Spring Cleaning

The sun is shining, and on Easter Sunday, the clocks go forward for the start of 'Summer Time'!

So, in spite of the cold weather, spring is here, and we may think it is time for the annual clean up. 

Of course, Lent is the time in the Christian year when we are reminded to clean up our lives. Instead of giving up chocolate or red wine, our focus should be on giving up being nasty and selfish.

But in Holy Week, we may reflect on Jesus' activity in cleaning up the Temple precincts. It is a startling story.

'When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” 

When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.' (Mark 11.15-18) This story shows that Jesus' actions didn't make Him popular.

If Jesus were to come to inspect my life today, what action might He take? 

As He seems to believe that prayer should be a priority, I suspect that he would challenge me to have a major clear out and clean up. 

He might ask me about my personal priorities. 

In a culture which focuses on how the banks and markets are doing, and whether there is any growth in the economy, He would focus my life on its spiritual vitality and resilience. And just as Jesus himself faced deadly opposition as a result of His actions, so I can reckon that this sort of clean up in my life will be challenged by the expectations I place on myself, let alone what others expect me to do.

But I am also convinced that Jesus knows better than the market forces which shape too much of my life. 

So, I will ask Him to help me with my spring cleaning. Will you?
Best wishes,

Richard

Beautiful People

In the era of flower power and hippies, some people aspired to become part of the Beautiful People.

 Women wore floaty dresses, while men wore John Lennon glasses and beards, and VW camper vans were painted to look as though they had been on the Magic Roundabout. These people  appeared to live in a parallel universe, where beauty ruled

St. Paul tells us that followers of Jesus should be Beautiful People, in the way we react to those around us. 

For instance, 'Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 

“I will take revenge; 

I will pay them back,” 

says the Lord.  

Instead, 

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 

In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.' (Romans 12.17-21)

I heard a great story yesterday from a friend, who applies this principle at work, to change the attitudes of the moaners and critics. 'Can I get you a cup of tea?' or 'I'm just popping out for a coffee. Fancy a latte this morning?' By doing this relentlessly, and by refusing to be beaten down by those who are negative, attitudes have been changed. This is the work of the Beautiful People.

We can develop the right attitudes ourselves, as we follow another piece of Paul's advice. 'And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.' (Philippians 4.8-9)

It all seems to simple. If we think beautiful thoughts - and reflecting on the life of Jesus would be a good place to start - then we might live differently, and others will notice. That would be good, wouldn't it?!

Best wishes,

Richard

Costly Rescue

So Cyprus is rescued from the consequences of their former folly. 

Casino banking has paid a terrible wage, and many who kept large amounts of their money in Cypriot banks, for a rainy day, have discovered they are paying the price of help from outside. 

On a different subject, Professor Sir John Beddington, the government's chief scientific adviser, warns that we will all pay for the consequences of the high level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, because no one is prepared to take the action required to lead to a rescue. The political and economic price of doing something about climate change is seen to be too high. So we will all suffer together the extreme weather conditions - floods, droughts and famines - that are increasingly present in our world.

As Christian people, we know that any rescue is a costly business. 

In the Old Testament, Noah and his family were only rescued because they spent a lot of time building a big boat. 

St. Paul tells us of the cost of our rescue by Jesus. We are completely unable to do anything to contribute to our own rescue - apart from trusting Jesus.

' We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.' (Romans 3.22-25)

In this Holy Week, it will serve us well if we take time to rreflect on this costly rescue. We will recall that we do not belong to ourselves, so our lives are set on a different direction and focus.

Best wishes,

Richard

Pay Up!

Today, I was reminded that I had to pay for our planned summer holiday! 

We can hope that the weather will be improved by mid June! A lot will happen in the next 11 weeks. But we had to pay up.

In our different ways, whether as Cypriots, Greeks, or British, we are all discovering that we have to pay up for past mistakes, in taking on more debts than was healthy. 

Just as smoking can damage your health, so can debt!

