Oxfam is alerting us to the affects of rising food prices on the poorest in the world. While we may complain that supermarket prices have risen - and they have - most people in this country spend a fairly low proportion of their income on basic food items. Over the last 30 years, as Britons have become more wealthy, we have spent lower and lower proportions of our income on food - and more and more on entertaining ourselves.
But for the poorest in the world, rising food prices are a serious problem. This will lead to malnutrition and possible starvation for chuildren.
But we also face food problems in our spiritual lives. We are surrounded by a feast of good spiritual food. There are Bible translations, good Christian books, and so much else to nouirish our lives. But most of us snack occasionally, and wonder why we are not thriving.
St. Peter instructs his readers in how to grow. 'Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.' (1 Peter 2.1-3)
As usual, if we take time to get good nourishment into our lives, then we will see the benefit of growing up from our baby beginnings. Spiritual maturity is not a function of age. It comes when we take steps to allow God to re-shape and direct us - which comes from feeding well.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 31 May 2011
Friday 27 May 2011
Cloud Cover
Fears about the Icelandic volcanic ash clouds have diminished. While the eruption was very big, most of the ash seems to have gone north and east, so European air space is not affected.
But yesterday's rain and thunder was a change from normal service. Maybe we will have more rain bearing cloud cover in the days ahead. The start of the Cricket Test season would seem to herald more rain!
But Cloud Cover is very important in the Bible story.
In the New Testament, when Jesus is with his inner circle up a mountain, and he is praying, a cloud comes down, with the voice from the Cloud Cover. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark.9.7) What a wonderfully simple message for us all today.
But centuries before, while Moses was building the Tabernacle in the wilderness, for the travelling Israelites to be able to worship the Lord and to offer sacrifices, they too experienced Cloud Cover.
'Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40.36-38) This 40 years experience of the Lord showing his presence with them by his Cloud Cover was a defining memory. It shaped their lives and directed them effectively
It is not too fanciful for us to think about whether we have the 'Cloud Cover' of the Lord's presence with us every day. We all have to make decisions and find the right direction for our lives and those around us, and our Lord has promised to lead us and guide us. Are we looking for Cloud Cover? Are we listening to Him, or going our own way?
Best wishes,
Richard
But yesterday's rain and thunder was a change from normal service. Maybe we will have more rain bearing cloud cover in the days ahead. The start of the Cricket Test season would seem to herald more rain!
But Cloud Cover is very important in the Bible story.
In the New Testament, when Jesus is with his inner circle up a mountain, and he is praying, a cloud comes down, with the voice from the Cloud Cover. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark.9.7) What a wonderfully simple message for us all today.
But centuries before, while Moses was building the Tabernacle in the wilderness, for the travelling Israelites to be able to worship the Lord and to offer sacrifices, they too experienced Cloud Cover.
'Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40.36-38) This 40 years experience of the Lord showing his presence with them by his Cloud Cover was a defining memory. It shaped their lives and directed them effectively
It is not too fanciful for us to think about whether we have the 'Cloud Cover' of the Lord's presence with us every day. We all have to make decisions and find the right direction for our lives and those around us, and our Lord has promised to lead us and guide us. Are we looking for Cloud Cover? Are we listening to Him, or going our own way?
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Banned or not?
So what? Now we know that Ryan Giggs has tried to stop people telling the story of his alleged affair. Remarkably, more people now know, most of whom couldn't care less, and don't know who Ryan Giggs is. Banning this story didn't work!
How strange it is that when we are told we mustn't do something, then we want to do it even more! That applies to finding out 'banned news', and apparently to the large number of wealthy men - banker and footballers - who relentlessly pursue women who are not their wives. As Time Magazine asked, 'Sex, Lies, Arrogance. What makes powerful men act like pigs? (No offence to the pigs!)
Today, there will be more conversations about this topic than many other more significant issues. We seem hooked on gossip and tittle-tattle. Why is that?
