another - class from class, creed from creed, Jew from Gentile and so on. Men and women, meant to be in fellowship with one another and with God, were estranged from each other and from God. People of that time also believed that evil spirits filled the air, and were determined to harm them. When St. Paul uses words like 'powers,' 'authorities,' and 'rulers,' he is using names for the different types or classes of evil spirits that were thought to fill the air in the ancient world. In his mind, and in the thinking of his contemporaries, the universe was a battle ground: one in which Christians had to put up with attacks, not only from their enemies, but from strong spiritual forces in the air itself. In Churchillian language, the apostle, taking leave of his people, offers these words of inspiration: "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." Has anything really changed? It could be said of us today that we are passing through difficult times - times of massive uncertainty about the present, and of anxiety about the future. From a military perspective, the Battle of Britain finished in 1940. However, in another sense, it still goes on. Christian men, women and children are now "the few" - a minority, we are told - struggling hard against adverse forces to maintain a Christian witness in an increasingly religionless age. Not only that, when we consider the state of the nation, we can easily succumb to despair. Like those Christians at Ephesus, we live in a deeply and often bitterly divided society. We do not, of course, believe that the air is contaminated by evil spirits, driving us round the proverbial bend. But our society is a shambles, largely through social, economic, political, spiritual and other problems, eating away at the very fabric of our existence. A well-known Scottish churchman of a previous age once said of his own youthful lifestyle that " he found himself going to hell in a hurry." That could be said of this country, if not of the world today: that we are heading for hell in a hurry. How do we respond to this? Listen once more to these words of St. Paul, couched in ringing tones and almost Churchillian in their style: "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." In a word: keep the faith. Stand firm. Hold your ground. Uphold all that is good. Today, we remember and give thanks for those who took part in the Battle of Britain. And as we honour their memory, we pledge ourselves anew to the cause of justice, freedom and peace. We also remember that today we are now "the few," struggling in an age that is closing churches by the score and where indifference and unbelief are rampant, to keep our Christian conscience and convictions intact, and to express them without fear of scorn and derision. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." Be faithful: and empowered by the Lord's strength. That was God's word to his people then. That is God's word to his people now. THE PRAYER OF COMMEMORATION Almighty God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or by life: on this 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, we remember, and give thanks for 'the few,' to whom we owe so much, for those who made the supreme sacrifice, and for all who have lived and died in the service of mankind. We also remember, and give thanks for all who have gone before us in the Faith: who have entered into that great community of love, where Christ has gone to prepare a place for us, so that where he is, we may also be. Keep us in unbroken fellowship with the whole Church in heaven and on earth, and bring us at last with all your saints to glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, is worshipped and glorified, world without end. Amen. THE BLESSING God grant to the living, grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, the King, the commonwealth, and all mankind peace and concord; and to us and all his servants, life everlasting. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us and abide with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 8 September 2024
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TRINITY 15
EXCUSES! EXCUSES! "Excuses are nothing more than a reason to fail." (Mac McGovern) "An excuse is nothing more than a self-imposed roadblock." (C.C. Chapman) During the week, the long-awaited report into the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 was finally published. It makes for shocking reading, and names and shames 'unscrupulous' building firms for the blaze. A 'culture of dishonesty' is said to have prevailed to obscure the truth through a mass of excuses and lies. With regard to excuses, Sir Winston Churchill is said to have remarked that "human beings are masters of the art of excuse making." Indeed, we can quickly concoct a convenient excuse to avoid doing something or seeing someone, even if the excuse sounds somewhat far-fetched. Few of us heed the words of George Washington who said that "It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." In St. Matthew's Gospel (22: 1-14), Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast, arranged by a king for his son's wedding. Today, we often send out 'Save the Day' cards well in advance of the marriage ceremony. This was the custom in Jesus's day. The king's servants went round all the guests and gave them the details of the celebration. On the day of the marriage, the king sent his servants round the guests once more to summon them to the ceremony. On this occasion, the king was badly let down. The invited guests refused to come. The servants were sent out again to plead with them to respond to the king's invitation, but still they refused to come. They snubbed the king's command and some trotted out excuses for failing to accept the wedding invitation. One of them was too busy attending to his property, his farm, while another said he had business to attend to. Their excuses may have seemed perfectly legitimate, but the king expected the invited guests to sit at his dining table. And when they refused the royal institution, the king was furious and pronounced punishment on them. The servants were ordered to go out into the streets and bring anyone they could find to the royal banquet. This parable reminds us how easy it is for us today to be so wrapped up in our own concerns, our own plans, our own business, that we disregard what God requires of us. In other words, we are so taken up by 'the business of time,' that we set aside 'the business of eternity.' As a result, we miss out on those things that are of supreme worth and of lasting value. By refusing the king's command to come to the wedding feast - the king in the story being God himself - those guests, by proffering all kinds of excuses, may have missed out on something special - perhaps the opportunity of a lifetime that they would always carry in their hearts and minds. Their worldly business was much more important than God's demands. If we refuse an invitation from God in Jesus Christ to undertake some task, like those guests we may miss out on some unique and wonderful experience, only later to regret it. When the king (God) calls us to serve him, how do we respond? With a well-rehearsed excuse? Or with wholehearted obedience? As Benjamin Franklin warns us: "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." A PRAYER FOR THE DAY God of all grace, without whom we can do nothing as we ought: increase in us today the love of your name, and enable us with all creation to praise and worship you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD Almighty God, creator of the world, and of us, your creatures in it: have mercy on the world of today, fragile, and bitterly divided, torn apart by violence and strife, by poverty, want, and disease, and by countless problems beyond our means to resolve. Take this world into your care, and help us live in such a way that all our worship is sincere and our lives express your purpose of love within us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen. |
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Sunday 1 September 2024
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TRINITY 14
