Back end of the year.
getting ready for the end of one Christian year and the start of the next.
Book of Revelation:
End Time
Promise of Better Things to come
Revelation:
Focus on the Future
Things of the end.
What is God saying?
Advent of Jesus
Incarnation of Jesus
2nd Coming of Jesus
Letter to the 7 churches
God
who is/who was/who is to come
Kingdom - perfected
Suffering - transformed
Glory - fulfilled
"Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
and so on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be, Amen.
Sunday 16 November 2008
Radio 4 on 15th November
TFTD
Saturday 15th November
Rob Marshall
Good Morning
There is plenty of analysis and expectation of this weekend’s G20 summit. The latest economic malaise facing world leaders is a rapidly rising level of unemployment: half a million jobs were lost in the US last week; and in the UK, comparatively, the news is not much better. The steel industry, here in Sheffield, has been badly affected and Virgin Media, with a base in this city, has also announced job losses in the past seven days.
On Monday, a close friend of mine employed in the IT sector working for a financial institution, told me he had faced a stark choice: take voluntary redundancy now or have no choice but to go before Christmas.
The G20 summit will inevitably recognise the need to modernise international financial institutions, to find a way out of an economic hole in which all of us, to some extent or another, now find ourselves.
Economic health & wealth, and the lack of it, are common themes throughout the books of the Bible. Lending money at interest is condemned more than once, but it must have been very common. Jesus, for instance, has a great deal to say about our attitude to money and riches, suggesting that it is a symptom of our attitude to many other things and can betray our weaknesses.
Perhaps influenced by the collapse of the Roman Empire where there seems to have been a tremendous misuse of wealth and where the middle classes were effectively destroyed and left with virtually nothing, the Early Church Fathers recognised that it wasn’t wealth itself which was the problem: as Boniface Ramsey says : "The consensus of the Fathers is that wealth of itself is not a bad thing as long as it is properly used".
It is incumbent upon our elected leaders to work diligently and effectively to restore confidence and a more financially secure future for our children. Sean O'Grady, writing in the Independent this week, suggests that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I quote, “seems to believe our economy will soon enjoy the greatest comeback since Lazarus. He adds: He obviously believes in miracles: the world hasn't changed that much.”
Miracles, including economic ones, surely, like any other miracle, require not only faith, but an element of putting right or restoring something that was previously wrong.
John Donne puts it brilliantly: “There is in every miracle a silent chiding of the world, and a tacit reprehension of them who require or who need miracles.”
Surely that is what this weekend’s summit is really all about: recognising errors in the past; accepting responsibility for our challenging situation and world order: and then working towards a kind of restoration which not only needs traditional faith but a certain kind of restored belief.
Saturday 15th November
Rob Marshall
Good Morning
There is plenty of analysis and expectation of this weekend’s G20 summit. The latest economic malaise facing world leaders is a rapidly rising level of unemployment: half a million jobs were lost in the US last week; and in the UK, comparatively, the news is not much better. The steel industry, here in Sheffield, has been badly affected and Virgin Media, with a base in this city, has also announced job losses in the past seven days.
On Monday, a close friend of mine employed in the IT sector working for a financial institution, told me he had faced a stark choice: take voluntary redundancy now or have no choice but to go before Christmas.
The G20 summit will inevitably recognise the need to modernise international financial institutions, to find a way out of an economic hole in which all of us, to some extent or another, now find ourselves.
Economic health & wealth, and the lack of it, are common themes throughout the books of the Bible. Lending money at interest is condemned more than once, but it must have been very common. Jesus, for instance, has a great deal to say about our attitude to money and riches, suggesting that it is a symptom of our attitude to many other things and can betray our weaknesses.
Perhaps influenced by the collapse of the Roman Empire where there seems to have been a tremendous misuse of wealth and where the middle classes were effectively destroyed and left with virtually nothing, the Early Church Fathers recognised that it wasn’t wealth itself which was the problem: as Boniface Ramsey says : "The consensus of the Fathers is that wealth of itself is not a bad thing as long as it is properly used".
It is incumbent upon our elected leaders to work diligently and effectively to restore confidence and a more financially secure future for our children. Sean O'Grady, writing in the Independent this week, suggests that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I quote, “seems to believe our economy will soon enjoy the greatest comeback since Lazarus. He adds: He obviously believes in miracles: the world hasn't changed that much.”
Miracles, including economic ones, surely, like any other miracle, require not only faith, but an element of putting right or restoring something that was previously wrong.
John Donne puts it brilliantly: “There is in every miracle a silent chiding of the world, and a tacit reprehension of them who require or who need miracles.”
Surely that is what this weekend’s summit is really all about: recognising errors in the past; accepting responsibility for our challenging situation and world order: and then working towards a kind of restoration which not only needs traditional faith but a certain kind of restored belief.
Sunday 9 November 2008
Politics 091108
Every so often a politician makes a speech which merits further and deeper reflection. This week, the Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, speaking to the Hansard Society, observed: “There is a trend towards politics being seen as a career move rather than a call to public service.” She called for more MP’s from different backgrounds representing wider experiences than just politics. It is certainly true that politicians, previously a pick and mix of industrialists, philanthropists, bankers, and lawyers, emerge more and more from only one career strand: politics. The Minister fears that a lack of breadth and depth, of real life experience for future politicians could be an intrinsic factor in the culture of cynicism and pessimism which is often associated with contemporary British political life. Their decisions as members of Parliament, she said, should reflect the realities people face. I speak here with some experience myself, though in another area of public service – that of ordained ministry. If I had my time over again, perhaps I might not have taken a fast track to be an ordained priest of the Church of England at the youngest possible age of 24. Since then I have witnessed the enormous wisdom of some of my fellow priests who came much later into full time ministry after careers in other disciplines including the police force, banking, education and yes, paradoxically, even politics. That’s not, of course, to doubt what I discerned as a clear vocation: it is more a question of timing and experience to ensure the mix is right. The link between vocation and public service needs to be re-examined as a consequence of contemporary subtle changes affecting career structures and an increasing number of highly specialised jobs with a clearly non vocational label. This involves a partnership with our universities and colleges which are increasingly offering very focused, some might say, narrow, career focused degree course which don’t always provide basic skills and understanding about everyday life. Drawing our attention to the truly vocational nature of some careers will hopefully attract a wider diversity of people to posts which are clearly aimed at helping the whole of society – politics is just one; what about nursing, teaching, and of course, and I would include, the priesthood also. The Communities Secretary deserves praise for raising an important issue about politics as a vocation – rather than a way purely to success and career progression.
Leo Tolstoy is clear where the emphasis lies in the simple difference between a job or a career and a vocation because the latter is about the whole human experience and our encounter with our neighbor: “The vocation of every man and every woman is to serve other people.”
Leo Tolstoy is clear where the emphasis lies in the simple difference between a job or a career and a vocation because the latter is about the whole human experience and our encounter with our neighbor: “The vocation of every man and every woman is to serve other people.”
BBC Radio 4 Saturday 8th November
Good Morning
There is something wonderful and special about childlikeness. Those of us who are parents, never quite forget those magical moments of growth and development in our children, marvelling at their growing up; their innocence, honesty, trust and love. That’s why the interview on this programme yesterday about how more than 4000 children aged 5 and under were suspended from Nursery School in England last year, really got to me. All of us bear some responsibility. The children we are raising inevitably reflect the kind of society we live in. Some of the stories emerging from the statistics are profoundly shocking: children aged 4 and under being suspended for bullying, assault, consistent bad language and even sexual misdemeanors. And whilst everyone wants to have their say; few seem to have an obvious solution. I feel most of all for the teachers: Whilst legislation does allow them to take action, they can only do so if such action, and I quote , "constitutes a proportionate punishment in the circumstances of the case." Who is to judge this? Teachers' representatives can produce many examples of where such action has led not only to suspension but even to the complete loss of a teaching career. One of the most simple things Jesus did in his whole ministry, when trying to get his message across to cynical, doubting, miserable adults was to take a child out of the crowd and to make them recognise the wonderful qualities of childhood. "Look," he said, and I paraphrase, " remember the qualities of this child when you consider the great dilemmas of life and faith and never forget what childlikeness means. Quite a lot of my ministry is taken up with working with children at primary level. And whilst most of those children might never fall into the statistical mire of suspensions and expulsions – the thought that any child might miss out on the joy and loveliness of childlikeness is very regrettable. The first step towards a solution obviously begins with parents. Good parenting demands honesty and realism – a long term as well as a short term view, particularly if our children are not behaving well. Headteachers and teachers need more support. The primary classroom is ideally a place of love, respect and learning; of courtesy and childlikeness. It’s too easy to have a facile view of childhood and to ignore the challenges and opportunities given to everyone, and I mean everyone, who has any influence whatsoever on the development and nurture of children. To celebrate childlikeness is to create an environment of love, acceptance and responsibility, where we simply, and with an uncluttered realism, help children to be children.
There is something wonderful and special about childlikeness. Those of us who are parents, never quite forget those magical moments of growth and development in our children, marvelling at their growing up; their innocence, honesty, trust and love. That’s why the interview on this programme yesterday about how more than 4000 children aged 5 and under were suspended from Nursery School in England last year, really got to me. All of us bear some responsibility. The children we are raising inevitably reflect the kind of society we live in. Some of the stories emerging from the statistics are profoundly shocking: children aged 4 and under being suspended for bullying, assault, consistent bad language and even sexual misdemeanors. And whilst everyone wants to have their say; few seem to have an obvious solution. I feel most of all for the teachers: Whilst legislation does allow them to take action, they can only do so if such action, and I quote , "constitutes a proportionate punishment in the circumstances of the case." Who is to judge this? Teachers' representatives can produce many examples of where such action has led not only to suspension but even to the complete loss of a teaching career. One of the most simple things Jesus did in his whole ministry, when trying to get his message across to cynical, doubting, miserable adults was to take a child out of the crowd and to make them recognise the wonderful qualities of childhood. "Look," he said, and I paraphrase, " remember the qualities of this child when you consider the great dilemmas of life and faith and never forget what childlikeness means. Quite a lot of my ministry is taken up with working with children at primary level. And whilst most of those children might never fall into the statistical mire of suspensions and expulsions – the thought that any child might miss out on the joy and loveliness of childlikeness is very regrettable. The first step towards a solution obviously begins with parents. Good parenting demands honesty and realism – a long term as well as a short term view, particularly if our children are not behaving well. Headteachers and teachers need more support. The primary classroom is ideally a place of love, respect and learning; of courtesy and childlikeness. It’s too easy to have a facile view of childhood and to ignore the challenges and opportunities given to everyone, and I mean everyone, who has any influence whatsoever on the development and nurture of children. To celebrate childlikeness is to create an environment of love, acceptance and responsibility, where we simply, and with an uncluttered realism, help children to be children.