I think of another group of people who were banned from telling their story - but that banning order didn't work either. Following the miraculous healing of the crippled man, Peter & John had been arrested.
'“What should we do with these men?” the Jewish leaders asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
(Acts 4.16-20)
This story constantly challenges me to be more bold in speaking about the difference Jesus can make to the people I meet. My speaking is not banned by the authorities, but my own fear does enough to keep me silent.
I long to find the right words to make the message compelling and transforming for others. Wouldn't it be great if today we could find some who discover Jesus because of our words to them? Lets pray for that!
Best wishes,
Richard
How strange it is that when we are told we mustn't do something, then we want to do it even more! That applies to finding out 'banned news', and apparently to the large number of wealthy men - banker and footballers - who relentlessly pursue women who are not their wives. As Time Magazine asked, 'Sex, Lies, Arrogance. What makes powerful men act like pigs? (No offence to the pigs!)
Today, there will be more conversations about this topic than many other more significant issues. We seem hooked on gossip and tittle-tattle. Why is that?
I think of another group of people who were banned from telling their story - but that banning order didn't work either. Following the miraculous healing of the crippled man, Peter & John had been arrested.
'“What should we do with these men?” the Jewish leaders asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
(Acts 4.16-20)
This story constantly challenges me to be more bold in speaking about the difference Jesus can make to the people I meet. My speaking is not banned by the authorities, but my own fear does enough to keep me silent.
I long to find the right words to make the message compelling and transforming for others. Wouldn't it be great if today we could find some who discover Jesus because of our words to them? Lets pray for that!
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 23 May 2011
The Important Visitor
Last week, it was the Queen & the Duke of Edinburgh going to Ireland. This week, it is President and Michelle Obama visiting both Ireland and Britain. Loads of preparations will have been made, and high hopes will follow these visits.
When all is over, some ordinary people will have stories to tell about how they met the important visitors. But what else? We wait to see.
In the New Testament, there is a delightful story about the Important Visitor, Jesus, calling in on the home of some friends. 'As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10.38-42)
Can you imagine having guests coming round, and not bothering to feed them? It seems that Jesus' values are very different from what most of us think should matter. Martha was the one to do the work and lay on the hospitality, but she gets told off! Mary, who seemed quite unconcerned with practical issues, leaving the work to her sister, gets praise from Jesus.
But what matters to Jesus - and therefore should matter to us - is that we take time to listen to and be shaped by his words and presence. If we miss that - because we are too busy with our own agenda, then we have missed the point altogether. Whose agenda will I follow today - Jesus or mine? And what about you?
Best wishes,
Richard
When all is over, some ordinary people will have stories to tell about how they met the important visitors. But what else? We wait to see.
In the New Testament, there is a delightful story about the Important Visitor, Jesus, calling in on the home of some friends. 'As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10.38-42)
Can you imagine having guests coming round, and not bothering to feed them? It seems that Jesus' values are very different from what most of us think should matter. Martha was the one to do the work and lay on the hospitality, but she gets told off! Mary, who seemed quite unconcerned with practical issues, leaving the work to her sister, gets praise from Jesus.
But what matters to Jesus - and therefore should matter to us - is that we take time to listen to and be shaped by his words and presence. If we miss that - because we are too busy with our own agenda, then we have missed the point altogether. Whose agenda will I follow today - Jesus or mine? And what about you?
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 20 May 2011
Doing Time
A group of us visited Send Prison on Wednesday, to hear from the Chaplain about her work. Unlike TV representations of prison life, and the video background to the story of award winning album from Plan B, life at Send is tough. It is one of the few women's prisons in the country, so is home for women from far away - Wales, Scotland and the West Country. Half of those there have experienced abuse and violence in their lives, and many suffer with mental health issues. It seemed to me that 'prison doesn't work' for such people. What else can be done?
Better minds than mine have struggled with this issue for hundreds of years. Most of us would wish that there was a simple answer, but there isn't. But as the Chaplain spoke to us, she told stories of people whose lives had begun to be turned round. How did it happen?