The apostle Paul reminded his friends, who had become followers of Christ as a result of his first missionary journey through what we might call south east Turkey, that in all matters, there is an inevitable rule - which we might call 'pay up!'

'Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.  Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.' (Galatians 6.7-10)

It is striking that Paul had to spell this out so clearly. Why is this? 

I guess we mostly imagine that while there may be a general rule about bad consequences from bad actions, and things working out badly from foolish actions, somehow we can convince ourselves that we will be the special case, so we can behave as we wish, with nothing to fear. Paul tells us that that is not the case. You will always harvest what you plant. 

And so, we should remember that 'Pay Up!' principle, which is both an encouragement - those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit - as well as a warning. 

Today, we can all look for ways to do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith, for nothing will be wasted.

Best wishes,

Richard

Poor Cypriots!

After years of not being in the news, Cyprus has been centre stage in these last few days. And their problems don't look like going away anytime soon.

Being closely linked with Greece and Russia hasn't helped them, and their poverty and weaknesses have made them an easy target for their wealthy partners in the EU. The peoples of Spain and Italy have had their troubles - and George Osborn will have to reflect on Britain's troubles today - but the Cypriots are much more vulnerable.

In any community, the strong can choose to help the weak, and the rich can choose to care for the poor. Or the rich and strong can ignore the needs of the marginalised.

In the early days of the Christian community, faced with many vulnerable and poor needing help, astonishing miracles took place.

'A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.' (Acts 2.43-45)

This sacrificial sharing became the hallmark of the Jerusalem church. The effect on the wider community was remarkable. This mutual care was extended in the days ahead. 'All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. 

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.' (Acts 4.32-37)

The example of Barnabas, from Cyprus, has been an inspiration to many Christians down the years. He shows us how we can bring transformation in the lives of others, by being generous and using our own resources for the benefit of those in need.

These days, there are many causes which would might support. While almost all the commentators on the Osborn Budget will assume we should consider our own needs before all others, the Barnabas approach suggests we think of those in need.

Best wishes,

Richard

Free and Fair?

After all the hot air and posturing from politicians and the press, where are we? 

Everyone seems to be saying that they want a press that is free and fair, but it appears that the devil is in the detail. Parliament may vote, but that hasn't yet changed anything.

I am sure that many wiser heads than mine have been giving lots of thought to this, but I wonder if a 'free press' is a bit like 'free will' - you are free to make mistakes, that may ruin the lives of others. 

Lurking underneath much of what the 'Hacked Off' campaigners and Lord Justice Leveson's report seem to be saying is that while we value finding out the truth, we don't have confidence that anyone in the media is really interested in the truth. Perhaps many are not convinced that there is such a thing as truth at all - just different versions of the same story.

Jesus had many arguments and disputes with the people of his day. 

John's Gospel records several, in which he seems to choose to be deliberately controversial. So, in discussion with some people who are starting to believe in him, Jesus sets out to explore what true freedom is. 'Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.31-32) It is striking that freedom comes to those who choose to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus, as that leads to us understanding the truth. Freedom comes from knowing the truth. 

This seems to be the opposite of what the media claims for itself - if you have a free press, you will discover the truth!

But Jesus' hearers picked a fight with him, as they thought his talk of freedom suggested they were not free. Hence, with astonishing blindness to their own situation - they had been slaves in Egypt, exiles in Babylon, and were now under Roman occupation - they claim  “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.' (John 8.33-36)

All this talk of freedom had blinded them to their own sin-bound slavery. The same needs to be said about those who trumpet the claims of a free press. Because all of us are inclined to twist the facts in any story to suit our own ends, we need help from outside to deliver us from ourselves. Only Jesus, the Son, can set us free from our sin-bound slavery. The clever ones amongst you will be able to tell me whether I am talking sense here. 

Best wishes,

Richard

A New Front Door

Today, we will have a new front door fitted, as part of the Diocese of Guildford's improvement programme. We are also getting a new back door! 

As neither has fitted well for years, we look forward to lower heating bills.