Sunday 2 November 2008
Taste & Decency
A cab driver, delivering me to record a programme for Radio 2 this week asked me, what I, as a Vicar thought of what had been going on. "You know, he said, about Jonathan Ross and all that? Well, I started to say, it's complicated, until I soon realised that I was onto a loser when it comes to popular perceptions.
This has been a tough week for the BBC. What started as an infantile, crass and totally childish prank has resulted in a minor earthquake in broadcasting terms, the ramifications of which will be felt for quite some time.
Russell Brand, quickly realising the consequences of his part as presenter in the now infamous broadcast, consequently resigned from his programme and issued what I thought was an intelligent and exemplary apology. He said sorry and he seemed to mean it.
Jonathan Ross, who has been a controversial figure both inside and outside of the BBC ever since I can remember, will undoubtedly have a lot to reflect on this weekend. I doubt whether he would ever do anything like this again.
Sociologists and Psychologists could have a field day studying the response of the nation to events as they unfolded. Everyone had a vew.
The escalation of puerile humour, irreverent comedy, gratuitous swearing and the emergence of a cheap and disrespectful element within elements of society, is the responsibility of all us who are parents, teachers, politicians and even churches.
The "Am I bovvered" culture cannot be laughed at, and many of us do laugh at it sometimes, without accepting a consequent reduction in respect and courtesy towards other people.
Whilst holding firm to my own faith, I totally respect those who have no faith - even if I continue to be surprised, at how they often concur with the Christian doctrine of the connection between love and respect: for faith demands that our love of a Higher Being is rooted in a basic respect for our neighbour and in the giving of them space to be themselves.
I love a lot of modern comedy and much of the material is sound and ulighting. But if there is one lesson to be learned from the events of this week, it is surely that there are boundaries beyond which we should not trespass when it comes to the culminative effect our actions might have on another human beings. There are limits- the essence of what we mean by taste and decency.
This has been a tough week for the BBC. What started as an infantile, crass and totally childish prank has resulted in a minor earthquake in broadcasting terms, the ramifications of which will be felt for quite some time.
Russell Brand, quickly realising the consequences of his part as presenter in the now infamous broadcast, consequently resigned from his programme and issued what I thought was an intelligent and exemplary apology. He said sorry and he seemed to mean it.
Jonathan Ross, who has been a controversial figure both inside and outside of the BBC ever since I can remember, will undoubtedly have a lot to reflect on this weekend. I doubt whether he would ever do anything like this again.
Sociologists and Psychologists could have a field day studying the response of the nation to events as they unfolded. Everyone had a vew.
The escalation of puerile humour, irreverent comedy, gratuitous swearing and the emergence of a cheap and disrespectful element within elements of society, is the responsibility of all us who are parents, teachers, politicians and even churches.
The "Am I bovvered" culture cannot be laughed at, and many of us do laugh at it sometimes, without accepting a consequent reduction in respect and courtesy towards other people.
Whilst holding firm to my own faith, I totally respect those who have no faith - even if I continue to be surprised, at how they often concur with the Christian doctrine of the connection between love and respect: for faith demands that our love of a Higher Being is rooted in a basic respect for our neighbour and in the giving of them space to be themselves.
I love a lot of modern comedy and much of the material is sound and ulighting. But if there is one lesson to be learned from the events of this week, it is surely that there are boundaries beyond which we should not trespass when it comes to the culminative effect our actions might have on another human beings. There are limits- the essence of what we mean by taste and decency.
Help For Heros
It’s been another great week to pay tribute to the heroism and bravery of our armed forces. Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher received the George Cross at Buckingham Palace “for an act of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. On the same day crowds lined the streets of Colchester to see the 2nd battalion of the Parachute Regiment honor 15 of their own killed in Afghanistan in the past six months.
In the same spirit, troops returning home from overseas tours of duty have been marching in various towns in recent months, welcomed home by local communities; the Fusiliers had a freedom parade in Birmingham. And this week the Chancellor agreed to waive VAT on a specially recorded single for the Help the Heroes charity which is being snapped up by many younger people.
Such public recognition and appreciation of the bravery and courage of these men and women is not new – but it has certainly been transformed and re-energized to a quite considerable degree over the past year. And to that extent, people seem to have heeded the call of the Royal British Legion which last year called for the public to have a renewed covenant with our armed forces. That is certainly well on the way to being achieved.
Today, in the Christian Calendar, is All Saints Day. The Church remembers all those great saints of the Church - men and women who have also shown extraordinary courage, often in the face of great human evil and sinfulness, to pursue a path of faith and peace against all the odds: a faith in the goodness of human nature and ultimately in the love of God.
Evelyn Underhill suggests that All Saints Day is about sharing in the attributes of courage and conviction because we are members of the same human family: she writes: “ we ought all to be a little bit like them; to have a sort of family likeness and to share the family point of view.”
Between All Saints Day and Remembrance Day, there is every opportunity for reflection and thanksgiving on the virtues of amazing courage, deep faith and the kind of family likeness that we as human beings can celebrate.
In the same spirit, troops returning home from overseas tours of duty have been marching in various towns in recent months, welcomed home by local communities; the Fusiliers had a freedom parade in Birmingham. And this week the Chancellor agreed to waive VAT on a specially recorded single for the Help the Heroes charity which is being snapped up by many younger people.
Such public recognition and appreciation of the bravery and courage of these men and women is not new – but it has certainly been transformed and re-energized to a quite considerable degree over the past year. And to that extent, people seem to have heeded the call of the Royal British Legion which last year called for the public to have a renewed covenant with our armed forces. That is certainly well on the way to being achieved.
Today, in the Christian Calendar, is All Saints Day. The Church remembers all those great saints of the Church - men and women who have also shown extraordinary courage, often in the face of great human evil and sinfulness, to pursue a path of faith and peace against all the odds: a faith in the goodness of human nature and ultimately in the love of God.
Evelyn Underhill suggests that All Saints Day is about sharing in the attributes of courage and conviction because we are members of the same human family: she writes: “ we ought all to be a little bit like them; to have a sort of family likeness and to share the family point of view.”
Between All Saints Day and Remembrance Day, there is every opportunity for reflection and thanksgiving on the virtues of amazing courage, deep faith and the kind of family likeness that we as human beings can celebrate.
Saturday 1 November 2008
Radio 4 Nov 1st
Sorry about the gap:
Been a bit busy!
TFTD
Saturday 1st November 2008: Rob Marshall
Good Morning
It's pretty certain that American churches will be offering prayers during this weekend of All Saints and All Souls for a right result in next week's Presidential election.
After a decade away, I've just returned from my first visit to the United States. Watching the election campaign on the domestic media gives you an altogether different insight into the hopes and expectations of the nation.
The wall to wall coverage of Obama and McCain reveals a serious, profoundly concerned electorate, reflecting many different cultures and issues.
What I noticed most of all, on all sides of the political spectrum, is a strong desire to move on. It’s almost tangible. The economic downturn is, of course, harshly felt. But the perception that America is no longer loved abroad as, perhaps, it once was - clearly affects the national psyche.
The importance, for better or worse, of religion in American national life continues to attract analysis and debate.
Jason Bivins, in his recently published book Religion of Fear, suggests that Americans are preoccupied with the role of religion in public life and argues that the religious right has transformed American politics and culture. Whilst in New York theological reflection on domestic issues was never far from lively conversations after church.
I’ve always personally found going to church in America very different to going to church in Britain. Generally speaking, there seems to be a greater level of commitment to Church as a way of life by a much larger proportion of the population.
The Bible, as a textbook for living, is often and easily quoted with a disconcerting kind of confidence. And even if that’s off putting for some of us, you can't knock the way they put faith into action - because they take the Gospel message very seriously and they get out and help others. A lot of social activity and adult education is offered by many different churches. They’re also huge providers of social care and health provision to the very poor.
Since September 11th we all know that the world has become an increasingly tense, distrusting, polarized and somewhat more aggressive place to live. Many ethnic groups feel vulnerable and victimized. Faith boundaries have become more defensive and, therefore, insecure.
Religion has been an integral, almost organic, part of this campaign so far, rather than a campaigning platform for either of the candidates.
But whichever of them is victorious next week – they have an enormous job to do to unite Americans of all faiths and none, and to make the most of what is good about religion in America.
Been a bit busy!
TFTD
Saturday 1st November 2008: Rob Marshall
Good Morning
It's pretty certain that American churches will be offering prayers during this weekend of All Saints and All Souls for a right result in next week's Presidential election.
After a decade away, I've just returned from my first visit to the United States. Watching the election campaign on the domestic media gives you an altogether different insight into the hopes and expectations of the nation.
The wall to wall coverage of Obama and McCain reveals a serious, profoundly concerned electorate, reflecting many different cultures and issues.
What I noticed most of all, on all sides of the political spectrum, is a strong desire to move on. It’s almost tangible. The economic downturn is, of course, harshly felt. But the perception that America is no longer loved abroad as, perhaps, it once was - clearly affects the national psyche.
The importance, for better or worse, of religion in American national life continues to attract analysis and debate.
Jason Bivins, in his recently published book Religion of Fear, suggests that Americans are preoccupied with the role of religion in public life and argues that the religious right has transformed American politics and culture. Whilst in New York theological reflection on domestic issues was never far from lively conversations after church.
I’ve always personally found going to church in America very different to going to church in Britain. Generally speaking, there seems to be a greater level of commitment to Church as a way of life by a much larger proportion of the population.
The Bible, as a textbook for living, is often and easily quoted with a disconcerting kind of confidence. And even if that’s off putting for some of us, you can't knock the way they put faith into action - because they take the Gospel message very seriously and they get out and help others. A lot of social activity and adult education is offered by many different churches. They’re also huge providers of social care and health provision to the very poor.
Since September 11th we all know that the world has become an increasingly tense, distrusting, polarized and somewhat more aggressive place to live. Many ethnic groups feel vulnerable and victimized. Faith boundaries have become more defensive and, therefore, insecure.
Religion has been an integral, almost organic, part of this campaign so far, rather than a campaigning platform for either of the candidates.