DREAMERS AND DREAMS "Summer suns are glowing over land and sea; happy light is flowing bountiful and free; now the days are shortening, darker nights drawing on - autumn's now approaching, summer's dream has gone." This parody of the first verse of William Walsham Howe's fine hymn reminds us that we have moved from summer into what is, from a meteorological point of view, autumn. A glance at the countryside around us shows that the first signs of autumn are beginning to appear, with the gentle shedding of the leaves from the trees. In a small way, we can say that "summer's dream has gone" for another year. Dreams are important in the Bible. In 1 King 3: 4-15, we find that God comes to King Solomon in a dream. Solomon has just succeeded David, his father, on the throne of Israel. Apart from some moral misdemeanours, David has, generally speaking, been a successful ruler, and Solomon wants to be successful as well. In a dream, Solomon has an encounter with God, and at the start of his reign, he asks God for the gift of wisdom to enable him to rule well. God is delighted with Solomon's request and grants it. In Scripture, dreams are often the means through which people have an encounter with God. Jacob, Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah, Jesus, the disciples and Paul are among those who have a life-changing encounter with God in a dream. We can add Joseph to the list, being informed of Mary's pregnancy in a dream. Nowadays we think of dreams differently, and rarely, if ever, do we regard them as a means through which God communicates with us. Rather, we ascribe to dreams some psychological significance - perhaps an expression of the unconscious mind. Dreams may indicate stress, anxiety, guilt, regret or some other emotional issue, rather than function as a means of God's disclosure. That said, however, some still believe that God speaks to us through visions and dreams. This world still needs its dreamers and its dreams. Indeed, almost everything with which we are familiar today started as a dream, a vision, an idea in someone's mind. Someone had a dream, and "the dream became flesh." The universe we inhabit, and all the created world within it, started as a dream, an idea in the mind of God. According to the Genesis account of creation, this is also true of mankind and every living creature. God made mankind in his own image and every living creature on the face of the earth. In a word: God had a dream. This is certainly something to bear in mind today, the first day of September being recognised by members of the Christian family as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. All the great social, scientific, economic and cultural progress of the centuries started as a vision - as a dream that morphed into reality. The places in which we worship were once an idea, a dream in someone's mind, brought to life by craftsmen, masons and others, and maintained by succeeding generations. If we think about it carefully, almost everything started as a dream, a vision, an idea rooted in someone's mind. This world still needs its dreamers and its dreams. In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous 'I Have A Dream' speech before a quarter of a million people in Washington, DC, pleading for racial equality, and changing forever the course of American and world history. Nearer home, the Scottish physician and pharmacologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, dreamed of producing an antibiotic substance that would revolutionise medicine. In 1928 the dream became reality, as penicillin, or a form of it, was born. It has been said that if your dreams are not coming true, then you're not dreaming often enough and hard enough. Malcolm Forbes, the American entrepreneur, politician and publisher has said that "When you cease to dream you cease to live," a quote that encapsulates the idea that dreams do not belong to the Biblical world, but are a means of engaging with the world around us, and hence a fundamental aspect of being alive. In Biblical times, dreams were important. They were often regarded as a means of encounter with God, through which God sent special messages. We interpret them differently today. But the world still needs its dreamers and its dreams. More Christ-focussed dreamers with Christ-focussed dreams would most surely be a blessing to us. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Most gracious God, whose nature it is to forgive and to renew the lives of your people: as we acknowledge your majesty, we confess our sins and shortcomings and all that is wrong in our lives. God of pity, have mercy upon us; God of wisdom, enlighten our minds; God of love, be our forgiveness; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways; to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR AUTUMN O God, by whose grace the seasons change and the order of time runs its course: as we quietly move from summer into autumn, guide our thinking, our living and our praying, that we may discern your will, follow your way, and receive your holy blessing at all times; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 25 August 2024
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TRINITY 13
SECOND THOUGHTS There are times in life when we find it helpful or necessary to change our mind. It is often thought that those who change their mind from time to time are not capable of clear thinking, and is thus a sign of weakness. A classical author once said that those who change their minds on a regular basis are not dependable, and " flirt to and fro with the wind." They see the business of having "second thoughts" as a weakness rather than a strength, and something of which people should be ashamed. But is this true? Is this a balanced judgment? To have "second thoughts" about something - is this not an experience with which we are familiar? Have there not been times in our lives when we have harboured "second thoughts", and chosen a different frame of mind or course of action? It is surely no exaggeration to claim that we have all been subject to "second thoughts" at one time or another, causing us to change our thinking and behave differently. In St. Luke's Gospel (19: 1-10), we read the well-known story of Zacchaeus. Being small in stature, Zacchaeus chose to climb a sycamore tree to get a better view of Jesus when he visited Jericho, enabling him to see above and beyond the crowd. Zacchaeus was a tax-collector by profession, gathering in revenue for the Roman government. The profession was, however, riddled with corruption and we are told that Zacchaeus himself was 'very rich.' We may assume that he had profited from his clients and not been thoroughly scrupulous in his accounting. When Jesus saw him, he ordered Zacchaeus to come down the tree at once, and caused a stir of disapproval when he invited himself to the tax-collector's house. Zacchaeus then made a vow to give away half of his possessions to charity, and also promised to repay four times over anyone he had defrauded. Here we have a notorious rascal turned philanthropist, giving away wealth, rather than gaining it by dishonest means. This is a clear case of someone having "second thoughts." In light of this, we must ask if having "second thoughts" is an issue for us.. After all, it has been said that "someone who has never had second thoughts, never had any first thoughts." Bishop Hugh Montefiore tells us: "There is nothing wrong in second thoughts: they may well be better than first thoughts," while J.M. Barrie remarked: "I have always thought that the man whose second thoughts are good is worth watching." Even back in classical times, Euripides (Greek tragedy) writes: "In human life second thoughts are somehow wiser." Scientists, astronomers, philosophers and other great thinkers who form the intellectual elite have all had to alter their arguments and conclusions, if the data changed and called for such revision. Much of what we know is based on evidence available at the time. The evidence may change, and lead to altered or different conclusions - and hence to "second thoughts." We accept no more the once-held view that the earth is flat, that disease derives from demons, that the climate is static and not subject to change, together with other long-cherished theories about reality. New evidence brings new understanding and consequently "second thoughts" in its wake. Having "second thoughts" is not something to be embarrassed about. Does God have second thoughts? There's a searching question! Yet there is a gentle hint of this in the Old Testament (Joel 2: 12-14), where the prophet suggests that the Lord may indeed "relent" and change his mind about inflicting severe judgment and punishment on Israel for her misdeeds. "It may be he will turn back and leave a blessing behind him" - in a word, he may have "second thoughts." The story of Zacchaeus, where a man of notoriety becomes a man of virtue, reminds us that "second thoughts" can be life-changing. If and when having "second thoughts" troubles us, let us take comfort from the fact that we stand in good Biblical company, and that our "second thoughts" are often much better than our first. To change our opinion through more balanced and mature thinking can indeed be life-changing! Grant, O God, that when we have second thoughts and our opinions change, your Holy Spirit may lead us to more mature decisions, and to more responsible achievement; for Jesus Christ our Lord's sake. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, whose ways are just and true and perfect, and by whose grace we celebrate this day: may your Holy Spirit bless us in all its duties and demands, and enable us to fulfil our tasks in ways that are pleasing to you. May we always hallow this day as your precious gift to us, set apart for prayer and praise; and by the power of your Holy Spirit help us to give you glory in all things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A CONCLUDING PRAYER Almighty and ever-living God, in whom we live and move and have our being: as evening shadows fade the light of day, help us to give you thanks and praise, to put our whole trust in your mercy, and to rest content in your peace; so that in the morning, when the day dawns, we may serve you in heart, mind and spirit; for Jesus Christ our Lord's sake. Amen. THE BLESSING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen. |
