What Matters?

Gaza, gas prices, and and gas about gaiters.

Today's news reminds us of the dangerous fragility in the Middle East. To people caught in the midst of the slaughter and suffering, or fearing rockets from their enemies, we may imagine our own responses.

Further comments about energy prices will occupy some in government, while all of us hope for lower bills.

And then the gas about gaiters - my way of focusing on the debate about women bishops.

The Church of England's General Synod will be finally voting on whether women may be appointed as Bishops. This has been a long process, with delays to try to turn opponents into supporters. A two third's majority is needed amongst all three 'houses', that is the bishops, the clergy and lay people, so it is by no means certain what the outcome may be, in spite of the support of both present and future Archbishops of Canterbury.

I pray that there will be a clear majority in favour, so that we can get on with what really matters, in the life of our Church.

When St. Paul was in prison in Rome, facing the prospect of his own death by execution, he reflects on the mixed motives of other Christians. Some were hoping to make his life more difficult, while his friends were seeking to support him. In that context, he makes some startling remarks.

It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.' (Philippians 1.15-18)

For Paul, what really matters is that Christ is being preached, so that other people get to hear. 

In the life of our own local congregation and fellowship, there are many issues which may concern us. Our Gift Day on Sunday, so that we can pay all our bills, is significant. But the context in which we need to be solvent is so that we may be equipped to 'make Christ better known' to the many of Goldsworth Park who do not even know that there is a Church here.

Pray with me that we may be good at spreading the Good News.

Best wishes,

Richard