But whichever of them is victorious next week – they have an enormous job to do to unite Americans of all faiths and none, and to make the most of what is good about religion in America.
Monday 13 October 2008
St Mary Abbots 12th October: Systematic Thought
1 John 3.1-15
Trying to explain how it call works.
Classic systematic theology
We are God's children now
Sin in its proper context
Good/Jesus
Eveil/Devil
Love one another.
Then, a few nuances!
Revelation - the most common verb here - (read it again!)
Sin
Linked to title Son of God
in destroying the works of the devil
Love
commandment
from the beginning
not popular in the world
love-life
hatred-death
Trying to explain how it call works.
Classic systematic theology
We are God's children now
Sin in its proper context
Good/Jesus
Eveil/Devil
Love one another.
Then, a few nuances!
Revelation - the most common verb here - (read it again!)
Sin
Linked to title Son of God
in destroying the works of the devil
Love
commandment
from the beginning
not popular in the world
love-life
hatred-death
New York Revisited
It was very good to be back in New York. Nine years since I was last there and, shared with friends, it was a great time.
Particularly, staying next to Ground Zero (the last time I was there I went to the top of the World Trade Centre) provided poignant refelction and thought throughout.
A super time!
Particularly, staying next to Ground Zero (the last time I was there I went to the top of the World Trade Centre) provided poignant refelction and thought throughout.
A super time!
Sunday 7 September 2008
1st September
Royal Geographical Society annual meeting lamented the demise of the map.
Sat Navs ignored all the important things to the right and the left of us: we were beginning to seriously ignore our heritage.
There was no longer a sense of place.
Recently challenged on a day retreat to do a map of my own life:
M ission
A action
P lan
What are the priorities?
What resources do we have?
David Hope as Bishop of London and his Agenda for Action programme.
Teaching & Nurture
Care and Service
Prayer and Worship.
Do we know where we are going?
Sat Navs ignored all the important things to the right and the left of us: we were beginning to seriously ignore our heritage.
There was no longer a sense of place.
Recently challenged on a day retreat to do a map of my own life:
M ission
A action
P lan
What are the priorities?
What resources do we have?
David Hope as Bishop of London and his Agenda for Action programme.
Teaching & Nurture
Care and Service
Prayer and Worship.
Do we know where we are going?
24th August St Bartholomew
In Med countries - there is a higher view of St Bartholomew:
Visiting Catalonia a few years ago _ I was there on this feast day and witnessed the street processions and the carpet of flowers.
What do we know about him?
that he was one of the 12 -probably Nathaniel.
Eusebius suggests that he visited India and Armenia
The only direct reference to him in the Gospels comes in St John:
"Behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile."
He shows a simple focus on the task in hand.
Josiah Holland, writing in the 19th century said that these early Apostles had
Strong Minds
Strong Hearts
True Faith
Ready Hand
They were
open to God
they balanced the mystery of God and the reality of the world
They were focused and realistic.
Visiting Catalonia a few years ago _ I was there on this feast day and witnessed the street processions and the carpet of flowers.
What do we know about him?
that he was one of the 12 -probably Nathaniel.
Eusebius suggests that he visited India and Armenia
The only direct reference to him in the Gospels comes in St John:
"Behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile."
He shows a simple focus on the task in hand.
Josiah Holland, writing in the 19th century said that these early Apostles had
Strong Minds
Strong Hearts
True Faith
Ready Hand
They were
open to God
they balanced the mystery of God and the reality of the world
They were focused and realistic.
Monday 18 August 2008
St Mary Abbots PM 17th August
Psalm 90.1-12
Days are what we live in - Philip Larkin
Prayer: God as our refuge
Creation
Teach us
Number our days
Apply our hearts
Wisdom - the knowledge of the love of God.
Days are what we live in - Philip Larkin
Prayer: God as our refuge
Creation
Teach us
Number our days
Apply our hearts
Wisdom - the knowledge of the love of God.
Sunday 17 August 2008
St Mary Abbots 17th August AM
The Canaanite Woman's Faith. Matthew 15.21-28
Jesus heals at a distance:
healing in this story is almost incidental.
Tyre/Sidon 30 miles nw of Gennesaret
Woman comes out of the Pagan environment to meet Jesus.
"O Lord, Son of David".
She wins the approval of Jesus Christ - not because of the words she uses but because of her faith.
Jesus' atttiude to Pagan belief.
A story that would have been siezed on by the authorities.
Racism
Sectarianism
"dogs" - a way of referring to Gentiles?
"The woman's faith - which wins her request - is not belief in Jesus as israel's Messiah, but the persevering faith which admits humbly that she has no right to immediate help but is prepared to take second place to Israel. "
Jesus heals at a distance:
healing in this story is almost incidental.
Tyre/Sidon 30 miles nw of Gennesaret
Woman comes out of the Pagan environment to meet Jesus.
"O Lord, Son of David".
She wins the approval of Jesus Christ - not because of the words she uses but because of her faith.
Jesus' atttiude to Pagan belief.
A story that would have been siezed on by the authorities.
Racism
Sectarianism
"dogs" - a way of referring to Gentiles?
"The woman's faith - which wins her request - is not belief in Jesus as israel's Messiah, but the persevering faith which admits humbly that she has no right to immediate help but is prepared to take second place to Israel. "
Hull City's First Win
So Hull City are above Arsenal and Liverpool in the first Premiership leagye table of the season ! LOL
What a day - beating Fulham 2-1
What a day - beating Fulham 2-1
Sunday 3 August 2008
St Mary Abbots 030808 Lambeth Conference
The word COMMUNION
Holy Communion
Communion of Saints
Anglican Communion
Runcie task:
"dealing with urgent questions which face all mankind and we must act as serious religious people who believe that Christ and the Gospel can make all the difference to a world full of hoelessness, violence and want."
Runcie definition:
"dispersed or shared authority is an authority which builds up the church's fellowship with God and one another."
What are the issues:
Theology
Culture
Hermeneutics
"Our ministry takes place in the context of a needy and divided world in which there is both deep fear and great suffering."
+Rowan
Aims:
to be more confident in our Anglican identity
to grow in energy and enthusiasm for mission."
Holy Communion
Communion of Saints
Anglican Communion
Runcie task:
"dealing with urgent questions which face all mankind and we must act as serious religious people who believe that Christ and the Gospel can make all the difference to a world full of hoelessness, violence and want."
Runcie definition:
"dispersed or shared authority is an authority which builds up the church's fellowship with God and one another."
What are the issues:
Theology
Culture
Hermeneutics
"Our ministry takes place in the context of a needy and divided world in which there is both deep fear and great suffering."
+Rowan
Aims:
to be more confident in our Anglican identity
to grow in energy and enthusiasm for mission."
3rd August Sung Eucharist at St Mary Abbots
Matthew 14 13-21 - a popular story!!
- a quiet place/they withdrew
purpose: to instruct
compassion!
heals the sick
but the external signs go one steo further/feeding of 5000
How does the Lord come across:
NEW MOSES
IMPACT: visuals (aware of them) spiritual (unaware)
DISCIPLES - new shepherds of Israel
But they cannot do it alone:
They need to UNDERSTAND
They need FEEDING
GOD SUSTAINS them
- a quiet place/they withdrew
purpose: to instruct
compassion!
heals the sick
but the external signs go one steo further/feeding of 5000
How does the Lord come across:
NEW MOSES
IMPACT: visuals (aware of them) spiritual (unaware)
DISCIPLES - new shepherds of Israel
But they cannot do it alone:
They need to UNDERSTAND
They need FEEDING
GOD SUSTAINS them
Saturday 2 August 2008
Thought For The Day BBC Radio 4 2nd Aug
TFTD Saturday 2nd August
Rob Marshall
Good morning.
Sport is more than a physical activity. It involves body AND mind AND spirit. So there is something wonderfully uplifting as well as exciting about the fact that in less than a week the Olympic Games in Beijing get underway.
But this particular Olympics has raised more questions about freedom and human rights than most.
Among all the recent stories out of China about the earthquake and its aftermath, the economic and technological advances of Chinese society, the concern about pollution levels at the Olympics sites, there has been another story niggling away, demanding our attention. This is about censorship.
Put simply, 20,000 accredited journalists have been battling to have access to websites in the media centre which the Chinese authorities blocked: ruling out, for instance, Amnesty International’s website, which is critical of China’s human rights record. In the past 48 hours the number of available websites has increased after media pressure, but the censorship has been embarrassing for the International Olympic Committee who, seven years ago when the Games were awarded to Beijing, were assured – and seemed to believe - that such things would not be part of the China of the future.
I don’t want to be simplistic here. Most messages reaching us have been adopted - or adapted - to suit the needs, beliefs and lifestyles of the messenger. So nothing is black and white – never more so when other cultures, who do things and see things differently from those of us doing the judging, are suddenly at the centre of attention.
But I have been re-reading Herman and Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent” – in which they emphasise that freedom of expression should not be defended, quote, “by virtue of its contribution to some higher good; rather (because freedom of expression) is a value in itself.”
The Christian faith regards freedom as a gift from God. Freedom, said Jesus, is found in ‘the Truth that sets you free’.
And always it is linked to how freedom is to be USED, both by the giver and the receiver. The giver may have goals and desires for the receiver, but ultimately allows the receiver to make his or her own choices. The receiver, given the gift of freedom, is called to exercise it responsibly and beneficially, not selfishly or excessively.
This is relevant to countries also – at the moment to China in particular because its spectacular staging of the Olympics will make it the focus of worldwide headlines. And when we are told that sport and politics should be kept separate, our retort has to be that freedom is NEVER just a matter of politics, it is also a matter of the SPIRIT.
The Olympic motto this year is ‘One World, One Dream’. But this is an instance of where ANY dream will NOT do.
Rob Marshall
Good morning.
Sport is more than a physical activity. It involves body AND mind AND spirit. So there is something wonderfully uplifting as well as exciting about the fact that in less than a week the Olympic Games in Beijing get underway.
But this particular Olympics has raised more questions about freedom and human rights than most.
Among all the recent stories out of China about the earthquake and its aftermath, the economic and technological advances of Chinese society, the concern about pollution levels at the Olympics sites, there has been another story niggling away, demanding our attention. This is about censorship.
Put simply, 20,000 accredited journalists have been battling to have access to websites in the media centre which the Chinese authorities blocked: ruling out, for instance, Amnesty International’s website, which is critical of China’s human rights record. In the past 48 hours the number of available websites has increased after media pressure, but the censorship has been embarrassing for the International Olympic Committee who, seven years ago when the Games were awarded to Beijing, were assured – and seemed to believe - that such things would not be part of the China of the future.