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Sunday 18 August 2024
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TRINITY 12
WITH ALL OUR MIND This week our children return to school. On Tuesday morning the school gates will open, and youngsters will return to their studies, while some of them will pass through these gates for the first time. Our first day at school - an experience some will always remember, but one that others may prefer to forget. Education is now seen as a lifelong process, with "every day a day in the classroom", while governments appoint ministers to promote learning and culture. In the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5), Moses commands the Israelites to love the Lord their God with all their heart and soul and strength. In St. Luke's Gospel (10:27), Jesus adds the word "mind" to those things quoted in the Old Testament text. The lawyer in the parable of the Good Samaritan, asking Jesus how he might inherit eternal life, is told to love God with heart, soul and strength - and also with his "mind". Why Jesus added "mind" to the Deuteronomy list is unknown, but what is certain is that we are required to love God with every fibre of our being, the "mind" included. To love God "with all our mind" means that Christianity is much more than an emotional experience. It has an emotional aspect to it, and many people find much pleasure and emotional satisfaction in working out their faith. There is also an intellectual side to Christianity and its expression. Historians inform us that Christianity captured the ancient world not only because of the zeal of its adherents, but because they could out-argue their critics and opponents. In the context of today, we need to reflect on our faith carefully and critically, and, like the first Christians, out-argue those who dismiss religion in general, and Christianity in particular, as fantasy and superstition. In the New Testament, the writer of 1 Peter 3:15 tells the addressees that they must always be ready to make a defence (apologia) of what they believe when challenged to do so. Christians must be prepared to do this today. Reason is a God-given gift, and we must apply it to examine our convictions and why we hold them, as well as carefully reflect on the nature of God, the person of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It has been said that the Church is "a great community of learners", and if Christians are to have credibility in this increasingly secular society, we have to scrutinise what we believe - under the Holy Spirit's guidance - and make our case convincingly. Whereas previous generations "walked by faith, and not by sight", this one "walks by sight, and not by faith". In their thought-provoking book, We Don't Do God (2012), George and Andrew Carey argue that there is today "a hard-fought conflict between a secular spirit and the Christian faith", which requires Christians to counter this by thoughtful reflection on what they believe, and apply it at a time when historic Christianity is waning. In an age where education matters, let us learn to love God "with all our mind", and so give a reasoned defence of our faith when challenged. Otherwise, if we were arrested for being a Christian, would there be sufficient evidence to convict us? Jesus said: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind". Loving God, our heavenly Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in mercy: as we acknowledge your majesty and your grace and favour to us, we confess that we have not loved you with all our heart and soul and mind and strength; for we have shut our minds to your truth, and ignored the promptings of your Holy Spirit in us. Therefore, forgive us these and all our sins; and help us by your Spirit to love you with all our mind, to defend the convictions we hold and the faith we profess, and in an age of indifference and unbelief, to proclaim the truth of the gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR EDUCATION AND LEARNING God of truth and love, the only wise God, you have commanded us to love you with all our mind. So bless the work of schools and colleges and universities, that in them the truth may never be denied, betrayed, concealed, but be honoured, followed and obeyed. Guide teachers and students in their endeavours to seek and see the truth. Grant that learning may flourish among us, as a means both of enriching our lives and of drawing us nearer to you from whom all truth proceeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 482-483 (Adapted) THE BLESSING May the grace of Christ attend us, the love of God surround us, the Holy Spirit keep us, this day and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 11 August 2024
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TRINITY 11
THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY In modern times, the whole question of identity is one of supreme importance. Time after time we are asked to confirm our identity by producing a raft of documents, such as our passport, driving-licence, a recent bank statement or utility bill. Identity theft and scams are so rife that the need to prove our identity is more a compulsion than an option. In the New Testament, we often find the apostle Paul stating his identity, when writing to the various churches of his day. Thus, in Ephesians (1: 1), he says that this letter is "From Paul, by the will of God apostle of Christ Jesus," while he introduces himself to the Galatians (1: 1) in a more affirmative way: "From Paul, an apostle commissioned not by any human authority or human act, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead." Jesus was often asked about his identity, and about whether or not he was God's Messiah. There are times when he was rather coy about the matter, but the whole question of Jesus's identity took on a new form on his way to Caesarea Philippi. In St. Mark's Gospel, (8: 27-30), we read that Jesus asked his disciples: "Who do people say I am?" Having received some answers, Jesus then put the question directly to them: "And you, who do you say I am?" Peter came out with the bold answer: "You are the Messiah," after which Jesus charged them not to tell anyone about him. In our society today, which is increasingly secular and takes far less notice of Christian or religious faith and practice, we may wonder how to maintain our identity as followers of Jesus Christ. One response is to maintain our Christian integrity as much as possible, and live our lives by faith and example. In other words, in spite of the pressure to let our identity as Christians falter or fade, we have an opportunity to hold on to what we believe, and put into practice the faith we profess. In so many areas of everyday life, the whole question of identity is supremely important. It is also supremely important that we retain our identity as Christ's disciples, in a world that knows him not, or loves him little. Someone once asked that if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Or would the charge against you be dropped? This is worth pondering in an age where the need to prove our identity is paramount, and where the risk of losing our Christian identity is forever real. Is our identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ immediately obvious? Or is it something we hide and prefer to keep private? "Stand firm in the faith; be valiant, be strong. Take strength from the grace of God which is ours in Christ Jesus." A PRAYER FOR THE DAY God most holy, we give you thanks for bringing us out of the shadow of night into the light of morning. We ask you for the joy of spending this day in your service, so that when evening comes, we may once more give you thanks, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 517 A CONCLUDING PRAYER Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the sun enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 4 August 2024
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TRINITY 10
