St. Paul's Cathedral is in the news for the wrong reasons!
The resignation of Giles Fraser, over how to respond to the Occupy London protests, has raised uncomfortable issues. On the one hand, Canon Fraser and others have appeared to speak with a prophetic voice, challenging the greed of our culture and the City which generates so much wealth. On the other hand, the cathedral authorities appear to have taken the side of the rich & powerful, and appear to be more worried about their own health & safety than wider issues.
I wonder what the prophets Amos or Micah might have said!
In our culture, everyone wants to be popular, and to win the public vote. It is striking how many popular TV programmes give 'the public' a chance to vote contestants or participants off the show. We like to feel our voice matters. But with whom do we want to be popular?
But Jesus gave us some stark warnings about what we should value. 'What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.' (Luke 6.26)
Those called by Jesus are called to value His opinion more highly than the fickle moods of the crowds. Trying to fit into the latest fashion will never lead to a God-shaped life. So which side should we take on these complex issues? How can we be in line with the way of Jesus, who cleansed the Temple, and attacked those whose highest value seemed to be making money? Are we prepared to be unfashionable, in order to walk in step with Jesus?
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 28 October 2011
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Blocked
In spite of all the recent rain, one of our water butts is still mostly empty! Why? What is wrong? One brief look suggests that the gutter is so full of leaves, that the gutter is blocked! It lies under one of the oak trees, and I must get it cleared AGAIN! How annoying that having done a good clearing job 4 weeks ago, I have to repeat the process.
But most of our lives are made up of repeating basic processes - waking up, getting up, having breakfast, getting dressed and so on. (you can see how far I have got this morning)
I note that it is easy for us to find that some of our relationships and channels of communication get blocked - for any number of reasons. I am not sure what the equivalent of the overhanging oak tree might be (answers on a postcard, or by email!).
St. Paul knew how easy it was for relationships to go sour, and he gave wonderfully helpful advice about how we should sort things out. 'Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.' (Colossians 3.12-17)
There is so much wise common sense here - particularly Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Too often, we may feel offended by what has been said or not said by someone, and we easily jump to conclusions - often by our failure to listen carefully. All this leads to blocked relationships - and the simple and oft-repeated answer is to forgive, as the Lord has forgiven us.
I am going to work at this today, and trust the Lord to help me to get important relationships unblocked.
Best wishes,
Richard
But most of our lives are made up of repeating basic processes - waking up, getting up, having breakfast, getting dressed and so on. (you can see how far I have got this morning)
I note that it is easy for us to find that some of our relationships and channels of communication get blocked - for any number of reasons. I am not sure what the equivalent of the overhanging oak tree might be (answers on a postcard, or by email!).
St. Paul knew how easy it was for relationships to go sour, and he gave wonderfully helpful advice about how we should sort things out. 'Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.' (Colossians 3.12-17)
There is so much wise common sense here - particularly Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Too often, we may feel offended by what has been said or not said by someone, and we easily jump to conclusions - often by our failure to listen carefully. All this leads to blocked relationships - and the simple and oft-repeated answer is to forgive, as the Lord has forgiven us.
I am going to work at this today, and trust the Lord to help me to get important relationships unblocked.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 24 October 2011
Finished!
Alex Waters was running the Great Birmingham Run yesterday, all 13 miles! I hope he finished well! After all the training and time spent preparing, getting to the finish line would be a great achievement.
But 'finished!' can mean different things. For the French rugby players, yesterday's very close World Cup Final probably meant they were 'finished!' (and desolated) at the end. For the New Zealand players, their 'finished!' was triumphant.
The death of two members of St. Andrew's Church in recent days has reminded me of the race of faith in which we are involved.
Jean Harrison died peacefully in Woodbank Nursing home a week ago. The Thanksgiving Service for her life and faith is on Wednesday this week at 3pm. All are welcome.
Yesterday, we were told of the peaceful death of Eddie Bradley Feary, who has been declining slowly over the last months. We don't yet know when his Funeral will be.
In their different ways, both lived out their faith in Jesus, right to the end of their lives. They finished well.