I don’t want to be simplistic here. Most messages reaching us have been adopted - or adapted - to suit the needs, beliefs and lifestyles of the messenger. So nothing is black and white – never more so when other cultures, who do things and see things differently from those of us doing the judging, are suddenly at the centre of attention.
But I have been re-reading Herman and Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent” – in which they emphasise that freedom of expression should not be defended, quote, “by virtue of its contribution to some higher good; rather (because freedom of expression) is a value in itself.”
The Christian faith regards freedom as a gift from God. Freedom, said Jesus, is found in ‘the Truth that sets you free’.
And always it is linked to how freedom is to be USED, both by the giver and the receiver. The giver may have goals and desires for the receiver, but ultimately allows the receiver to make his or her own choices. The receiver, given the gift of freedom, is called to exercise it responsibly and beneficially, not selfishly or excessively.
This is relevant to countries also – at the moment to China in particular because its spectacular staging of the Olympics will make it the focus of worldwide headlines. And when we are told that sport and politics should be kept separate, our retort has to be that freedom is NEVER just a matter of politics, it is also a matter of the SPIRIT.
The Olympic motto this year is ‘One World, One Dream’. But this is an instance of where ANY dream will NOT do.
Sunday 27 July 2008
Thought For The Day 19th July
TFTD
19th July 2008
Rob Marshall
Good morning:
The holiday exodus really gets underway this weekend. Unlike the French – who put their country on autopilot from the 1st August and go on holiday together – we Brits spread our holidays out over a longer period. Nevertheless, this will be one of the busiest “getting away from it all” weekends of the year.
Holidays usually result in mixed blessings. They are often needed but not always easy. Have we really become so out of touch with loved ones, the world at large, with ourselves? We sometimes feel the pain of slowing down, changing the old routine, doing something different. When on the beach or in the country, life changes focus. We see things in a different perspective.
I personally find that natural boundaries between work and leisure are more blurred than I can ever remember. For many of my friends working in a wide range of jobs and professions, the perception is that each day merges with the next: without a beginning or an end: life too easily becomes a continuous cycle of doing and deadlines, with no ability just “to be”.
This week I’m leading a holiday pilgrimage based in Durham celebrating the saints of the north east of England and of Scotland. I was on Iona on Saturday and Holy Island on Thursday. It is indeed clear as I visit many different places that the Celtic and Anglo Saxon saints are once again helping large numbers of people rediscover a better work/life balance. There is a huge interest in Celtic spirituality, ancient sites are being rediscovered, research about this era is hugely popular. And all perhaps because of a natural and quite simple desire in each of us to have enough time to be what God intended us to be: individuals who are at peace with the world and ourselves.
The Northumbrian saints, Aidan and Cuthbert, for instance, were, according to Bede, the historian, full of energy and did a great deal of work. But only as part of a rhythm and connectedness which also placed great emphasis on the ability to withdraw – to spend some time “thinking about it all”, putting everything into a wider perspective of wisdom. They urge us to keep the spiritual flag flying - our spiritual self alive – however swamped we may sometimes feel.
As the holiday season really does get underway this weekend, most of us will contemplate the change of rhythm and routine with a sense of thanksgiving and open mindedness.
Despite the fact that leaving a pressurised job of any kind, as the emails build up, is not at all easy, a period of getting once again in touch with ourselves, and with others, inevitably reaps rewards. Rediscovering the world around us and the value of relationships is a hugely spiritual experience.
19th July 2008
Rob Marshall
Good morning:
The holiday exodus really gets underway this weekend. Unlike the French – who put their country on autopilot from the 1st August and go on holiday together – we Brits spread our holidays out over a longer period. Nevertheless, this will be one of the busiest “getting away from it all” weekends of the year.
Holidays usually result in mixed blessings. They are often needed but not always easy. Have we really become so out of touch with loved ones, the world at large, with ourselves? We sometimes feel the pain of slowing down, changing the old routine, doing something different. When on the beach or in the country, life changes focus. We see things in a different perspective.
I personally find that natural boundaries between work and leisure are more blurred than I can ever remember. For many of my friends working in a wide range of jobs and professions, the perception is that each day merges with the next: without a beginning or an end: life too easily becomes a continuous cycle of doing and deadlines, with no ability just “to be”.
This week I’m leading a holiday pilgrimage based in Durham celebrating the saints of the north east of England and of Scotland. I was on Iona on Saturday and Holy Island on Thursday. It is indeed clear as I visit many different places that the Celtic and Anglo Saxon saints are once again helping large numbers of people rediscover a better work/life balance. There is a huge interest in Celtic spirituality, ancient sites are being rediscovered, research about this era is hugely popular. And all perhaps because of a natural and quite simple desire in each of us to have enough time to be what God intended us to be: individuals who are at peace with the world and ourselves.
The Northumbrian saints, Aidan and Cuthbert, for instance, were, according to Bede, the historian, full of energy and did a great deal of work. But only as part of a rhythm and connectedness which also placed great emphasis on the ability to withdraw – to spend some time “thinking about it all”, putting everything into a wider perspective of wisdom. They urge us to keep the spiritual flag flying - our spiritual self alive – however swamped we may sometimes feel.
As the holiday season really does get underway this weekend, most of us will contemplate the change of rhythm and routine with a sense of thanksgiving and open mindedness.
Despite the fact that leaving a pressurised job of any kind, as the emails build up, is not at all easy, a period of getting once again in touch with ourselves, and with others, inevitably reaps rewards. Rediscovering the world around us and the value of relationships is a hugely spiritual experience.
Thought For The Day 25th July (BBC Radio 4)
Good morning
The award winning actress Estelle Getty, best known as Sophia Petrillo in the US hit comedy The Golden Girls, died this week. Obituaries paid tribute to her clever contribution to an 80’s American revision of what it means to get older.
The American population, like ours, is getting older and fitter. Old age in the Golden Girls means fun and naughtiness; taking risks and branching out; it’s about the transfer of wisdom and the telling of stories from one generation to the next. Though funny, it is also poignant.
The rise and rise of a generation which would have been regarded as over the hill two decades ago, is only just hitting home. Note how media froth over Dame Helen Mirren in her bikini or news that a 90 year old has just become Cambridge’s oldest PhD recipient is suddenly all a bit ‘old hat’.
All this getting old business needs further, urgent, revision.
Parish life certainly introduces a priest to the radical revisionism necessary in assessing the lives of older people. I meet these people all the time. So-called silver surfers are chatting online, enjoying digital photography and attending fitness classes. They are diet conscious and physically aware.
They are also challenging the presumptuousness and gross immaturity of the younger generations to quite extraordinary lengths – as is the case of the swearing, grandma graphically depicted by Catherine Tate, where resentment for taking liberties of the older generation by the younger, borders on the shocking.
So life expectancy is no longer just about how we live but about the quality and content of our lives. There is still a definite connection between age and wisdom, as frequently celebrated in the Old Testament, where a long life inevitably leads, as the Book of Chronicles suggests, to "a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour". Indeed, the addition of wisdom remains one of the wonders of old age.
But there is a diversifying and changing connection between age and fitness, age and work, age and sex and age and relationships. Getting older can be seen as liberating, increasingly exciting, putting our earlier years comparatively in the shade.
An aging fitter population obviously provides employers, governments, local authorities, certainly the national health service and even the faith communities – with a new set of challenges and opportunities. Provision needs to be made.
For this truly is a golden generation: with wisdom by the bucket load, spiced up with hearty measures of energy, and a quite unparalleled spiritual optimism.
The award winning actress Estelle Getty, best known as Sophia Petrillo in the US hit comedy The Golden Girls, died this week. Obituaries paid tribute to her clever contribution to an 80’s American revision of what it means to get older.
The American population, like ours, is getting older and fitter. Old age in the Golden Girls means fun and naughtiness; taking risks and branching out; it’s about the transfer of wisdom and the telling of stories from one generation to the next. Though funny, it is also poignant.
The rise and rise of a generation which would have been regarded as over the hill two decades ago, is only just hitting home. Note how media froth over Dame Helen Mirren in her bikini or news that a 90 year old has just become Cambridge’s oldest PhD recipient is suddenly all a bit ‘old hat’.
All this getting old business needs further, urgent, revision.
Parish life certainly introduces a priest to the radical revisionism necessary in assessing the lives of older people. I meet these people all the time. So-called silver surfers are chatting online, enjoying digital photography and attending fitness classes. They are diet conscious and physically aware.
They are also challenging the presumptuousness and gross immaturity of the younger generations to quite extraordinary lengths – as is the case of the swearing, grandma graphically depicted by Catherine Tate, where resentment for taking liberties of the older generation by the younger, borders on the shocking.
So life expectancy is no longer just about how we live but about the quality and content of our lives. There is still a definite connection between age and wisdom, as frequently celebrated in the Old Testament, where a long life inevitably leads, as the Book of Chronicles suggests, to "a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour". Indeed, the addition of wisdom remains one of the wonders of old age.
But there is a diversifying and changing connection between age and fitness, age and work, age and sex and age and relationships. Getting older can be seen as liberating, increasingly exciting, putting our earlier years comparatively in the shade.
An aging fitter population obviously provides employers, governments, local authorities, certainly the national health service and even the faith communities – with a new set of challenges and opportunities. Provision needs to be made.
For this truly is a golden generation: with wisdom by the bucket load, spiced up with hearty measures of energy, and a quite unparalleled spiritual optimism.
Saturday 28 June 2008
St Peter & St Paul 29th June StMA
The Feast of Peter and Paul offers us a vision of our Church and what it should be, with a complementary and simultaneous outward reach and inward focus.
St Peter & St Paul
A wonderful day to celebrate the essence of what we are to do as Christians!
THIS IS YOUR LIFE:
The two have been celebrated together for centuries because of their common martyrdom in Rome circa AD64
PETER: PRINCE of the Apostles: WITNESS of the Lordship of Jesus
PAUL: FACILITATOR: putting it all into practise.
For us today:
Witnesses of Jesus
Called upon to push the church forward in this culture, for this time, for this place.
ST.PETER
Came to represent to universal church: the kosmos
ST PAUL – cam to represent the local church
a person above all about unity
Pope Benedict: launched the year of St Paul yesterday
St. Paul reminds us that the full communion among all Christians finds its grounds in a single father, a single faith and single baptism,"
“In the final analysis, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul represents the constant tension between "universality" and "locality" in the Church”.