CREATIVE SILENCE "Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways." The hymn, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, was once voted the most popular in this country. Written by the American Quaker-poet, John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892), Whittier describes what is for him the authentic spirit of Christian worship: the Quaker ideals of simplicity, stillness and silence. Real worship, he insists, is something inward, not outward, and is more concerned with the heart and life, than it is with purely "churchly" activities. Whittier illustrates this theme from Scripture, and refers to the "still small voice" with which God spoke to Elijah on Mount Carmel. In reality, however, the worship of the early Christian Church was not silent. It was vocal and musical, with "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," and it did not lack outward forms or rites. The Lord's Supper, for example, was faithfully observed in obedience to Christ's command. Nevertheless, with beautiful poetic artistry, Whittier teaches us a salutary lesson about the place of silence in worship, and about the need to cultivate a calm and restful spirit in our daily lives. Silence has always been highly valued. Thomas Carlyle, that well-known man of letters from Ecclefechan in Dumfriesshire, said that "Silence is as deep as Eternity, speech is as shallow as Time." Christina Rossetti, herself a gifted hymn writer, remarked that silence is "more musical than any song", while Thomas Hardy, the English novelist and poet, is on record as saying that "That man's silence is wonderful to listen to." Silence has always been highly valued, and God has often communicated through it with his people. In 1 Kings 19 we find the prophet Elijah in a depressed state. Hounded by the prophets of Baal, and facing the faithlessness and the hostility of the Israelites, he informs God that he is a complete failure and asks God to take away his life. His morale is temporarily boosted by an angel and he sets off again, travelling for forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb, where he enters a cave for the night. His depressed state returns, but God chooses to speak to him, and in a most unusual way. The voice of the Lord comes to Elijah, not in a strong wind, or in an earthquake, or in a fire, but in "a faint murmuring sound" - in the stillness and the calm of evening. In the quietness, the prophet receives renewed hope for the future. We live in a world of words. Each day we are bombarded with words, spoken or written, and often transmitted to us in a noisy way. It is little wonder that Rudyard Kipling said that "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." This applies to the Church and to worship, as much as it does to anything else, especially in light of a comment once made that of all world religions, Christianity is by far the noisiest! There is arguably nowadays a ripe opportunity to rediscover the value of "creative silence" in Christian devotion. Though much of our worship consists of word and action, and with what St. Paul calls "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," there is surely a place for "creative silence," where the voice of God may come to us, as it came to Elijah, in "a faint murmuring sound" - in stillness, and in quietness. In 2017 Julia Monnin, a spiritual writer, penned a book with the title The World is Noisy - God Whispers, a series of short reflections from her own spiritual journal. Her title is an apt one for our day. The world is noisy, and we forget that God can speak to us in a whisper, as well as in a more dramatic way. There is an urgent need today to cultivate a much more restful spirit in our lives; and a healthy measure of "creative silence" in worship may well be an authentic way of helping to bring this about. Finding God in the silence was the blessing that came to Elijah. So can it be for all of us. The world is noisy - God whispers. That is a lesson to remember. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY "Be still, and know that I am God." Lord of our living conscience, you speak to us in the call of duty, and in the still, small voice of calm. In this noisy, tumultuous world, we confess that we have failed to listen to that voice, calling us to love and obedience.... We confess that, distracted by so much sound, all around us, we have been deaf to your word and deaf to the cries of those in need.... In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; and grant that through creative silence, we may discern your purpose for us and find the courage to fulfil it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR INNER PEACE Set free, O Lord, the souls of your servants from all restlessness and anxiety. Give us your peace and power, and so keep us that, in all perplexity and distress, we may abide in you, upheld by your strength, and stayed on the rock of your faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 466 THE BLESSING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 28 July 2024
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TRINITY 9
THE OLYMPIC GAMES A THOUGHT The Olympic Games are now well underway in Paris. While this may attract the devotion of some, others might be worn out with so-called 'Olympic fatigue.' So far we have had a considerable amount of sport, and the Olympics could well stretch the patience of those not sports-minded to the limit. Nevertheless, Paris, with other French locations, is hosting the XXXIII Olympic Summer Games, with 10,000 athletes estimated to take part. It has been said that taking part in the Olympics is much more important than being a winner. And truth be told, not everyone can walk away with a gold, silver or bronze accolade. However, those who prove radiant in victory are almost without exception gracious in defeat, embracing those who do not win anything and applauding their efforts. At the presentation ceremony, winners and losers share tears as the honours are given out. In the Christian life, we are not spectators. The New Testament makes it clear that we are all participants. We are not those who simply stand by and allow others to fulfil the duties and demands of the Christian life. To borrow a phrase from another context: "we are all in this together!" We often hear medal winners saying that their success comes from teamwork, and that while they receive the prize, many others are involved to make this possible. In the Christian life, in the race God has set before us, we are involved in teamwork. We are each part of a team, the people of God, the Christian Church. In the living of the Christian life, we are committed to teamwork, for the Church is the team in which we embrace one another, challenge one another, help one another, bear one another's burdens and share one another's blessings. We are all in this "race" together. The Letter to the Hebrews (12: 1-2) calls us to "run the race that is set before us," always looking to Jesus - who is our model, the example we follow. Each of us must step out on to the track and run that race with our best efforts. When we do this, we have to accept that our reward will not be a gold medal. It will be hearing those words of blessing: "well done, good and faithful servant." Or, as someone else has put it, at the end of this race we run straight into the arms of Jesus Christ. He is our finishing line. The "running of this race," the path that God has marked out for each of us, is one that demands faith, the shedding of all hindrances that might trip us up or slow us down, stamina, commitment, and, above all else, discipline, that old-fashioned word, but never an old-fashioned virtue. We only need look briefly around us to see the consequences of a lack of disciplines, and the abhorrent mess the absence of discipline has left in its wake. In spite of the trials and tribulations and other obstacles on the way, we run this lifelong marathon that God has set out for us with sheer grit, determination, perseverance, keeping us firmly on course. A text displayed at a previous Olympic contest said: "It's the training that matters." So it is. Every athlete or participant must undergo a strict regime of training in order to get into the contest, far less win it or do well in it. And in the Christian life the same holds true. The Christian life demands its own regime of training: prayer, worship, kindness, gentleness, self-control, and so forth, together with Christ-like thoughts, attitudes and habits. What is true of the Olympic Games is true of the Christian life: it's the training that matters. In the race of life God has laid before us, are we more of a spectator than a participant? Are we ready for the duties and demands of the race that is set before us? Or are we content to coast along and let others do the hard work? As J. S. B. Monsell's popular hymn puts it: "Run the straight race through God's good grace, lift up your eyes, and seek his face; life with its path before us lies; Christ is the way, and Christ the prize." A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Almighty and eternal God, whose gift of love is this new day: help us throughout its hours to run with perseverance the race of life set before us, ever looking to Jesus, our master, and our friend. May all that we do this day be an offering of love, as well as of duty; and when evening comes and the day departs, may we have accomplished something pleasing for you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. THE BLESSING The God of all grace who has called us to his eternal glory in Christ, restore, establish, and strengthen us, now and evermore. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and always. AMEN. |
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Sunday 21 July 2024
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TRINITY 8