I was reminded of the words of Jesus, '“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
Jesus was inviting people into a personal relationship, and he knows that people are struggling. As people respond to Jesus, he brings hope and a fresh way forward.
The Chaplain and her team are playing the same role - getting close to those who know they are in a bad place, and inviting them to try a new way forward.
But I was struck by the fact that we can all get close to others who are struggling, and provide that hope and encouragement that may enable someone to choose to take the yoke of Jesus for their life's journey. That would be wonderful opportunity for us all to make a difference, if we will be ready to 'be Jesus' to those we meet. It is costly but worth it.
Best wishes,
Richard
Better minds than mine have struggled with this issue for hundreds of years. Most of us would wish that there was a simple answer, but there isn't. But as the Chaplain spoke to us, she told stories of people whose lives had begun to be turned round. How did it happen?
I was reminded of the words of Jesus, '“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
Jesus was inviting people into a personal relationship, and he knows that people are struggling. As people respond to Jesus, he brings hope and a fresh way forward.
The Chaplain and her team are playing the same role - getting close to those who know they are in a bad place, and inviting them to try a new way forward.
But I was struck by the fact that we can all get close to others who are struggling, and provide that hope and encouragement that may enable someone to choose to take the yoke of Jesus for their life's journey. That would be wonderful opportunity for us all to make a difference, if we will be ready to 'be Jesus' to those we meet. It is costly but worth it.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Changed Relationship
The visit of the Queen to the Republic of Ireland is significant for many reasons. Painful history is exposed to view again, and memories of past traumas are resurfacing. While some are still stuck in that hopeless past, others are looking to a new relationship, changed by the very events which have shaped that present reality. Recalling the sacrifice and cost borne by all concerned is both difficult and necessary.
How interesting that those playing the main parts in this process are women, perhaps being used to taking the courageous way forward. They want a changed relationship, and are willing to pay the price to show that.
Jesus spoke about our changed relationship with him, soon after he had washed the feet of his disciples. On that occasion, he, their Lord and master, had been their willing servant, and Peter a least found that upside down relationship hard to handle. But Jesus then went on to say, 'There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (John 15.13-15)
Instead of the relationship being one of master to slave, Jesus talks of friendship. The friendship he talks about is one where friends are ready to lay down their lives for one another. Sacrifice rather than status, serving others rather than selfishness are the marks of this new relationship.
I am so grateful that he, knowing the worst about me, still is ready to call me his friend.
It raises the question in my mind about the important relationships in my life. Have they been changed by Jesus from hierarchies to equality? I hope I am willing for that to happen.
Best wishes,
Richard
How interesting that those playing the main parts in this process are women, perhaps being used to taking the courageous way forward. They want a changed relationship, and are willing to pay the price to show that.
Jesus spoke about our changed relationship with him, soon after he had washed the feet of his disciples. On that occasion, he, their Lord and master, had been their willing servant, and Peter a least found that upside down relationship hard to handle. But Jesus then went on to say, 'There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (John 15.13-15)
Instead of the relationship being one of master to slave, Jesus talks of friendship. The friendship he talks about is one where friends are ready to lay down their lives for one another. Sacrifice rather than status, serving others rather than selfishness are the marks of this new relationship.
I am so grateful that he, knowing the worst about me, still is ready to call me his friend.
It raises the question in my mind about the important relationships in my life. Have they been changed by Jesus from hierarchies to equality? I hope I am willing for that to happen.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 17 May 2011
A Safe Place
The BBC programme, Springwatch, often reveals some most wonderful and unusual aspects of the changes happening around us, of which most of us are unaware.
But our own Church building is playing host to a pair of birds (species as yet uncertain - my guess would be blue tits or robins), who have reared their brood of chicks. They found a safe place for their family - and we can marvel at it.