“The Feast of Peter and Paul offers us a vision of our Church and what it should be, with a complementary and simultaneous outward reach and inward focus”.
Dr Alexander Roman – orthodox Theologian
St Peter & St Paul
A wonderful day to celebrate the essence of what we are to do as Christians!
THIS IS YOUR LIFE:
The two have been celebrated together for centuries because of their common martyrdom in Rome circa AD64
PETER: PRINCE of the Apostles: WITNESS of the Lordship of Jesus
PAUL: FACILITATOR: putting it all into practise.
For us today:
Witnesses of Jesus
Called upon to push the church forward in this culture, for this time, for this place.
ST.PETER
Came to represent to universal church: the kosmos
ST PAUL – cam to represent the local church
a person above all about unity
Pope Benedict: launched the year of St Paul yesterday
St. Paul reminds us that the full communion among all Christians finds its grounds in a single father, a single faith and single baptism,"
“In the final analysis, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul represents the constant tension between "universality" and "locality" in the Church”.
“The Feast of Peter and Paul offers us a vision of our Church and what it should be, with a complementary and simultaneous outward reach and inward focus”.
Dr Alexander Roman – orthodox Theologian
Tuesday 3 June 2008
Romans 1st June StMA
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God fopr slavation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteounsess of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, 'The one who is righteous will live by faith."
1, A particular situation
2. Not ashamed
3. The Gospel
4. Power
5.Salvation
6. For everyone!
7.Faith
8.Righteousness
9.Revealed
10.Fulfilling
"Paul's letter to the Romans is probably the single most important letter written by a Christian."
JGD Dunn
1, A particular situation
2. Not ashamed
3. The Gospel
4. Power
5.Salvation
6. For everyone!
7.Faith
8.Righteousness
9.Revealed
10.Fulfilling
"Paul's letter to the Romans is probably the single most important letter written by a Christian."
JGD Dunn
Monday 2 June 2008
Sex in the City 30th May
Having not taken much notice of the series when it was on - the film is an interesting study of relationships and priorities in a slightly "way back" way.
The film is well made, imaginatively crafted and highly amusing.
The film is well made, imaginatively crafted and highly amusing.
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Thought For The Day - radio 4
copyright BBC
Rob Marshall
27th May 2008
Good morning
The French are even more furious than the British over the escalating price of fuel.
There were more police than usual as my ferry arrived in Caen on Friday. Burning rubber tyres lit by striking fishermen blocked several roundabouts. Large neon motorway signs advised motorists that the Port of Cherbourg – was simply blocked.
The political consequences of these price hikes are blatantly obvious throughout the developing world; the economic ramifications even more serious.
The British Government, it seems, are to at least consider the introduction of personal carbon credits, where we could exchange what we don’t use with others who need them more as we look more carefully at our priorities.
Only months ago, reducing our carbon footprint and having a sustainable lifestyle were trendy options based on ethical choices: now, people, simply and quite suddenly, have no choice. The need to adapt is essential.
Sociologists will point out that human beings need to make journeys. It is an inherent part of our make up: we leave our home and do what we have to in order to live the rest of our lives. We visit family and friends, change the scenery, enjoy ourselves, do business.
In the Ancient world, journeys to the market and to see family were amongst the highlights of people’s lives. Some of the oldest stories in the Bible concern people going on significant journeys – where the main intention is usually to pass on an important message, greet others, spread the word.
The combination of financial necessity and environmental concern is a new and potent one as we re evaluate our priorities and our travel plans. We all know that many of the journeys we make are not really necessary. National and local government can only do so much.
Those burning tyres on the Normandy coastline really made an impact on me. In one way, they are a genuine cry for help and for economic improvement. But they are also a symbolic smokescreen because just about everyone of us is being forced to face the kind of realities which we don’t like to face and which, after decades of relative affluence, are more about the journey inward than the journey to anywhere else.
Ironically, it is the French spiritual writer Michel Quoist, who in trying to adapt modern living to theological principles suggests that many human beings spent most of their time pursuing and therefore wasting different types of energy, which will always run out in the end. Instead, he suggests that a respect for creation and a genuine concern for and love of one’s neighbour is, paradoxically, the only form of energy which actually costs nothing in material terms and it lasts forever.
Rob Marshall
27th May 2008
Good morning
The French are even more furious than the British over the escalating price of fuel.
There were more police than usual as my ferry arrived in Caen on Friday. Burning rubber tyres lit by striking fishermen blocked several roundabouts. Large neon motorway signs advised motorists that the Port of Cherbourg – was simply blocked.
The political consequences of these price hikes are blatantly obvious throughout the developing world; the economic ramifications even more serious.
The British Government, it seems, are to at least consider the introduction of personal carbon credits, where we could exchange what we don’t use with others who need them more as we look more carefully at our priorities.
Only months ago, reducing our carbon footprint and having a sustainable lifestyle were trendy options based on ethical choices: now, people, simply and quite suddenly, have no choice. The need to adapt is essential.
Sociologists will point out that human beings need to make journeys. It is an inherent part of our make up: we leave our home and do what we have to in order to live the rest of our lives. We visit family and friends, change the scenery, enjoy ourselves, do business.
In the Ancient world, journeys to the market and to see family were amongst the highlights of people’s lives. Some of the oldest stories in the Bible concern people going on significant journeys – where the main intention is usually to pass on an important message, greet others, spread the word.
The combination of financial necessity and environmental concern is a new and potent one as we re evaluate our priorities and our travel plans. We all know that many of the journeys we make are not really necessary. National and local government can only do so much.
Those burning tyres on the Normandy coastline really made an impact on me. In one way, they are a genuine cry for help and for economic improvement. But they are also a symbolic smokescreen because just about everyone of us is being forced to face the kind of realities which we don’t like to face and which, after decades of relative affluence, are more about the journey inward than the journey to anywhere else.
Ironically, it is the French spiritual writer Michel Quoist, who in trying to adapt modern living to theological principles suggests that many human beings spent most of their time pursuing and therefore wasting different types of energy, which will always run out in the end. Instead, he suggests that a respect for creation and a genuine concern for and love of one’s neighbour is, paradoxically, the only form of energy which actually costs nothing in material terms and it lasts forever.
Monday 26 May 2008
Hull City in the Premiership
Having watched Hull City (the Tigers) since my dad first took me aged 11, it is an astonishing achievement that Hull have made it to the Premiership.
Watched the Wembley final in St Sever (Normandy) before a celebratory barbecue.
An aamzing day!
Watched the Wembley final in St Sever (Normandy) before a celebratory barbecue.
An aamzing day!
Sunday 18 May 2008
The Trinity St Mary Abbots 180508
The Trinity
In the Bible
The Word of God has always been!
190 AD Clement Of Alexandria "When [John] says:
'What was from the beginning [1 John 1:1],' he touches upon the generation without beginning of the Son, who is co-equal with the Father. 'Was,' therefore, is indicative of an eternity without a beginning, just as the Word Himself, that is the Son, being one with the Father in regard to equality of substance, is eternal and uncreated. That the word always existed is signified by the saying: 'In the beginning was the Word'
In Our Prayers
Many of the Prayers since Pentecost are prayers of the Trinity
Orthdodox
ONE God: Three persons
Bishop Tom Wright
We are called to hold firm to trinitarian monotheism in the face of neopaganism, and thus to become the people through whom the one God makes his love, holiness, healing, and justice known in his world. If the love of God is our message, the love of God must also be our breath of life. Prayer such as this can become a means to this end, equipping the renewed church to face the new God-given tasks.
In the Sacraments
Baptism - -Love of the Father, Blessing of the Son, Work of the Spirit
Eucharist
In Our Lives
The doctrine of the Trinity is the affirmation that self-giving is characteristic of Being, that mutuality of self-giving love belongs to God’s perfection and the self giving of God towards his creatures is possible because of the glory which the Father has with the Son in the love of the Spirit eternally
Michael Ramsey
Thursday 24 April 2008
20th April StMA Retrospective Texts
Evening address on John 5
Looking at how the scriptures change in light of the resurrection.
Looking at how the scriptures change in light of the resurrection.
Thought for the Day 19th April
Copyright BBC
TFTD 19th March
Pope Visit
Rob Marshall
Good morning
After listening intently to Pope Benedict XVI’s first speech on US soil this week, Mr.Bush, unaware that a TV microphone would catch what he said, warmly congratulated the Pope on his awesome speech. The relaxed exchange has set the tone for a significant visit.
A Papal visit of the kind we are currently observing in the United States is unusual because it is attracting a level of analysis and comment which is out of sink with the media’s usual claim that whilst faith is of great interest to many people – organised religion and Mass attendance is on the wane.
But here we have the direct successor of St Peter, flying from city to city, riding in a pope mobile, attracting huge crowds and filling baseball stadiums; he has held talks with business and community leaders and was at the United Nations in New York yesterday.
Several newspaper columnists have got my goat in recent days writing sulkily that only America could greet a Pope in this way – doing justice in their writing neither to the office of Pope nor to the integrity of the American people.
When John Paul II came to the United Kingdom several decades ago, I went to one of the open air masses and it really was quite extraordinary to behold: why, I asked myself, could the church not learn something quite basic from this excitement – this sense of a great event.?
But the one thing which will be remembered above all after the visit of this very different Pope to the United States is the simple word “sorry”. The Holy Father recognised that there was no way he could celebrate the essence of his own faith amongst new friends without first offering a deep and profound apology for previous wrongs- and particularly to the victims of terrible abuse by representatives of his own church in former times.
The protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults is now a massive priority for any organisation working with and for them. And whilst the putting in place of stringent measures to protect children in the future is admirable – we cannot forget those who have suffered terribly in the past and who still bear the scares of previous wrongdoing.
By saying sorry so openly and unequivocally, Pope Benedict’s confession and appeal for forgiveness has obviously rallied many Americans behind him and given millions of Christians a basic reminder of how true repentance can lead to a fresh start. There’s no room for complacency but there’s certainly an opportunity to live out perhaps the most famous prayer of all: forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those have trespassed against us.
TFTD 19th March
Pope Visit
Rob Marshall
Good morning
After listening intently to Pope Benedict XVI’s first speech on US soil this week, Mr.Bush, unaware that a TV microphone would catch what he said, warmly congratulated the Pope on his awesome speech. The relaxed exchange has set the tone for a significant visit.