TO BE A PILGRIM A THOUGHT "Summer suns are glowing over land and sea." Although this lovely hymn by William Walsham Howe, the first Bishop of Wakefield, is predominantly about the greatness of God's mercy and the depth of God's love, it is set in the context of summer in our hymnaries. The first verse points out that the whole creation is illuminated by God's light. As such, everything rejoices 'in the mellow rays', while 'all earth's thousand voices' should respond in joyful praise. During this summer season, our country should be hosting visitors from all parts of the world. With the British Open Golf Championship at Troon, hotels, guest houses, Bed and Breakfast establishments and private residences, both in the immediate area, and further afield, should be fully booked with golfing enthusiasts - usually paying a highly-inflated tariff for the short stay. Scotland has a variety of tourist attractions, and many popular venues here, and throughout the country, were created for that very purpose. For example, Blackpool Tower, Windsor Safari Park, Alton Towers, Strathclyde Park and Blair Drummond Safari Park were created with the sole purpose of bringing visitors to spend time, and money, there. We do, however, have popular tourist attractions that were never built to bolster the tourist trade. We think, for example, of the great Border abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. Nearer to home, we have the roofless ruin of Crossraguel Abbey, once a monastic community, but now a lasting monument to medieval craftsmanship and culture. These places were built for pilgrims, and were once thriving religious houses, until the Reformation and its aftermath destroyed the original context in which they were created. There are people who pass through life as a tourist. They move quickly from one place to another, without putting down roots, and without regard to any divine hand or purpose. Like a tourist, they go on 'from pillar to post', without any sense of direction or ultimate goal, and with no spiritual dimension to their experience. There are others who pass through life as a pilgrim. They see a divine hand guiding them, and a divine purpose awaiting them. They agree with Psalm 24:1 that the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, and with Psalm 19:1 that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of his hands. In brief: they see the whole of life as a pilgrim journey, and would agree with Hebrews 11 that people of faith are pilgrims on their way to the heavenly city. It makes a profound difference as to how we see ourselves in this world - whether as tourists, or whether as pilgrims. It affects our attitude to what we do, and how we understand circumstances along the way. The only hymn credited to John Bunyan reminds all Christians that their 'first avowed intent' is to 'be a pilgrim' - not a tourist - something for which we should 'labour night and day'. Though written in the 17th century, it wasn't until 1906 it first appeared in our hymnbooks, and the last verse points to the pilgrim's goal of their journey: the eternal life which is the pilgrim's heavenly inheritance. How do we see ourselves? Are we simply tourists in this life, who flit from one place to another without any thought of divine meaning or purpose? Or are we pilgrims with a purpose, a mission in mind, making our way to the heavenly city? Tourist or pilgrim? A question worth asking this summer. A question worth asking in all times and seasons! PRAYERS FOR THE DAY God of the morning, God of this new day, of whose faithfulness to us there is no end: as we journey through this earthly life, teach us to be pilgrims, rather than tourists, and to live as those who see your divine hand at work in all things, and in all places; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. Lord, set your blessing on us as we begin this day together. Make us pilgrims on life's journey, seeing your divine hand in all things, and keep us steadfast on our way, until at last we reach the heavenly city, whose walls are salvation and whose gates praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. THE BLESSING The Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us; the Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, now and for evermore. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and always. AMEN. |
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Sunday 14 July 2024
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TRINITY 7
CHRIST IN THE STORM A THOUGHT FOR SEA SUNDAY The second Sunday of July is designated Sea Sunday, when we honour those who go out to sea in ships, and for whose devotion to duty we express our admiration and appreciation. That said, there is no reason why Sea Sunday cannot be marked on any of the Sundays in July, and so we commemorate Sea Sunday today. It is well-known that there are presently issues with Scottish ferries, Many in the fleet are ageing and in need of replacement, while others are breaking down or beset with technical problems. The worst scenario for any seafarer or passenger must be the unexpected storm - something to which the Sea of Galilee was, and still is prone, and which caught Jesus and his disciples by surprise. How would we respond to the situation they found themselves in? A fact of life today is that we tend to put faith in self, rather than faith in Jesus Christ. When 'adverse winds' arise, or when we face 'stormy waters', we are only too ready to trust our own judgment to navigate our way through them. No call for divine action is thought to be necessary, as we are quite capable of handling the situation ourselves. It has been said, however, that "self-confidence is a seductive route to self-deception." That was the mistake the disciples' made. They put too much faith in self, and far too little in Jesus Christ. When the storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, they began to panic, fearing they would lose their lives in one of the fierce and sudden squalls for which this stretch of water was notorious. The situation was worsened by Jesus sleeping in the boat, when, in their minds, he ought to have been doing something about it. Jesus rebuked their lack of faith. "Why are you such cowards?", he asked. "What little faith you have!" The point of the story is perfectly clear. In their hour of greatest need, when the disciples feared their very lives were in peril, Jesus came to them. When the wind was contrary, and all seemed lost, Jesus was there to help, even if those around him had shown such lack of trust. In recent times, we have faced 'adverse winds' of enormous proportions. Never in our lifetime have we experienced such upheaval, that will leave a long-lasting medical, psychological, social and economic legacy. Throughout it all, we have not struggled alone. In the tempest, the same Jesus Christ has come, with his hand outstretched to save. Not only that, Jesus comes again and again, his clear voice bidding us to take heart and to trust in him alone. In an age that puts so much faith in self, we must remember that, in the 'storms' and 'adverse winds' that life brings us, "we have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll." That anchor is Jesus Christ. "Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." A PRAYER FOR THE VOYAGE OF LIFE Almighty and everlasting God, our refuge and strength in every time of need or trouble, and our companion on the voyage of life, ever faithful, ever sure: grant that in every circumstance we face, whether calm and peaceful, or whether rough, we may put our faith, our trust in you alone; for you are the protector of all who trust in you, both in this life, and in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING Go in peace. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep us, this day and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 7 July 2024
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TRINITY 6
INTERRUPTIONS Over this last week, the tennis tournament at Wimbledon has been interrupted by heavy rain, with umbrellas and green covers much in evidence. This has interrupted the Tournament, leaving players and spectators waiting until the games could restart. Life is full of interruptions. We may be working on some project, or tidying up the garden, or engaged in other work that demands concentration, when the 'phone rings, or someone unexpectedly calls to see us. If we are doing written work, the least interruption can affect our train of thought and make it difficult, if not impossible, to focus our attention fully again on what we were doing. Whatever the interruption, these can be exceedingly frustrating, and have an adverse impact on our stress level. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus was prone to interruptions. A classic example is found in St. Mark 10: 46-52, where a blind beggar, a man called Bartimaeus, interrupted Jesus while he was passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. This was a week or so before the crucifixion and Jesus and the large crowd with him were probably making their way to the Passover festival. We may be certain that by this time Jesus's mind was fully occupied with the drama that lay ahead of him. Bartimaeus wanted Jesus to give him his sight, but when the crowd tried to silence him, Bartimaeus shouted all the louder. Nothing was going to stop him from meeting Jesus, and of having the opportunity of getting what he wanted most. On hearing his insistence, Jesus called him over, asked him what he wanted, and granted his request. Now the blind beggar gained his sight. Interruptions may try our patience to the limit. Nevertheless, the next time we are exasperated by interruptions, let us remember that their frequency may be a compliment, and indicate a measure of how much trust people have in us, and of how much we contribute to their common life. The American humorist, writer and illustrator, Don Herold, once said that "Interruptions are the spice of life," while Henri Nouwen, the Dutch priest and spiritual writer, claimed that he spent his whole life complaining about interruptions - until he discovered that interruptions were his work. One of the worst things that could happen to us would be to become so disengaged from other people that no one would ever bother to trouble us, preferring to leave us alone. A 'phone or a doorbell may be a nuisance, but if this stopped altogether, our lives would be much poorer. After all, in the redemption of the world, God made the biggest interruption, sending Jesus Christ to come among us to do God's saving work. The whole Christ-event is a divine interruption, an intervention on God's part into human history. How do we regard interruptions? Are they a bane or are they a blessing? Are they a compliment or are they a cause for criticism or complaint? It is salutary to remember that: "What we call an interruption may be a divine appointment." Gracious God, grant that the interruptions that come our way may never be seen as an interference, but as an opportunity to listen, and to share the joys, the cares and the sorrows of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Most gracious God, ground of our hope, on this, your holy day, your gift to us, take the world and all its people into your tender loving care. Prosper its life, protect its environment, heal its divisions, supply its needs; and when the day is over and our work done, may your peace gently rest upon our hearts, for the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. AFTER A GENERAL ELECTION O God, to whom all power and authority belong both in heaven and on earth: we pray for our nation, following the recent General Election, that Christian values may be the inspiration of our leaders, and that we may always be led by the power of love, never by the love of power, Bless our King and Queen, and all Members of Parliament, that their first priority may be people, and never personal gain; through him who came, not to be served but to serve, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. THE BLESSING May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon us, and remain with us, now and for evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 30 June 2024
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TRINITY 5
ANNIVERSARIES A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE As we journey through life, we encounter 'anniversaries' of one kind or another - international, national and personal. Some of these call for celebration, but others for commemoration. Some are occasions to be greeted with joy and acclamation, while others are more serious and sombre in nature, to be met with an air of respect and restraint. In the Bible, the 'exodus' or flight of the Israelites from Egypt was marked every year with the Passover Festival, one of the three pilgrimage festivals that celebrated the escape of the Jews from their tyranny in Egypt under Pharaoh. This took place in the Spring, and Jerusalem was packed with pilgrims form every surrounding nation. It originated after Moses, having tried and failed to negotiate their release from slavery with Pharaoh, organised a more daring means of setting God's people free. It has been said, however, that much of Christianity is built on 'anniversaries.' For example, Christmas celebrates the 'anniversary' of the birth of Jesus, while Pentecost marks the coming of the Holy Spirit on the early Church. The Crucifixion is an 'anniversary' marked on Good Friday, while Easter Day is a celebration of the Resurrection. Christianity has been described as 'an anniversary faith,' in that it marks a series of events on which the faith is founded. In modern times, an 'anniversary' may be a birth, marriage or death. It may be a national day of mourning, such as Remembrance Day, or celebration, such as a Coronation. It may be an international day of peace, or the recognition each year of something that pertains to the nations of the world. Each of us is familiar with an 'anniversary' of one kind or another. On Wednesday last week, I celebrated the 40th anniversary of my ordination to the ministry of the Church of Scotland on the 26th June 1984. The years have passed quickly, and every moment has been a precious one. I have quietly marked this 'anniversary' in my own way every year, but somehow this one seemed much more meaningful and significant. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who has made this 'anniversary' possible, as much as I am most grateful for the goodness and mercy that have followed me all the days of my life. These four decades have been most full and fulfilling, and what an enormous privilege it has been to be a minister of word and sacrament to two congregations in the heart of the South Ayrshire countryside for almost thirty-nine of them. As we go through life, we encounter 'anniversaries.' Whatever their nature, these are indeed a time for us to look back, and also to look forward, and most of all to see God's guiding hand working and weaving its way through all the years. AN ANNIVERSARY PRAYER Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whom are the issues of time and eternity: we give thanks for the anniversaries we encounter on the journey of life. May each one be a lesson for us: a lesson in gratitude, a lesson in love, a lesson in hope for the future. And whether it calls for celebration or commemoration, may every anniversary remind us that you are ever with us, working your purpose out as our companion on the way; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. THE BLESSING Now may grace, mercy, and peace, from God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and evermore. AMEN. |
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Sunday 23 June 2024
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TRINITY 4
EDEN AND EARTH Among our most popular hymns is All Things Bright and Beautiful, which is sung on many occasions, and especially at this time of the year. This hymn was originally written for children by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895), and by the use of pictorial language, it explains the doctrine of creation, proclaiming God as 'maker of heaven and earth.' The flowers and fruits, trees and meadows, mountains and rivers, summer and winter - 'The Lord God made them all.' The verb made is the key to the text, and the hymn was intended to teach young children one of the basic truths of the Christian faith. One obvious sign of God's activity in creation today is the beauty of our gardens. At this time of year, our gardens are in bloom, with lovely flowers, plants, shrubs and other foliage, providing a rich variety of colour, as well as giving us a place for rest and relaxation. Every so often we hear a lawnmower manicuring the grass, or see someone out weeding or watering plants, keeping their garden in presentable form. According to the Book of Genesis (2: 4-15), when God created Adam, the first man, he was placed in a garden - the Garden of Eden. He was not to sit there and soak in the scenery, but was instructed by God to "till the garden" - to nurture it, to work in it, to maintain it and take care of it. For us today, a garden may be a welcome oasis of peace in a conflict-ridden world, but for Adam, it was something to take charge of, and maintain to the highest standards. (Genesis 2: 15) Adam stands for Everyman or Everyperson, and one lesson from this ancient story is that the Garden of Earth is a place we are charged by God to care for and protect. It is certainly a place of work, but we are not to carelessly abuse it or needlessly destroy it. As Psalm 24: 1 reminds us: "The earth belongs to the Lord, and all that it contains." This means that in reality we are only God's tenants in this earthly garden - not its owners, who may treat it as they wish. We are stewards who will one day be called to account, as to whether we have cared for God's earthly garden, or turned it into a wilderness or place of waste. The modern hymn writer, Frederick Pratt Green (1903-2000), tells us that "God in such love for us lent us this planet." The Garden of Earth has only been lent to us, and we have a God-given duty as tenants to protect it, and use it in the most careful manner. This responsibility is recognised today by Christians and countless others across the world, and whether or not we agree with all that is said and done in the name of environmental protection, there is a sacred duty laid on Christians to protect their "earthly home" as responsible stewards of God's creation. Only by so doing can it be passed on for the full benefit of those who come after us. We may sum up our message today in the last verse of one of Frederick Pratt Green's hymns: "Earth is the Lord's: it is ours to enjoy it, ours, as God's stewards, to farm and defend. From its pollution, misuse, and destruction, good Lord, deliver us, world without end!" Let us "till the garden" of earth wisely and well, and gain the approval of God, its creator, sustainer and ultimate owner! A PRAYER FOR THE DAY. Lord, set your blessing on us as we begin this day together. Confirm us in the truth by which we rightly live; confront us with the truth from which we wrongly turn. We ask not for what we want but for what you know we need, as we offer this day and ourselves for you and to you; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 519 THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 16 June 2024