As usual, this illustrates the well known point that investment is needed if savings are to be made. The Diocese can afford to make these improvements, because we and other parishes pay our part of the Parish Share.

With a new Pope in post and a new Archbishop of Canterbury being 'enthroned' this week, it might be argued that both organisations have a new front door. Certainly, the media are making much of the new style and approach that both men bring to their roles. If the new front door is attractive and appealing, it might well be that more people will approach and enter the institution.

Jesus described himself as a door, when trying to explain his role to confused crowds. 'Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.' (John 10.7-10)

There may be some things which we may find difficult to understand in our life of faith and discipleship. But this one is very simple and clear. Coming to God through Jesus is the sure way to find spiritual life and hope. All other options will end up ruining our lives. There is an enemy of our souls, who intends, by any means to ruin us. Being aware of that should sharpen our desire to help people discover Jesus for themselves.

I trust you have found the right front door, and that you are helping others find, in Jesus, the one and only front door into eternity.

Best wishes,

Richard

John Lewis success

The John Lewis Partnership has bucked the trend.

Comet, HMV, Jessops and others have gone out of business, but Waitrose and John Lewis continue to grow.

Why is that?

The chief executive of John Lewis claimed that part of the reason is their company structure. The staff who serve us at Waitrose, and at all the John Lewis department stores, have a share in the company's profits, so it is in their interests to do their best. Being partners is significant.

This made me think about what St. Paul tells us about the local and world-wide Christian community.

'The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptised into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.' (1 Corinthians 12.12-13)

Becasue we are all part of the body of Christ, it means we all have a part to play in helping others to have a positive experience when they encounter us.

It has been very significant at St. Andrew's that following our doing the Everybody Welcome course last year, the quality of our welcome to our many visitors has improved greatly, from very many people. I guess that we have all been more active in doing our best for the sake of the people who are not yet our members! As St. Paul stated, 'All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.' (1 Corinthians 12.27)

Thank you for your part in St. Andrew's Church (or the one of which you are a part!). Let's keep working together to help others come to know Jesus.

Best wishes,

Richard

Signs

When the right coloured smoke emerges from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. everyone will know that it is a sign of the choice of a new Pope. The smoke is merely a pointer to something much more significant.

We have been reviewing the assorted signs outside St. Andrew's, with the aim of making it clearer what sort of place we are. 

We want our signs to lead people of all sorts to come into our buildings, so that they can discover what makes us tick. The signs are merely pointers to a deeper significance to be discovered.

In John's Gospel, the miracles that Jesus does are described as signs, and they all point to a deeper significance about Jesus' identity and our own needs.

Thus, following the feeding of the 5000, Jesus challenges the excited crowd to look deeper. 'Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” 

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” 

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6.26-29)

In a culture obsessed by excitement and entertainment, and astonishingly obsessed by food, we all need to hear this challenge. 

I am challenged by Jesus' comments that I should not be so concerned about perishable things like food. My energy should be focused on the deeper significance of helping others to see beneath the surface of the signs about God's activity, so that they too can learn to do the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent. It is wonderful to see the signs of God's work in so many in our Church, but there are plenty more who see nothing. May our lives all be signs pointing to Jesus.

Best wishes,

Richard

Join the dots

Do you recall those children's books, with numbered dots, outlining some person like Father Christmas, or some animal such as a rabbit? My skill as an artist didn't  ever get much better. 

The latest report on Jimmy Savile suggests the Police never managed to join the dots in the information they had about him stretching back 50 years. The results are all too well known.

But we all of us fail to join the dots, in different settings. 

This is not said to excuse the police, but to remind us of our human failings.

St. Paul tells us of our human capacity to ignore the truth, when it suits us. 'God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.' (Romans 1.18-20)

The evidence for the presence of God is all around us, and yet by nature we don't join the dots and see the invisible God behind all that is visible. We prefer our own independence, and live as though we were our own boss. 