A Papal visit of the kind we are currently observing in the United States is unusual because it is attracting a level of analysis and comment which is out of sink with the media’s usual claim that whilst faith is of great interest to many people – organised religion and Mass attendance is on the wane.
But here we have the direct successor of St Peter, flying from city to city, riding in a pope mobile, attracting huge crowds and filling baseball stadiums; he has held talks with business and community leaders and was at the United Nations in New York yesterday.
Several newspaper columnists have got my goat in recent days writing sulkily that only America could greet a Pope in this way – doing justice in their writing neither to the office of Pope nor to the integrity of the American people.
When John Paul II came to the United Kingdom several decades ago, I went to one of the open air masses and it really was quite extraordinary to behold: why, I asked myself, could the church not learn something quite basic from this excitement – this sense of a great event.?
But the one thing which will be remembered above all after the visit of this very different Pope to the United States is the simple word “sorry”. The Holy Father recognised that there was no way he could celebrate the essence of his own faith amongst new friends without first offering a deep and profound apology for previous wrongs- and particularly to the victims of terrible abuse by representatives of his own church in former times.
The protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults is now a massive priority for any organisation working with and for them. And whilst the putting in place of stringent measures to protect children in the future is admirable – we cannot forget those who have suffered terribly in the past and who still bear the scares of previous wrongdoing.
By saying sorry so openly and unequivocally, Pope Benedict’s confession and appeal for forgiveness has obviously rallied many Americans behind him and given millions of Christians a basic reminder of how true repentance can lead to a fresh start. There’s no room for complacency but there’s certainly an opportunity to live out perhaps the most famous prayer of all: forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those have trespassed against us.
Sunday 13 April 2008
Thought For The Day: Radio 4 12th April
Copyright - BBC
12th April 2008
Rob Marshall.
Good morning.
The price of wheat has doubled in the past year. The price of rice has risen an astonishing 75% in the last two months.
People are drawing a connection between affordable food and social stability. Food riots have already broken out in Haiti, India and Mexico. There are chronic food shortages in many countries.
The President of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick (Zellick), says that “while many worry about filling their gas tanks, many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs.” The fight against poverty has been put back 7 years.
Assessing Britain’s economic downturn against an international backdrop of widespread hunger and malnutrition is both sobering and challenging. Can it really be true that we actually throw away one third of the food we purchase every week – mainly because we buy too much in the first place and then let it go out of date?
I felt appalled by this statistic. I next opened my fridge in shame. Realising that I really was seduced by elaborate packaging, special offers and was locked into a culture of purchasing without thought which suddenly seemed enormously naive – yes, even disgraceful.
In the Old Testament, a famine is always a suggestion that things are not right in creation: that imbalances need to be sorted out. Faith responds by focussing on the common good rather than on individual greed; on the will of God rather than the priorities of wayward humanity.
James Martin, in his recent book, The Meaning of the 21st Century, urges political and financial initiatives to build up food reserves to tide populations over during dry and difficult spells. This, he refers to, as food security.
Achieving food security on a global scale can be tackled at many different but equally important levels. It starts, of course, with an individual acknowledgement that this is a serious issue which we should all be aware of and respond to accordingly.
As the World Bank and the IMF meet in Washington this weekend, there’s an urgency in finding the political and financial will to deal with the escalating numbers hungry people and the misery of poor.
In about the 8th Century BC, the prophet Isaiah surveyed the miserable imbalances in society and conveyed God’s message which is just as appropriate today: “What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the face of the poor?” It remains a fair question.
12th April 2008
Rob Marshall.
Good morning.
The price of wheat has doubled in the past year. The price of rice has risen an astonishing 75% in the last two months.
People are drawing a connection between affordable food and social stability. Food riots have already broken out in Haiti, India and Mexico. There are chronic food shortages in many countries.
The President of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick (Zellick), says that “while many worry about filling their gas tanks, many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs.” The fight against poverty has been put back 7 years.
Assessing Britain’s economic downturn against an international backdrop of widespread hunger and malnutrition is both sobering and challenging. Can it really be true that we actually throw away one third of the food we purchase every week – mainly because we buy too much in the first place and then let it go out of date?
I felt appalled by this statistic. I next opened my fridge in shame. Realising that I really was seduced by elaborate packaging, special offers and was locked into a culture of purchasing without thought which suddenly seemed enormously naive – yes, even disgraceful.
In the Old Testament, a famine is always a suggestion that things are not right in creation: that imbalances need to be sorted out. Faith responds by focussing on the common good rather than on individual greed; on the will of God rather than the priorities of wayward humanity.
James Martin, in his recent book, The Meaning of the 21st Century, urges political and financial initiatives to build up food reserves to tide populations over during dry and difficult spells. This, he refers to, as food security.
Achieving food security on a global scale can be tackled at many different but equally important levels. It starts, of course, with an individual acknowledgement that this is a serious issue which we should all be aware of and respond to accordingly.
As the World Bank and the IMF meet in Washington this weekend, there’s an urgency in finding the political and financial will to deal with the escalating numbers hungry people and the misery of poor.
In about the 8th Century BC, the prophet Isaiah surveyed the miserable imbalances in society and conveyed God’s message which is just as appropriate today: “What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the face of the poor?” It remains a fair question.
Never Forget - The Musical : Wimbledon Theatre
Yes - I went!
Can't quite believe it.
On it's way into the West End this exhuberant, brilliant night out has all the ingredients of naffness and energy which goes to make a completely harmless and thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Relight my fire! :)
Can't quite believe it.
On it's way into the West End this exhuberant, brilliant night out has all the ingredients of naffness and energy which goes to make a completely harmless and thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Relight my fire! :)
Small Change by Peter Gill
First visit to the Donmar Warehouse for quite a few years to see the very first night of their newest production - Small Change, by Peter Gill.
The story of two mothers and two sons with the inevitable often conflicting themes of childhood, marriage, boredom, frustration, homosexuality and the "unsaid".
Sue Johnstone, whose decade in Brookside and amazing performances in the Royal Family and too many TV productions to mention gives the evening focus and purpose. Her confidence and experience add authority to an otherwise slightly light evening.
There are few surprises and a sense of "these themes have been tackled so many times that nothing new has really been added here" but Johnstone's immense talent redeem the journey home.
The story of two mothers and two sons with the inevitable often conflicting themes of childhood, marriage, boredom, frustration, homosexuality and the "unsaid".
Sue Johnstone, whose decade in Brookside and amazing performances in the Royal Family and too many TV productions to mention gives the evening focus and purpose. Her confidence and experience add authority to an otherwise slightly light evening.
There are few surprises and a sense of "these themes have been tackled so many times that nothing new has really been added here" but Johnstone's immense talent redeem the journey home.
Sunday 6 April 2008
St Mary Abbots 6th April I Corinthians 3
Marvellous passage.
Paul tells the Christian body to stick together and not to be divided.
One body. One Church. Force of the Resurrection.
Reminds us
the foundation stone is Jesus himself
We need to build something strong and resilient on that foundation.
We are God's temple - sanctuary - God dwells in us.
Ours is a God of resurrection.
Paul tells the Christian body to stick together and not to be divided.
One body. One Church. Force of the Resurrection.
Reminds us
the foundation stone is Jesus himself
We need to build something strong and resilient on that foundation.
We are God's temple - sanctuary - God dwells in us.
Ours is a God of resurrection.
St Mary Abbots 6th April Emmaus
Michael Ramsey wrote
"For the early Christians, the breaking of the bread was a central link both with the passion and resurrection. Through the Eucharist, the people of Christ still shew forth His death and feed on his life, and Calvary and Easter are perpetuated in the life of the Church"
Today's Collect calls on us to be strengthened and sustained by the resurrection.
Eucharist plays a significant role.
Luke 24 - great story of Jesus revealing himself through the breaking of the bread on the road to Emmaus.
Self revelation of Jesus.
Was it a Eucharist?
Last Supper - Jesus explains the Passion.
Emmaus - Jesus explains the Resurrection.
The resurrection is at the heart of the Christian life as a Resurrection feast.
"For the early Christians, the breaking of the bread was a central link both with the passion and resurrection. Through the Eucharist, the people of Christ still shew forth His death and feed on his life, and Calvary and Easter are perpetuated in the life of the Church"
Today's Collect calls on us to be strengthened and sustained by the resurrection.
Eucharist plays a significant role.
Luke 24 - great story of Jesus revealing himself through the breaking of the bread on the road to Emmaus.
Self revelation of Jesus.
Was it a Eucharist?
Last Supper - Jesus explains the Passion.
Emmaus - Jesus explains the Resurrection.
The resurrection is at the heart of the Christian life as a Resurrection feast.
Thought for the Day BBC Radio 4
TFTD - Copyright BBC
Saturday 5th April
Rob Marshall
Good morning
The Olympic torch arrives in London later tonight. It is on a global journey lasting four months with Beijing as the final destination in August.
Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of London tomorrow – just to witness this light. There is something obviously powerful about an eternal flame promising hope and bringing people together. It symbolises timelessness, confidence and all that is good about the human condition.
The paradox, however, of any torch, light or flame is that it always invades or needs to shine through a certain amount of darkness. And the darkness of current events in Tibet means that this light has needed extra security and more police in several countries to protect it along the way as protests are heard out of the darkness.
Many times, when I’m preparing a sermon or a talk, at anything from a wedding to a funeral the stark, simple spiritual contrast between light and darkness is always a powerful symbol. It is there in creation, prominent in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature and is a solid New Testament theme. The Anglican Prayer book talks of the armour of light which casts away the works of darkness.
People see the difference between darkness and light in their relationships, in their moods and reflections – at work and certainly at tough times when facing sickness or uncertainty.
So Jesus knew what he was doing when he said that as the light of the world he was offering people a choice between love/hate, joy/sadness – but most of all he urged people to have enough faith to believe that the light would always overcome the darkness in the end.
That’s why we light so many candles in churches; because we believe that life has more than one dimension to it.
I’m inspired to see that so many people around the world have already stopped, paused, applauded in response to a simple Olympic flame. For the light gives them hope, even as they protest about the darkness.
Held aloft, people will cast a glance at the Olympic flame in London tomorrow. As Jacques Rogge, the IOC president said when the Olympic flame was lit, it has the force to unite humanity and stand for harmony; And I agree. It speaks of something quite different, and raises us out of the darkness.