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TRINITY 3
THE MUSICAL CHURCH The absence of congregational singing during the pandemic was a profound source of regret to many. Through music and singing, we can express a range of emotions that cannot be effectively achieved by the spoken word. A radical theologian once said he could never recite The Apostles' Creed - but he could sing it! Music often assists when doctrine seems difficult to understand. From the beginning, music has been an integral part of Christian worship, and a means of giving praise to God. For example, in the Old Testament, the writer of Psalm 150, the last Psalm, urges every voice in heaven and on earth, and every musical instrument human ingenuity has devised, to swell the praise of the living God. In the New Testament, in Colossians 3: 16, St. Paul issues this instruction to the Christians at Colossae: "With psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, sing from the heart in gratitude to God." We can conclude that from the very beginning, the Christian Church was a musical Church, something it inherited from Jewish worship. It is hardly surprising that throughout the centuries, the Church has accumulated a vast treasure-store of music: from moving orchestral works to simple songs and melodies. Even those who would not ordinarily describe themselves as Christian have found their emotions stirred by the singing of a hymn, or some other piece of Church music. In churches today, the organ is probably the instrument we are most familiar with. In Jewish and early Christian worship, there was an amazing range of instruments used, as Psalm 150 clearly indicates: the harp, the lyre, the flute and stringed instruments, cymbals, drums and tambourines, to list but a few. It has been said, however, that the finest instrument we possess is "the human voice." This may come as a surprise or shock to those who say they cannot sing, and claim that this only applies to the musically-gifted. Nevertheless, it has been stated that "the human voice" is the finest of instruments, and that God will even hear our "inarticulate groans" and use them for his glory. The truth of the matter is that music has always been at the heart of Jewish and Christian worship, and no doubt will always remain so. Furthermore, in many places in the Church of Scotland, apart from reciting the Lord's Prayer and perhaps some other limited responses, the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is the only corporate contribution the congregation makes to the service. The early Christian Church was unquestionably a musical Church. Given the significance of singing in our worship, let us use the instrument that God has given to each of us - "the human voice" - to praise the living God, in public (when it is appropriate) and in private (whenever we choose). "Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here." Almighty and eternal God, you speak to us in the call of duty and in the still, small voice of calm. As we quietly seek your presence, come to us in the fullness of your love, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and granting us those things for which we are not worthy to ask, save through the merits of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. A PRAYER FOR OURSELVES Loving God of the seasons, as spring now turns to summer, open our eyes to the beauty around us, and make us truly thankful for the different seasons of the year, each fulfilling our hope and our need. So may our children and those who succeed us benefit from the beauty of the natural world, a world that you have created for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the grace of God attend us, the love of God surround us, the Holy Spirit keep us, this day and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 9 June 2024
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TRINITY 2
IN PURSUIT OF A GOAL It is said that the happiest days of our life are those we spend at school, and as the summer holidays draw near, some of our primary school pupils will move on to their secondary education. Others will be finishing school and facing a challenging future. Those completing their education will have their goals in mind. The pursuit of a goal applies to each of us. Indeed, it has been said that "if you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time." In Philippians 3: 10-21, St. Paul speaks of his goal, his own lifelong ambition. There, he says that "forgetting what is behind, and reaching out to what lies ahead, I press towards the finishing line, to win the heavenly prize to which God has called me in Christ Jesus." To grasp the goal for which God in Christ has grasped him, the apostle must "press on" regardless until he has attained it. To pursue a goal in life applies to all of us, whether we are school-leavers or mature adults. Throughout history, people have pursued goals, often dismissed as unrealistic, and shaped the course of the world. Back in 1944, when Europe was under a cloud of deep darkness, the D-Day landings took place in Normandy on the 6th June that year. This week commemorations of various kinds have taken place to mark this historic event, described as "The Day that Changed the World." As a result, the liberation of Europe began, together with the long and difficult process of reconciliation that was to follow. What was once thought by some as an impossible goal was transformed into reality. To have a goal, an ambition, a sense of purpose in life is nothing less than responsible Christian living. If we fail to have our goals, "we crawl on the floor while we have wings to fly." In a word: we waste both our time and our talents. In the Christian life, we are not meant to rest on our laurels, but to "press on" with what God has called us to do in Christ Jesus. Indeed, it has been said that the Christian life is made up of a series of goals: "to seek Christ, to find Christ, to live like Christ, and, finally, to live with Christ." The hard part may not be identifying the goal or ambition, or even "pressing on" towards its attainment. It may be getting started. In the 1700s a French socialite, Madame du Deffand, said: "The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult." Many worthy goals have never been achieved because those who thought about them, and wished to pursue them, never got past the starting-point. Making a start can be the most difficult part of any enterprise. Making a start. Is that a problem for us? Or, like St. Paul, do we "press on" relentlessly, until we reach the goal laid down for us, and come to live eternally with God? May God give us grace to pursue our own goals, and make the Christian life one of purpose, achievement and fulfilment, and at the last receive Christ's blessing: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's joy!" "Those who are without a goal in life shall never prosper." (Anonymous) A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Holy God, faithful and unchanging, as we celebrate your mystery and majesty, we confess that in the journey of life we have followed the wrong goals, and have been careless or complacent in pursuing the goals laid down for us in your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.... In your infinite mercy, forgive what we have been and done: forgive what we have not done: forgive what we meant to do but never finished; and as we pursue the goals laid down for us in Christ Jesus, make us committed to the task, that we may attain to them with conscientious endeavour, to the glory of your name. Amen. THE BLESSING God the Holy Trinity make us strong in faith and love, defend us on every side, and guide us in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen. |
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Thursday 6 June 2024
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THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