Another area where we don't join the dots is in relation to changes Jesus can make in our lives. Paul prays for his Christian friends to see the power that is available to us. 'I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power  that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.' (Ephesians 1.19-20)

Today, we can live as people who do join the dots, and submit ourselves to the will and worship of the God who made us, trusting him to work with resurrection power in our weak and flimsy lives. Then, the praise will go to Him and we will be astonished - all because we learned to join the dots.

Best wishes,

Richard

Timing

George Osborn is getting plenty of advice these days, as he prepares for the Budget. 

How can he both reduce the deficit in our borrowing and stimulate growth? When can he change course to achieve the impossible? And so on. 

Much of this comes down to timing. When is the right time to do this or that? And when will we see the right results from his actions?

At a much more mundane level, when the engine in our car is not behaving well, and when the timing is not right, there is a lack of power and the nasty sound that is like some milk bottles (the old glass sort, of course!) being rattled together. Get the timing right, and the engine is both powerful and less noisy!

In our Mother's Day service yesterday, all four of our speakers - Ilana, Abbie, Tessy and Peter - spoke of the way God had been at work in their lives, at just the right time. As we note the hand of God in our lives, it is often noticing the timing of of his activity that makes all the difference.

St. Paul was convinced that God's activity is always at the right time, as His timing is perfect. 'But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.' (Galatians 4.4-5)

The same God whose timing was perfect in sending Jesus into our world is still at work in us today. Today, He wants to remind us that we are His children, and that He is at work in us to lead us into the freedom of the children of God. Paul went on to remind his Galatian friends what that looked like. 'And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”  Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.' (Galatians 4.6-7)

Everything we do today could be a reflection of our remembering that we are children of our loving Heavenly Father, as we respond to the Spirit's promptings. Then our timing will be perfect too.

Best wishes,

Richard

Coasting can Kill

It is not often that I quote directly from a politician.

Today, in Surrey (!!), Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary will challenge Health Authorities to move from being complacent about their achievements. Too many hospitals, apparently, are satisfied with reaching targets, and do not aspire to being better that they were. A culture of 'that's good enough' is dangerous. As he will say, 'coasting can kill'.

St. Paul said pretty much the same to his friends in Rome, when thinking about their aspirations in their lives as followers of Jesus.

' Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.' (Romans 12.9-13)

On every side, Paul tells us that we shouldn't be coasting along, doing just enough to satisfy our own minimum standards. So our love for one another needs to be genuine, and our service of the Lord is to be enthusiastic, rather than dutiful!

This matters because we never know when we may encounter someone who is looking for help and support, a wise word or a friendly hug. If at those moments, we are thoroughly wrapped up in our own lives, and blind to the needs of others, our coasting will kill that opportunity.

So, I pray today that we can be alert, eager, and ready for respond as Jesus would, so that others are blessed and He is glorified.

Best wishes,

Richard

Truth Telling?

How do we know who is telling the truth?

Our legal system assumes that people are innocent until proved guilty, and the trial process is supposed to be able to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, where the truth lies

Moscow police have arrested 3 men over the acid attack on the Artistic Director of the Bolshoi Ballet. They have apparently signed confessions. Were they telling the truth, or was that information extracted by unfair means?

In child abuse cases, there has always been a dilemma over working out who is telling the truth - the alleged victim or the alleged abuser?

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, will speak about this today.

Jesus spoke about the truth, and the effect it has on us. 'Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.31-32) 

People who receive what Jesus says, as the truth, discover that that lights have been turned on in many directions. They know the truth about God, themselves, their identity and destiny. Discover or uncovering the truth is wonderfully liberating.

And St. Paul teaches us that with our new identity, we should be those who naturally (or supernaturally) tell the truth. 'Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.  In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.' (Colossians 3.9-11) Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ has a radical effect on how we should behave. Lies and cover ups should have no place. Innuendo and multiple identities are a thing of the past. So what do we talk about? 'Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.' (Colossians 3.16-17)

We speak and listen as a representative of the Lord Jesus.

That is a wonderful idea to take with us throughout today. You can live as a representative of the Lord Jesus!

Best wishes,

Richard

Power Shortage?

