The Morning After

Last evening, a dozen members from St. Andrew's joined others in affirming their faith in Jesus publicly, at their Confirmation.

It was a great encouragement to see them do this and to hear words of testimony of how Jesus has brought miraculous change into their lives. 

As with all of us, the task of our being changed isn't over yet, but God is on the case! 

The Bishop reminded us all that disciples of Jesus are called to live their lives for him. Part of that call involves us in seeking to share our faith with others, in order to make further new disciples.

After the exciting public statement of being commitment to Jesus, the morning after feeling may be very different. Life's struggles haven't gone away, and the pressures and problems of modern living will continue to requires attention. How can we cope with these issues? How can we also seek to make disciples while struggling at the same time to cope with our own problems?

Having started out as followers of Jesus, like the early disciples, last night's disciples can take heart from these words from Jesus. 

'Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28.19-20)

In other words, Jesus is going to help us both to love for Him, and to be good advertisements for Him. The infectious attractiveness of Jesus-centred people will have an impact on those who meet them. And every morning after can be the same.

Best wishes,

Richard