A SHORT COMMEMORATION The Normandy landings on the 6th June 1944 saw an outpouring of bravery and human determination that changed the tide of the Second World War; and in this short Act of Commemoration, we remember all those involved in this operation, both military and civilian. D-Day is also known as "The Day that Changed the World" - a day eighty years ago, when British, American and Canadian, and other allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, and began the important task of liberating Europe. In another sense, D-Day started the long process of post-War peace-making and reconciliation, when former foes became friends, and when fighting gave way to the freedom we are all privileged to enjoy today. THE COMMEMORATION As on this day we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, let us remember the soldiers, sailors and airmen who were killed or injured that day, and also the civilians who lost their lives on that day, and in the fighting that followed. And let us remember the renewing grace of Almighty God, whose will it is to bring order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and love out of hate. (Silent reflection) AN 80TH ANNIVERSARY PRAYER Lord God of the nations, as we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we honour the memory and sacrifice of those who served, military or civilian. Grant us similar courage to recognise and restrain every evil in our own day; and may those who lead the nations work together to defend human liberty, that we may live peaceably one with another. We ask this prayer in the name of him who is Prince of Peace, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE FORCES OF THE CROWN Heavenly Father, on this day of anniversary, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and overseas, especially those presently engaged on active duty, and facing great danger. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR OURSELVES Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve: to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to sake for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BENEDICTION Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; help the afflicted; honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. |
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Sunday 2 June 2024
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TRINITY 1
GOD'S TENANTS Among our most popular hymns is For the Beauty of the Earth, written by Folliett Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917), which is sung on many occasions, and especially at this time of the year. This hymn was originally written for Holy Communion, and the question remains as to whether it still ought to be treated as such, or as a general hymn of praise and thanksgiving. In the form that we know it, the hymn is a 'general thanksgiving' for all our material blessings, and for the loveliness of God's creation. One obvious sign of God's activity in creation today is the beauty of our gardens. At this time of year, our gardens are in bloom, with flowers, plants, shrubs and other foliage, providing a rich variety of colour, as well as giving a place for rest and relaxation. Now and again we hear a lawnmower manicuring the grass, or see someone weeding or watering plants, keeping their garden in presentable condition. According to the Book of Genesis (2: 4-15), when God created Adam, the first man, he was placed in a garden - the Garden of Eden. He was not to sit there and soak in the scenery, but was instructed by God to "till the garden" - to nurture it, to work in it, to maintain it and take care of it. For us today, a garden may be a welcome oasis of peace in a busy, noisy, restless world, but for Adam, it was something to take charge of, and maintain to the highest standards. (Genesis 2: 15) Adam stands for Everyman or Everyperson, and one lesson from this ancient story is that the Garden of Earth is a place we are charged by God to care for and protect. It is certainly a place of work, but we are not to carelessly abuse it or needlessly destroy it. As Psalm 24: 1 reminds us: "The earth belongs to the Lord, and all that it contains." This means that we are only God's tenants in this earthly garden - not its owners, who may treat it as they wish. We are stewards who will one day be called to account, as to whether we have cared for God's earthly garden, or turned it into a wilderness of want and waste. The modern hymn writer, Frederick Pratt Green (1903-2000), tells us that "God in such love for us lent us this planet." The Garden of Earth has only been lent to us, and we have a God-given duty as tenants to protect it, and use it in the most careful manner. This responsibility is recognised today by Christians and countless others across the world, and whether or not we agree with all that is said and done in the name of environmental protection, there is a sacred duty laid on Christians to protect their "earthly home" as responsible stewards of God's creation. Only by so doing can it be passed on for the full benefit of those who come after us. We may sum up our message today in the last verse of one of Frederick Pratt Green's hymns: "Earth is the Lord's: it is ours to enjoy it, ours, as God's stewards, to farm and defend. From its pollution, misuse, and destruction, good Lord, deliver us, world without end!" Do we suppose that our tenancy meets with God's approval? Or does it fall short of the expected standards and thus in need of improvement? A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, set your blessing on us as we begin this day together. Confirm us in the truth by which we rightly live; confront us with the truth from which we wrongly turn. We ask not for what we want but for what you know we need, as we offer this day and ourselves for you and to you; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 519 THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 26 May 2024
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TRINITY SUNDAY
"Holy, holy, holy is God, our sovereign Lord, who was, and is, and is to come!" This is Trinity Sunday. Today, the Christian Church acknowledges God as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit. We are not thinking about three different 'gods', but only one God who, as Hugh Montefiore says, 'reveals himself to us in three modes' - as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The word 'Trinity' is not found in Scripture. The Trinity is said to be implicit in certain Old Testament texts, and explicit in New Testament passages, such as the blessing in 2 Corinthians 13:14: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." In the 4th century, the Trinity, as a way of understanding God, was absorbed into official Christianity; and today we speak of the one God, who is (at the same time) Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is the foundation of much Christian worship. Many well-known hymns have a reference to the Trinity, while prayers often conclude with a Trinitarian doxology. Christian baptism is administered "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"; blessings and benedictions follow a Trinitarian formula. When couples are joined together in marriage in Church, they are pronounced husband and wife - "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". Christian worship is inherently Trinitarian, founded on the doctrine that there is one God, who expresses himself in a threefold manner. At a more profound level, the Trinity means that, in this world, we can never have a complete and perfect understanding of God: his nature, his character, his personality. If we could (as many would wish), then God would no longer be God. He would be a mere creature, shorn of his cosmic stature. The Trinity preserves the 'mystery' that is God. Our finite minds cannot grasp him in total. God is impossible to define in depth and detail. He remains a 'mystery' - and the Trinity preserves this 'mystery'. It is a good 'model' of how God works. It is not, however, a complete picture. Over the years, much has been said and written about the wartime Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. Every now and again another book is published which claims to be more accurate than those published previously. One of his many biographers says that it is almost impossible to write a book about Churchill. He is so complex a character: a man of different tastes and moods; a man of various convictions and opinions; a man with so many sides to him, that a complete character picture is not possible. The best we can get is a partial portrait. The same can be said of God. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. The Trinity allows us to understand God in a particular way - as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not the complete picture we would like. The Trinity preserves the 'mystery' of God; it also allows us to respect the 'majesty' of God, and to evoke in us a sense of wonder, love and praise. A PRAYER FOR TRINITY SUNDAY Lord, we pray for your Church, that with our vision transformed by the contemplation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity, we would see the pattern of your life of love in all things. Lord of vision, whose prophets saw the truth of your majesty shot through the truth of this world: reveal to us something of your glory and your action in our lives, that knowing you as love's deepest reality we may come to enjoy that love's bright reflections in those around us, in the splendour of the natural order and in the silence of prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Kramer, M.J. The Canterbury Book of New Parish Prayers, Norwich 2020, 33 THE BLESSING God the Holy Trinity make us strong in faith, and hope, and love. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always. Amen. |
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