Saturday 5th April
Rob Marshall
Good morning
The Olympic torch arrives in London later tonight. It is on a global journey lasting four months with Beijing as the final destination in August.
Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of London tomorrow – just to witness this light. There is something obviously powerful about an eternal flame promising hope and bringing people together. It symbolises timelessness, confidence and all that is good about the human condition.
The paradox, however, of any torch, light or flame is that it always invades or needs to shine through a certain amount of darkness. And the darkness of current events in Tibet means that this light has needed extra security and more police in several countries to protect it along the way as protests are heard out of the darkness.
Many times, when I’m preparing a sermon or a talk, at anything from a wedding to a funeral the stark, simple spiritual contrast between light and darkness is always a powerful symbol. It is there in creation, prominent in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature and is a solid New Testament theme. The Anglican Prayer book talks of the armour of light which casts away the works of darkness.
People see the difference between darkness and light in their relationships, in their moods and reflections – at work and certainly at tough times when facing sickness or uncertainty.
So Jesus knew what he was doing when he said that as the light of the world he was offering people a choice between love/hate, joy/sadness – but most of all he urged people to have enough faith to believe that the light would always overcome the darkness in the end.
That’s why we light so many candles in churches; because we believe that life has more than one dimension to it.
I’m inspired to see that so many people around the world have already stopped, paused, applauded in response to a simple Olympic flame. For the light gives them hope, even as they protest about the darkness.
Held aloft, people will cast a glance at the Olympic flame in London tomorrow. As Jacques Rogge, the IOC president said when the Olympic flame was lit, it has the force to unite humanity and stand for harmony; And I agree. It speaks of something quite different, and raises us out of the darkness.
Thursday 20 March 2008
Holy Wednesday Address at St Mary Abbots
Psalm 123
1 -->
Supplication for Mercy
A Song of Ascents.1To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! 2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us.
3Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. 4Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
Psalms of Ascent
Jerusalem
Jesus
121 Protection
122 Peace
123 - this is a Psalm about God's mercy.
Lift up!
Eyes!
God shows us mercy
We appeal to it
Mercy in the Bible
Old Testament - hesed: legal/covenant/behavioural/retribution
New Testament - eleos: pity/compassion = relational
HH Esser
"Here we see the breaking in of the divine mercy into the reality of human misery which took place in the person of Jesus of Nazareth in his work of freeing and healing which marks his authority."
Pilgrimage this Holy Week
To go again to Jerusalem
Ask God to be with us
Ask God for his peace
Ask also for his mercy
When we say "Lord in Your Mercy"
- a confession of faith in the divine authority of Jesus
-brought near to the living hope
St Ambrose
"Mercy is a good thing for it makes us perfect; in that it imitates the perfect Father. Nothing graces the Christian soul so much as mercy."
1 -->
Supplication for Mercy
A Song of Ascents.1To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! 2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us.
3Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. 4Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
Psalms of Ascent
Jerusalem
Jesus
121 Protection
122 Peace
123 - this is a Psalm about God's mercy.
Lift up!
Eyes!
God shows us mercy
We appeal to it
Mercy in the Bible
Old Testament - hesed: legal/covenant/behavioural/retribution
New Testament - eleos: pity/compassion = relational
HH Esser
"Here we see the breaking in of the divine mercy into the reality of human misery which took place in the person of Jesus of Nazareth in his work of freeing and healing which marks his authority."
Pilgrimage this Holy Week
To go again to Jerusalem
Ask God to be with us
Ask God for his peace
Ask also for his mercy
When we say "Lord in Your Mercy"
- a confession of faith in the divine authority of Jesus
-brought near to the living hope
St Ambrose
"Mercy is a good thing for it makes us perfect; in that it imitates the perfect Father. Nothing graces the Christian soul so much as mercy."
St Mary Abbots Holy Tuesday Address
Psalm 122
1 -->
Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents. Of David.1I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ 2Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together. 4To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5For there the thrones for judgement were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. 7Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.’ 8For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
Jesus going up to Jerusalem
Jerusalem - the City!
A place where people go to make sense of the world.
The City where God resides
This is a Psalm concerned with peace.
Psalmist says:
We take everything with us
We pray for peace and security
Something we share
"God's peace has something to do with the acceptance of God's world in its complexity."
Rowan Williams
"Establishing peace is the very essence of sonship."
Pope Benedict
"Let nothing ever disturb you,
Nothing affright you;
All things are passing,
God never changes.
Patient endurance
Attains to all things;
Who God possesses
In nothing is wanting:
Alone God suffices".
St Teresa of Avila
1 -->
Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents. Of David.1I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ 2Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together. 4To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5For there the thrones for judgement were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. 7Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.’ 8For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
Jesus going up to Jerusalem
Jerusalem - the City!
A place where people go to make sense of the world.
The City where God resides
This is a Psalm concerned with peace.
Psalmist says:
We take everything with us
We pray for peace and security
Something we share
"God's peace has something to do with the acceptance of God's world in its complexity."
Rowan Williams
"Establishing peace is the very essence of sonship."
Pope Benedict
"Let nothing ever disturb you,
Nothing affright you;
All things are passing,
God never changes.
Patient endurance
Attains to all things;
Who God possesses
In nothing is wanting:
Alone God suffices".
St Teresa of Avila
Tuesday 18 March 2008
St Mary Abbots Holy Week Address (1)
Jesus - immersed in the tradition of the Old Testament
This is a Pilgrim Song
On his way to Jerusalem for the last time.....this song would have been popular in his mind.
Language of the Psalm
Simplicity
Conversational
Rooted in Creation
God is never Far Away
"Past, Present, Future"
God Alone can save us
Main messages:
"In every kind of danger, God keeps us from evil and guards our soul."
The relationship between God and each person is personal.
This Psalm guides us into the essence of this Holy Week.
Psalm 121
A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Sunday 16 March 2008
Pope Benedict Review
book REVIEW
Ratzinger’s Faith
Tracey Rowland
The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI
Oxford University Press £12.99
Because of Joseph Ratzinger’s crucial role in the Vatican before his election as successor to Pope John Paul II, this book greatly assists us in unravelling how the Cardinal was able to move smoothly and without any great sense of effort to the throne of St.Peter. It also helps us if we want to know more – there are many references to where we might go if we want to explore further.Rowland is Dean and Associate Professor of Political Philosophy and Continental Theology of the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia and the book proclaims itself as “The first substantial assessment of Pope Benedict XVI’s theological vision.”
The book is well written with a concise sense of conviction and focus. It looks at revelation, scripture and tradition as well as exploring liturgical issues and the nature of communion. The Subiaco and Regensburg addresses, delivered by the Pope, are appended in full.
This book is an excellent resource for all those concerned about unity and authority. Urging Christians to stick to the truth as revealed in Jesus, Rowland suggests that Ratzinger sees the Church as the vehicle by which the truth is revealed: “He is critical of interpretations which would transform Christianity into what he provocatively calls a ‘poorly managed haberdashery that is always trying to lure more customers.”
Ratzinger’s Faith
Tracey Rowland
The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI
Oxford University Press £12.99
Because of Joseph Ratzinger’s crucial role in the Vatican before his election as successor to Pope John Paul II, this book greatly assists us in unravelling how the Cardinal was able to move smoothly and without any great sense of effort to the throne of St.Peter. It also helps us if we want to know more – there are many references to where we might go if we want to explore further.Rowland is Dean and Associate Professor of Political Philosophy and Continental Theology of the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia and the book proclaims itself as “The first substantial assessment of Pope Benedict XVI’s theological vision.”
The book is well written with a concise sense of conviction and focus. It looks at revelation, scripture and tradition as well as exploring liturgical issues and the nature of communion. The Subiaco and Regensburg addresses, delivered by the Pope, are appended in full.
This book is an excellent resource for all those concerned about unity and authority. Urging Christians to stick to the truth as revealed in Jesus, Rowland suggests that Ratzinger sees the Church as the vehicle by which the truth is revealed: “He is critical of interpretations which would transform Christianity into what he provocatively calls a ‘poorly managed haberdashery that is always trying to lure more customers.”
Thursday 13 March 2008
Our Pilgrimage Day in London
Priorities in Pilgrimage
Bishop David Hope chaired a day in London looking at pilgrimage in the 21st century on March 12th.
It attracted delegates from all over the country.
A brief synopsis follows:
Bishop David Hope:
Loves the quote:
"Doing is a very deadly thing"
Caring less for doing - rather more for being.
Preoccupation with being busy.
Pilgrimage is a journey
Exploring new places: lots of information: all interesting: "at the end of the day the purpose of going on pilgrimage is to be closer to Jesus Christ".
Call to a deeper expression of discipleship.
Jesus inviting us to be friends of God on a journey.
Still moments on a pilgrimage when you can make space: different sites affect different people differently.
Finding time for the divine light to radiate in our lives and being.
Importance of pausing, stopping, reflecting……..
When we return - the gifts of the spirit should be more obvious within us.
We come back to our lives, our parish: pilgrimage makes a difference.
Dr.Gavin Wakefield
St.John’s College, Durham
Pilgrimage belongs to many religious traditions.
Christian pilgrimage: focused on Christ: shaped by the call of Jesus.
Stations of the Cross - a kind of pilgrimage close at hand.
History of Christian pilgrimage outlined.
Early Irish Christians
value in the very act of journeying - and not necessarily related to what God had done in the past.
They went because they were worried about what might happen in the future:
Martyrdom
various concepts explained
-deep engagement with God
-seeking the way of the cross
being on the move with Christ
Brendan
historical figure: 5th century
monk/abbot
based in Ireland
traveller
he went all over Europe
new monasteries founded
voyage of Brendan
Columba
6th century
founding of monastery on Iona
deaconed at 19
these monks loved going on journeys
he didn't travel as much
563 - Columba took 12 monks with him from Ireland to Scotland
Iona set up
went on many more journeys
centre for prayer, mission and politics
Irish monasteries were not places of peace and quiet
like a village - people trying to follow Christ in that place
Mark 1.35 -Jesus also did the same
Aidan
Founded monastery on Holy Island
Further development of prayer in Irish tradition
Wonderful rhythm of the day
Tide ebb and flowing on Lindisfarne
Aidan = with a definite mission
He also needed time away to be with God and pilgrimage was not always an option
Farne Islands
Aidan encountered those who needed to know the message of Christ.
He wanted to enable other people to be able to grow.
Summary:
Monasticism and Pilgrimage were all bound together.