St. Paul describes his own determination to finish in his life, in a Jesus glorifying way. 'As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.' (2 Timothy 4.6-8)
What strikes me from Paul, Jean & Eddie, is that how we live now determines whether we will be able to say, 'I have finished the race'. Today we must choose to live a life poured out as an offering to God. Unless today is a day of self-offering to Jesus, we may not finish well. That would be a terrible waste, and an eternal shame.
Which way are you living?
Best wishes,
Richard
But 'finished!' can mean different things. For the French rugby players, yesterday's very close World Cup Final probably meant they were 'finished!' (and desolated) at the end. For the New Zealand players, their 'finished!' was triumphant.
The death of two members of St. Andrew's Church in recent days has reminded me of the race of faith in which we are involved.
Jean Harrison died peacefully in Woodbank Nursing home a week ago. The Thanksgiving Service for her life and faith is on Wednesday this week at 3pm. All are welcome.
Yesterday, we were told of the peaceful death of Eddie Bradley Feary, who has been declining slowly over the last months. We don't yet know when his Funeral will be.
In their different ways, both lived out their faith in Jesus, right to the end of their lives. They finished well.
St. Paul describes his own determination to finish in his life, in a Jesus glorifying way. 'As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.' (2 Timothy 4.6-8)
What strikes me from Paul, Jean & Eddie, is that how we live now determines whether we will be able to say, 'I have finished the race'. Today we must choose to live a life poured out as an offering to God. Unless today is a day of self-offering to Jesus, we may not finish well. That would be a terrible waste, and an eternal shame.
Which way are you living?
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 21 October 2011
Good News
Most people in Libya are celebrating the death of Colonel Gaddafi. Questions are being asked by some about the actual circumstances of his death. But for most, this is a 'Good News' event.
The decision of ETA, the violent Basque separatist organisation, to turn away from violence, once and for all, has been hailed by eh Spanish Government as very Good News.
But so far, there is no Good News on the economic front, as European leaders again meet to try to make progress.
The heart of the Christian story is the announcement of Good News. The angels, at the birth of Jesus, told the astonished shepherds. 'That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you Good News that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!' (Luke 2.8-11)
We know we don't have to wait till December 25th to celebrate this great event.
We too can be messengers bringing Good News to the broken and battered people around us. There is no other Good News available, which can have such an impact for time and eternity.
Best wishes,
Richard
The decision of ETA, the violent Basque separatist organisation, to turn away from violence, once and for all, has been hailed by eh Spanish Government as very Good News.
But so far, there is no Good News on the economic front, as European leaders again meet to try to make progress.
The heart of the Christian story is the announcement of Good News. The angels, at the birth of Jesus, told the astonished shepherds. 'That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you Good News that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!' (Luke 2.8-11)
We know we don't have to wait till December 25th to celebrate this great event.
We too can be messengers bringing Good News to the broken and battered people around us. There is no other Good News available, which can have such an impact for time and eternity.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Prisoner Release
The extraordinary exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas brings good news to a region long starved of that commodity. Hamas has handed over Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to Egyptian mediators after five years' captivity, and in exchange, 1000 Palestinians will be set free, and returned to their families.
Hamas may be hoping that this good will gesture will lead to their popularity increasing in the Gaza area. Whatever their hopes, for all concerned, the lives of hundreds of families are transformed.
In a context with some parallels, as an unpopular occupying force of Romans made life unbearable in many ways, especially for the poor, Jesus spoke of freedom for prisoners. 'The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Jesus. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.' (Luke 4.17-18) The whole of his ministry was spent in bringing freedom to captives, and changing lives.
We may not be incarcerated in an Israeli jail, or be held by an organisation like Hamas, but most in our society are captive to fashion, or held prisoners in bondage to destructive habits, addicted to drink, drugs, shopping, and much else. Our consumerist culture promises so much, and delivers debt and frustration.
But Jesus can set us and others free. That is wonderfully Good News. It is exciting to see people at Christianity Explored discovering this Good News, as they get to see who Jesus is.
Today, let us bring Good News to prisoners too.
Best wishes,
Richard
Hamas may be hoping that this good will gesture will lead to their popularity increasing in the Gaza area. Whatever their hopes, for all concerned, the lives of hundreds of families are transformed.