The Psalmist recalls the sense of welcome that all received on visiting the Jerusalem Temple on pilgrimage. In his case, he noticed sparrows and swallows nesting there.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.'
(Psalm 84.1-4)
We too may sense that being in the Lord's house - which might be our Church - is a safe place. My prayer is that others too may make that discovery. Home for all of us is close to God.
Best wishes,
Richard
But our own Church building is playing host to a pair of birds (species as yet uncertain - my guess would be blue tits or robins), who have reared their brood of chicks. They found a safe place for their family - and we can marvel at it.
The Psalmist recalls the sense of welcome that all received on visiting the Jerusalem Temple on pilgrimage. In his case, he noticed sparrows and swallows nesting there.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.'
(Psalm 84.1-4)
We too may sense that being in the Lord's house - which might be our Church - is a safe place. My prayer is that others too may make that discovery. Home for all of us is close to God.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 16 May 2011
Choice, Chance, and Charges
Today, those who applied for Olympic Games tickets will discover if they have been at all successful. Their choice was to apply - and over 1 million people did make that choice. But then an element of chance takes over - as they are very unlikely to get exactly what they have applied for. Those allocating tickets may have had some system to deciding how they choose who gets what - but from the receiving end, it may look like a blind chance. And then of course, those who are successful in their bidding for tickets will discover today how much their actions will cost - as bank accounts or credit cards will be charged.
I am struck by how this process seems to be an illustration of how life appears.
We make choices - but we do not always get exactly what we choose. At times, from our side, it seems as though there is an element of chance in how things turn out. At the same time, some see the hand of Providence or God behind how things are. And all through life, we are paying either for our choices or for those of others. There is a charge to the game of life.
St. Paul writes about these issues in his letter to his friends in Rome. 'And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together[b] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first-born among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8.26-29)
All through our lives, God has been nudging us to make the right choices. It is by His Spirit that we get the inclination to want to pray. But we then have to choose.
At times, it looks as though life is a game of chance. Some may be struck down by disease, or be on the end of an accident, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe there is a bad decision by someone else.
But our lives are not a game of chance, even though we cannot see the details of how the Lord has worked something out - and that is painful and very costly at times.
But He has a long-term plan - to help us to grow to be like Jesus. Ultimately, he pays the charge for that process - though we get to contribute in both the pain and the gain of that glorious purpose. I know that I need to see this Big Picture of what happens in my life today.
May you be excited today by His Plan.
Best wishes,
Richard
I am struck by how this process seems to be an illustration of how life appears.
We make choices - but we do not always get exactly what we choose. At times, from our side, it seems as though there is an element of chance in how things turn out. At the same time, some see the hand of Providence or God behind how things are. And all through life, we are paying either for our choices or for those of others. There is a charge to the game of life.
St. Paul writes about these issues in his letter to his friends in Rome. 'And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together[b] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first-born among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8.26-29)
All through our lives, God has been nudging us to make the right choices. It is by His Spirit that we get the inclination to want to pray. But we then have to choose.
At times, it looks as though life is a game of chance. Some may be struck down by disease, or be on the end of an accident, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe there is a bad decision by someone else.
But our lives are not a game of chance, even though we cannot see the details of how the Lord has worked something out - and that is painful and very costly at times.
But He has a long-term plan - to help us to grow to be like Jesus. Ultimately, he pays the charge for that process - though we get to contribute in both the pain and the gain of that glorious purpose. I know that I need to see this Big Picture of what happens in my life today.
May you be excited today by His Plan.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 11 May 2011
What a Waste!
Waste is in the news.
Can we waste less, and be more 'green' in how we live?
Getting rid of our waste is an increasingly complex business. Some homes have 4 differently colour coded waste bins, and then there are the additional facilities at large supermarket car parks, and the Recycling centres for everything under the sun. It might become possible, if we took the time, to end up with very little actually wasted.
The contrast is striking, when we compare our situation with some parts of the world, such as the slums near Cairo, or on the outskirts of Manilla, where whole communities live and work on the communal rubbish dumps of those great cities.