Reports suggest that we may be facing power cuts and blackouts in a few years, because we won't have enough fully functioning Power Stations. 

The reason is that the older nuclear powered electricity generating Power Stations are being decommissioned, and the next generation of nuclear and gas powered ones have not yet been started.

So the lights will be going out - unless something is done soon.

This causes me to reflect on whether Churches and Christian organisations are suffering from a 'power shortage'. 

I am sure we would like to be more powerful and effective, but where does that power lie?
St. Paul, anticipating his visit to Rome, on his intended travels to Spain, reminds himself and them of his deepest convictions. 

'So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. 

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (Romans 1.15-17) 

As Paul anticipated his visit, he tells them that he is not ashamed of God's Good News. For Paul, the power of God is at work when the simple and profound message of God's love is preached and received. Lives and communities are transformed, as people believe and live out the Good News.  

As we face our difficult and troubled world, I have to ask whether we are ashamed of God's Good News, because we are not sure that God has the power to change people's lives. If we are ashamed, then we won't have any power.

I am daily confronted by people who face difficulties and problems. That is normal human life as we know it. But St. Paul's missionary experience and trust in God had taught him that there was only one effective treatment available for the human condition, in all its diversity and complexity. That one treatment is the medicine of the Good News from God. 

In these days, as we approach Holy Week and Easter, we will be reminded of how astonishing it is that the God of the whole Universe should set His love upon us, to rescue and restore people like us. This message has astonishing power, from God, to make all things new! We need to be convinced that only in this Good News can God's power be unleashed to bring hope and help to those like ourselves in need.

Best wishes, 

Richard

Old News?

Some stories in the news seem to keep repeating.

Cover ups from the Roman Catholic Church, European dilemmas for the Conservative Party, and drug-taking scandals in sport are three which come to mind. So the news isn't that new.

But as human nature hasn't changed much over the centuries, maybe we shouldn't be surprised.

Most of our lives run to pretty familiar routines of repeated habits, of strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures.

And yet the Scriptures teach us to keep returning to God, from whom we regularly stray, like lost sheep.

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces;
    now he will heal us.
He has injured us;
    now he will bandage our wounds.
² In just a short time he will restore us,
    so that we may live in his presence.
³ Oh, that we might know the Lord!
    Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
    or the coming of rains in early spring.” (Hosea 6.1-3)

I love the image here of the gentle and tender healing hands of the Lord, attending to those broken and bruised places in our lives, where we have strayed into trouble again. He knows, and He longs for us to know, that the only good place for us to be is close to His heart and will. 

As I rejoice in this morning's sunshine, and the coming warmth of spring, so I pray that I will find in Him my spiritual life and health.

But this is what I need to keep doing daily - with relentless repetition. Anything else will lead to drift and disaster.

Best wishes,

Richard

So What?

News pundits, following the Eastleigh by-election, will continue to pick over the result to see important messages and lessons and all sorts of other stuff. 

And news about fiscal cliffs in the US, and troubles in Italian politics, as well as terrible events in South Africa (police brutality), the civil war in Syria and troubles in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russia and many other places may make us wonder 'So What?'

Many people I know find that the news fills them with fear and worry, and they feel helpless to do anything about the daily onslaught. As we hear the news, from 'out there', we have our own lives to live. 

Do we have to be passive consumers of news information, victims of the whims and choices of the editors, or can we respond differently, because we are disciples of  Jesus?

St. Paul, writing from prison in Rome, and with major events happening around him, has a surprising message to his friends in Philippi, in far off Macedonia.

'And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.' (Philippians 4.8,9)

What we watch and hear does have an effect on our lives - images and stories stay with us - for good or ill. But we can have an editorial reaction to what we watch, and we can choose to limit our intake. 

We can also learn to turn what we watch into prayer, as we focus on the people in the news. And we can resist the pressures around us to judge and condemn the people in the news, based on flimsy evidence. 

All those we see are people loved by God, and we can pray for their good. That certainly helps me from wanting to punch a few noses!

Best wishes,

Richard