In a context with some parallels, as an unpopular occupying force of Romans made life unbearable in many ways, especially for the poor, Jesus spoke of freedom for prisoners. 'The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Jesus. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.' (Luke 4.17-18) The whole of his ministry was spent in bringing freedom to captives, and changing lives.
We may not be incarcerated in an Israeli jail, or be held by an organisation like Hamas, but most in our society are captive to fashion, or held prisoners in bondage to destructive habits, addicted to drink, drugs, shopping, and much else. Our consumerist culture promises so much, and delivers debt and frustration.
But Jesus can set us and others free. That is wonderfully Good News. It is exciting to see people at Christianity Explored discovering this Good News, as they get to see who Jesus is.
Today, let us bring Good News to prisoners too.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 17 October 2011
Friend or Foe?
"Halt! Who goes there? Friend or Foe?"
In the 'old days (whenever they were!), these questions would be asked to avoid killing the wrong people. Those asking these questions had to presume that those answering were telling the truth! And that might not be the case.
As Liam Fox has discovered, sometimes those who claim to be friends end up causing costly damage. But this is true in many situations. It is important to discover where the true friends are.
Many aspects of international relations are made much more complicated because politicians are uncertain about the answer to these questions. Is the US or the EU a friend or a foe?
Today, we will all wonder whether Jesus is friend or foe, if we face his call seriously.
Jesus was clear that he came to be friend and helper to those in need. 'When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2.17)
But at the same time, the demand that Jesus made on those of his day meant that some did not see him as a friend. 'As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“There is still one thing you haven’t done,” Jesus told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.' (Mark 10.17, 21b-22)
If the call from Jesus, to follow him with passion and integrity, is costly - and it is - we must always ask whether the call to treat him as foe is not more costly. May we be found faithful today, however much it costs!
Best wishes,
Richard
In the 'old days (whenever they were!), these questions would be asked to avoid killing the wrong people. Those asking these questions had to presume that those answering were telling the truth! And that might not be the case.
As Liam Fox has discovered, sometimes those who claim to be friends end up causing costly damage. But this is true in many situations. It is important to discover where the true friends are.
Many aspects of international relations are made much more complicated because politicians are uncertain about the answer to these questions. Is the US or the EU a friend or a foe?
Today, we will all wonder whether Jesus is friend or foe, if we face his call seriously.
Jesus was clear that he came to be friend and helper to those in need. 'When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2.17)
But at the same time, the demand that Jesus made on those of his day meant that some did not see him as a friend. 'As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“There is still one thing you haven’t done,” Jesus told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.' (Mark 10.17, 21b-22)
If the call from Jesus, to follow him with passion and integrity, is costly - and it is - we must always ask whether the call to treat him as foe is not more costly. May we be found faithful today, however much it costs!
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 14 October 2011
Competition
It is good to hear that Ofgem, the energy regulator, is seeing whether consumers, like us, are getting good value for money from our energy suppliers. Competition in the market place has its value.
Many of us enjoy playing or watching one sort of sporting competition or another. My own favoured competition is against the clock, when I go swimming. The challenge to do better, or beat the other side, helps to raise the game.
But in our spiritual lives, we are not in competition with one another.
Jesus told this wonderfully hopeful story. “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ (Luke 18.10-12)
The Pharisee thought that his spiritual life was one where he scored more points by being better than others. But all of us may find ourselves comparing ourselves with others in the way our lives are going.
But the heart of our relationship with Jesus is one of trust and love. We are not on a performance related benefit scheme, or being paid by commission for good works done. We can come to Him, as did the tax collector in Jesus' story. '“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18.13-14)
What a relief!
Best wishes,
Richard
Many of us enjoy playing or watching one sort of sporting competition or another. My own favoured competition is against the clock, when I go swimming. The challenge to do better, or beat the other side, helps to raise the game.
But in our spiritual lives, we are not in competition with one another.
Jesus told this wonderfully hopeful story. “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ (Luke 18.10-12)
The Pharisee thought that his spiritual life was one where he scored more points by being better than others. But all of us may find ourselves comparing ourselves with others in the way our lives are going.
But the heart of our relationship with Jesus is one of trust and love. We are not on a performance related benefit scheme, or being paid by commission for good works done. We can come to Him, as did the tax collector in Jesus' story. '“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18.13-14)
What a relief!
Best wishes,
Richard
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