Rabbi Lionel Blue made an interesting comment the other week. He said, 'Give your rubbish to God. It isn't doing you any good!' His theme had been on how all of us collect 'waste' or rubbish in our lives - disappointments, failures, betrayals, and times when we feel the Lord has been unfair. He had learned, from within his deep depression, that he had been trying to carry around loads of rubbish and waste - and it is killing him!
St. Peter had a similar view. 'Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.' (1 Peter 5.7) Again and again, in the Psalms, we hear the complaints from the Psalmist. 'You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defences.
You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favour.
You have shaken our land and split it open.
Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.
You have been very hard on us,
making us drink wine that sent us reeling. (Psalm 60.1-3)
But then we read of his response to all this rubbish. 'Have you rejected us, O God?
Will you no longer march with our armies?
Oh, please help us against our enemies,
for all human help is useless.
With God’s help we will do mighty things,
for he will trample down our foes. (Psalm 60.10-12)
We could all learn to give to the Lord the rubbish & waste which threatens to destroy us. He will take it, and give us hope.
Best wishes,
Richard
Can we waste less, and be more 'green' in how we live?
Getting rid of our waste is an increasingly complex business. Some homes have 4 differently colour coded waste bins, and then there are the additional facilities at large supermarket car parks, and the Recycling centres for everything under the sun. It might become possible, if we took the time, to end up with very little actually wasted.
The contrast is striking, when we compare our situation with some parts of the world, such as the slums near Cairo, or on the outskirts of Manilla, where whole communities live and work on the communal rubbish dumps of those great cities.
Rabbi Lionel Blue made an interesting comment the other week. He said, 'Give your rubbish to God. It isn't doing you any good!' His theme had been on how all of us collect 'waste' or rubbish in our lives - disappointments, failures, betrayals, and times when we feel the Lord has been unfair. He had learned, from within his deep depression, that he had been trying to carry around loads of rubbish and waste - and it is killing him!
St. Peter had a similar view. 'Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.' (1 Peter 5.7) Again and again, in the Psalms, we hear the complaints from the Psalmist. 'You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defences.
You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favour.
You have shaken our land and split it open.
Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.
You have been very hard on us,
making us drink wine that sent us reeling. (Psalm 60.1-3)
But then we read of his response to all this rubbish. 'Have you rejected us, O God?
Will you no longer march with our armies?
Oh, please help us against our enemies,
for all human help is useless.
With God’s help we will do mighty things,
for he will trample down our foes. (Psalm 60.10-12)
We could all learn to give to the Lord the rubbish & waste which threatens to destroy us. He will take it, and give us hope.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 10 May 2011
'It's only words'
The Beegees and Boyzone (and many others besides, no doubt!) sang of the power of words. 'It's only words and words are all I have to take your heart away', as though words do not 'say' much! Children may learn the playground rhyme, 'Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never hurt me', but we all know that is not true. But words are powerful and effective in communicating, and can be seen as the expression of the character within.
James, the brother of Jesus, writes powerfully about the ways all of us must learn to control what we say. 'People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!' (James 3.7-10)
Jesus reminded his hearers that our speech indicates what is going on inside us. 'A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.' (Luke 6.45)
It is striking what sometimes emerges when we are not thinking clearly! 'Fingers crossed, touch wood!' is often said when 'hoping for the best', by people who would claim to be followers of Jesus.
But such superstitious words reveal a profound disconnection between what we say we believe and what we say! Habits like that bring no honour to Christ. The words we say mark us out, so we need to watch what we say.
Best wishes,
Richard
James, the brother of Jesus, writes powerfully about the ways all of us must learn to control what we say. 'People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!' (James 3.7-10)
Jesus reminded his hearers that our speech indicates what is going on inside us. 'A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.' (Luke 6.45)
It is striking what sometimes emerges when we are not thinking clearly! 'Fingers crossed, touch wood!' is often said when 'hoping for the best', by people who would claim to be followers of Jesus.
But such superstitious words reveal a profound disconnection between what we say we believe and what we say! Habits like that bring no honour to Christ. The words we say mark us out, so we need to watch what we say.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 9 May 2011
Parlez vous francais?
'Oui. Poco, poco!'
As we know, most British people are not very good at speaking any foreign languages. We hope that 'they' will speak English, and we will get by! We can probably all tell funny stories of failed communications while on holiday in foreign parts, even if we were just in Scotland or Northumbria.
The serious side is that as fewer and fewer British people are competent foreign linguists, there are fewer British people playing a significant role in European institutions and international businesses. Our insularity has a long-term cost.
Early Christians learned that they needed to be good at speaking the languages of their communities, in order to share the Good News of Jesus. It stared very early, for while Jesus mostly spoke Aramaic, the New Testament is written in a simplified Greek, as spoken all round the Mediterranean. Translation meant good communication.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the follower of Jesus the ability to speak in foreign languages, to the crowds of pilgrims. Translation is an essential tool of the communicator, as Luke records, 'They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!' (Acts 2.7,8)
The question in my mind, therefore, is how good are we at sharing the Good News of Jesus with those we meet daily, not in the insider language of Christian discussions and debate, but in the language and idioms of the mainstream culture around us.
For the sake of those who do not know much about Jesus, we could well adopt the policy of St. Paul. 'Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.' (1 Corinthians 9.22b-2)
Best wishes in your efforts to 'do everything to spread the good News'.
Richard
As we know, most British people are not very good at speaking any foreign languages. We hope that 'they' will speak English, and we will get by! We can probably all tell funny stories of failed communications while on holiday in foreign parts, even if we were just in Scotland or Northumbria.
The serious side is that as fewer and fewer British people are competent foreign linguists, there are fewer British people playing a significant role in European institutions and international businesses. Our insularity has a long-term cost.
Early Christians learned that they needed to be good at speaking the languages of their communities, in order to share the Good News of Jesus. It stared very early, for while Jesus mostly spoke Aramaic, the New Testament is written in a simplified Greek, as spoken all round the Mediterranean. Translation meant good communication.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the follower of Jesus the ability to speak in foreign languages, to the crowds of pilgrims. Translation is an essential tool of the communicator, as Luke records, 'They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!' (Acts 2.7,8)
The question in my mind, therefore, is how good are we at sharing the Good News of Jesus with those we meet daily, not in the insider language of Christian discussions and debate, but in the language and idioms of the mainstream culture around us.
For the sake of those who do not know much about Jesus, we could well adopt the policy of St. Paul. 'Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.' (1 Corinthians 9.22b-2)
Best wishes in your efforts to 'do everything to spread the good News'.
Richard
Friday 6 May 2011
Wedding Memories
A week ago, we were all getting excited by the prospect of the Royal Wedding.
You may not be surprised to know that I hadn't been very engrossed in any of the details, though I did know who was getting married. I observed that there were some very odd looking (to me, I have to say) hats on view! And I thought my clerical colleagues did well, in the circumstances.
But my biggest surprise on the day was hearing the Bible reading from the bride's brother. His confident and deliberate delivery of words from Romans 12 was riveting. It seemed to me that he had taken time to understand what he was reading. And I was thrilled that William & Kate had chosen such a wonderfully personal and appropriate passage for their wedding day.
Here is the part of that reading.
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12. 9-13)
These words, even when reading them quietly to myself, are wonderfully practical, and touch many aspects of ordinary life.
All through this day, with its multiple meetings and activities, I am challenged to put these words into practice. The people around me will be wonderfully blessed if I can live like this.
What about your day? Will you seek to live like this today? I pray so.
Best wishes,
Richard
You may not be surprised to know that I hadn't been very engrossed in any of the details, though I did know who was getting married. I observed that there were some very odd looking (to me, I have to say) hats on view! And I thought my clerical colleagues did well, in the circumstances.
But my biggest surprise on the day was hearing the Bible reading from the bride's brother. His confident and deliberate delivery of words from Romans 12 was riveting. It seemed to me that he had taken time to understand what he was reading. And I was thrilled that William & Kate had chosen such a wonderfully personal and appropriate passage for their wedding day.
Here is the part of that reading.
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12. 9-13)
These words, even when reading them quietly to myself, are wonderfully practical, and touch many aspects of ordinary life.
All through this day, with its multiple meetings and activities, I am challenged to put these words into practice. The people around me will be wonderfully blessed if I can live like this.
What about your day? Will you seek to live like this today? I pray so.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Conspiracy Theories
It hasn't taken long for various conspiracy theories to arise over that actually happened in Abbottabad on Sunday. On yesterday evening's Channel 4 News, Akbar Ahmed, a distinguished academic and a former Pakistan Ambassador to the UK, produced a very imaginative account of how he believed the Pakistani authorities had helped the US in their plan.
But conspiracy theories will emerge with surprising rapidity, as various groups and individuals do their best to make the death of bin Laden more or less distressing.
It is striking that soon after the first Easter Day, there were conspiracy theories emerging about 'what had actually happened'. All sought to deflect the power of the truth.
'As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.' (Matthew 28.11-15)
Today, all of us who know the truth that Jesus was raised to new life have a chance to make that truth known to those nearest to us. Will they see Jesus' life in us, and will they hear the story through us? That could make a difference.
Best wishes,
Richard
But conspiracy theories will emerge with surprising rapidity, as various groups and individuals do their best to make the death of bin Laden more or less distressing.
It is striking that soon after the first Easter Day, there were conspiracy theories emerging about 'what had actually happened'. All sought to deflect the power of the truth.
'As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.' (Matthew 28.11-15)
Today, all of us who know the truth that Jesus was raised to new life have a chance to make that truth known to those nearest to us. Will they see Jesus' life in us, and will they hear the story through us? That could make a difference.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Abbottabad Lessons
In 2004, I was in Abbottabad, with a large group of Muslim friends, and I was invited to speak to them. The crowd of 5000 gave me an enthusiastic welcome, possibly because I had been introduced as 'Bishop Cook of London'!
On that occasion, as many times since, I spoke of the call of Jesus to his followers, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5.9) The crowd on that day were eager to reject the ways of hatred and violence that have marked relationships between many Muslims and non-Muslims over the centuries. In spite of our differences, Christians are called to be those who make the world a better place, by bringing the peace and justice that is close to God's heart.
The events in Abbottabad on Sunday, and the reports of the death of Osama bin Laden, tell us again that we have not been good at following the ways of Jesus. In our muddled and complex world, with many conflicting ideologies, we know that many wicked and dreadful things happen.
It is striking to see how Jesus faced rampant evil on the night he was arrested. 'But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? (Matthew 26.51-53)
My prayer these days is that we will all take steps to build good local relationships with people from different backgrounds and cultures, so that Jesus may be seen and known in the darkest places.
Best wishes,
Richard
On that occasion, as many times since, I spoke of the call of Jesus to his followers, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5.9) The crowd on that day were eager to reject the ways of hatred and violence that have marked relationships between many Muslims and non-Muslims over the centuries. In spite of our differences, Christians are called to be those who make the world a better place, by bringing the peace and justice that is close to God's heart.
The events in Abbottabad on Sunday, and the reports of the death of Osama bin Laden, tell us again that we have not been good at following the ways of Jesus. In our muddled and complex world, with many conflicting ideologies, we know that many wicked and dreadful things happen.
It is striking to see how Jesus faced rampant evil on the night he was arrested. 'But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? (Matthew 26.51-53)
My prayer these days is that we will all take steps to build good local relationships with people from different backgrounds and cultures, so that Jesus may be seen and known in the darkest places.
Best wishes,
Richard
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