Spiritual Rhythm
Monks did it the other way round: in the monastery they engaged with people, pilgrimage was about withdrawing from the world and going off to meet with God.
Points to note:
1) Pilgrimage today usually has a known destination.
Irish way - not always the case
2) Pilgrimage today is usually highly organised.
Not in their case
3) Journey is the outward expression of the inner journey.
Pilgrimage
many different ways
eventually does become a withdrawal from the world
don't organise God out of the event
it is the unexpected in which God can make himself known
If pilgrimage enables you to meet with God - embrace it.
Canon Martin Warner
Master of the Guardians of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
Recounted the history of the Shrine
Slipper Chapel – slipping in to pray.
1922 Father Hope Patten begins to restore the Shrine.
Rediscovery of the well was important.
250,000 people go on pilgrimage to Walsingham every year.
Story of the Holy House
Story of Annunciation
Story of Mary’s YES to God
Bringing the whole of life to us.
Praying at the Shrine:
Intercessions:
Narrating the human condition
Every day, without fail, at 6.00pm
Water:
The waters of the well
Baptism transforms our lives
Adoration
Just being there
People come from our large cities to link up with creation
Stations of the Cross and Processions
Most groups do this reenacted symbol- a liturgical reminder/ a restoration of confidence
Eucharist
Fed with the bread of heaven
Citizens of Heavenly Jerusalem
The way in which we should remodel love.
Pilgrimage is where we grow graciously into what God as in store for us.
Bishop David Hope chaired a day in London looking at pilgrimage in the 21st century on March 12th.
It attracted delegates from all over the country.
A brief synopsis follows:
Bishop David Hope:
Loves the quote:
"Doing is a very deadly thing"
Caring less for doing - rather more for being.
Preoccupation with being busy.
Pilgrimage is a journey
Exploring new places: lots of information: all interesting: "at the end of the day the purpose of going on pilgrimage is to be closer to Jesus Christ".
Call to a deeper expression of discipleship.
Jesus inviting us to be friends of God on a journey.
Still moments on a pilgrimage when you can make space: different sites affect different people differently.
Finding time for the divine light to radiate in our lives and being.
Importance of pausing, stopping, reflecting……..
When we return - the gifts of the spirit should be more obvious within us.
We come back to our lives, our parish: pilgrimage makes a difference.
Dr.Gavin Wakefield
St.John’s College, Durham
Pilgrimage belongs to many religious traditions.
Christian pilgrimage: focused on Christ: shaped by the call of Jesus.
Stations of the Cross - a kind of pilgrimage close at hand.
History of Christian pilgrimage outlined.
Early Irish Christians
value in the very act of journeying - and not necessarily related to what God had done in the past.
They went because they were worried about what might happen in the future:
Martyrdom
various concepts explained
-deep engagement with God
-seeking the way of the cross
being on the move with Christ
Brendan
historical figure: 5th century
monk/abbot
based in Ireland
traveller
he went all over Europe
new monasteries founded
voyage of Brendan
Columba
6th century
founding of monastery on Iona
deaconed at 19
these monks loved going on journeys
he didn't travel as much
563 - Columba took 12 monks with him from Ireland to Scotland
Iona set up
went on many more journeys
centre for prayer, mission and politics
Irish monasteries were not places of peace and quiet
like a village - people trying to follow Christ in that place
Mark 1.35 -Jesus also did the same
Aidan
Founded monastery on Holy Island
Further development of prayer in Irish tradition
Wonderful rhythm of the day
Tide ebb and flowing on Lindisfarne
Aidan = with a definite mission
He also needed time away to be with God and pilgrimage was not always an option
Farne Islands
Aidan encountered those who needed to know the message of Christ.
He wanted to enable other people to be able to grow.
Summary:
Monasticism and Pilgrimage were all bound together.
Spiritual Rhythm
Monks did it the other way round: in the monastery they engaged with people, pilgrimage was about withdrawing from the world and going off to meet with God.
Points to note:
1) Pilgrimage today usually has a known destination.
Irish way - not always the case
2) Pilgrimage today is usually highly organised.
Not in their case
3) Journey is the outward expression of the inner journey.
Pilgrimage
many different ways
eventually does become a withdrawal from the world
don't organise God out of the event
it is the unexpected in which God can make himself known
If pilgrimage enables you to meet with God - embrace it.
Canon Martin Warner
Master of the Guardians of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
Recounted the history of the Shrine
Slipper Chapel – slipping in to pray.
1922 Father Hope Patten begins to restore the Shrine.
Rediscovery of the well was important.
250,000 people go on pilgrimage to Walsingham every year.
Story of the Holy House
Story of Annunciation
Story of Mary’s YES to God
Bringing the whole of life to us.
Praying at the Shrine:
Intercessions:
Narrating the human condition
Every day, without fail, at 6.00pm
Water:
The waters of the well
Baptism transforms our lives
Adoration
Just being there
People come from our large cities to link up with creation
Stations of the Cross and Processions
Most groups do this reenacted symbol- a liturgical reminder/ a restoration of confidence
Eucharist
Fed with the bread of heaven
Citizens of Heavenly Jerusalem
The way in which we should remodel love.
Pilgrimage is where we grow graciously into what God as in store for us.
Monday 10 March 2008
John Humphries
Great breakfast today with JH.
Discussed his excellent charitable work over breakfast.
More to follow.
Discussed his excellent charitable work over breakfast.
More to follow.
Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Eirene – peace (Greek)
Opposite of war
“Peace is the state of law and order which gives rise to the blessings of posterity.”
Hebrew
Shalom
Occurs 250 times in the Old Testament
“well being in the widest sense”
Associated with the presence of God
Fulfilment/completion/satisfaction
Christ is the mediator of peace.
Part of the Kingdom
Sharing of the peace in the Eucharist.
About wholeness: well being.
C Brown;
“There is no room for false peace. By its very nature peace is grounded in the righteousness and wholeness which God gives to man for the sake of Christ and his merits.”
Give peace in our time O Lord
Blessed are the peacemakers
Monday 3 March 2008
Israel
My first visit to Israel for over a year has just finished.
It was super to be back and to enjoy introducing up to 100 people to the joys of pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
With the tension between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza increasing all the time there were earnest prayers for peace between both parties.
Back to London on El Al with a Holy Land cold, but fully refreshed in the spirit of this special place.
It was super to be back and to enjoy introducing up to 100 people to the joys of pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
With the tension between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza increasing all the time there were earnest prayers for peace between both parties.
Back to London on El Al with a Holy Land cold, but fully refreshed in the spirit of this special place.
Monday 18 February 2008
Celtic Prayer St Mary Abbots 170208
St Mary Abbots
Lent 2008: Celtic Prayer
What do we mean by Celtic ?
Very little evidence: misty and vague
The Venerable Bede: born 672
Certainly was a movement of monks moving around.
The Celtic saints: Columba: Aidan: Cuthbert: Hilda and many more
Two key themes:
A wistful sense of longing for a lost homeland
A perpetual sense of pilgrimage and exile.
Writings & Prayers:
Combination of Bede and other minor sources.
Gavin Wakefield (Durham) suggests the following themes can be deduced from all we know, for example, about Aidan: all of which formed his prayer life
Passion for God
Possessions as Secondary
Gentleness & Openness
Seeing Christ in Others
Equality & Humility with leaders and ordinary people
Importance of education
6 Key points about Celtic Prayer.
“Living and praying are inseparable”
About Journeying
the longest journey is the journey inward: the whole of life is here
About Creation
“The Celtic way of seeing the world never lets me forget my relationship with the earth.” (Esther de Waal The Celtic Way of Prayer H&S 1996)
About Time
The rhythm of the year
The rhythm of the day
About the Senses
Lighting a fire/Baking bread/Milking a cow/making clothes/weaving
About being able to spend time alone
The solitary
About the Cross
The Celtic cross has the great O of the world itself
Crucifixion/Creation/Redemption – all held together
About Healing
Body cannot be healed apart from the soul.
Thus the resurrection brings perfect healing.
The Prayer of the Venerable Bede
I Pray you, good Jesus, that as you have given me the grace to drink in with joy the Word that gives knowledge of you, so in your goodness you will grant me to come at length to yourself, the source of all wisdom, to stand before your face forever. Amen
A modern Celtic Prayer
Come on pilgrimage.
Let us walk together the road of life.
We will go on well trodden paths,
And also open us new ways.
We will seek,
We will search,
We will rejoice,
And perhaps we will sing.
You cannot come as an onlooker,
That leaves you on the outside,
Yet still influencing us,
As we influence you.
Come and share your experiences,
Your sorrows and your joys.
If your prayer has gone dead,
Your God is too small,
Your vision too narrow,
Come journey into new depths,
Let life be an adventure.
Come and participate,
Come and discover-
We will go to strange places,
We may even meet dragons.
But we do not journey alone
We go together along the road
And our God goes with us.
Amen
David Adam
The Road of Life SPCK 2004
Lent 2008: Celtic Prayer
What do we mean by Celtic ?
Very little evidence: misty and vague
The Venerable Bede: born 672
Certainly was a movement of monks moving around.
The Celtic saints: Columba: Aidan: Cuthbert: Hilda and many more
Two key themes:
A wistful sense of longing for a lost homeland
A perpetual sense of pilgrimage and exile.
Writings & Prayers:
Combination of Bede and other minor sources.
Gavin Wakefield (Durham) suggests the following themes can be deduced from all we know, for example, about Aidan: all of which formed his prayer life
Passion for God
Possessions as Secondary
Gentleness & Openness
Seeing Christ in Others
Equality & Humility with leaders and ordinary people
Importance of education
6 Key points about Celtic Prayer.
“Living and praying are inseparable”
About Journeying
the longest journey is the journey inward: the whole of life is here
About Creation
“The Celtic way of seeing the world never lets me forget my relationship with the earth.” (Esther de Waal The Celtic Way of Prayer H&S 1996)
About Time
The rhythm of the year
The rhythm of the day
About the Senses
Lighting a fire/Baking bread/Milking a cow/making clothes/weaving
About being able to spend time alone
The solitary
About the Cross
The Celtic cross has the great O of the world itself
Crucifixion/Creation/Redemption – all held together
About Healing
Body cannot be healed apart from the soul.
Thus the resurrection brings perfect healing.
The Prayer of the Venerable Bede
I Pray you, good Jesus, that as you have given me the grace to drink in with joy the Word that gives knowledge of you, so in your goodness you will grant me to come at length to yourself, the source of all wisdom, to stand before your face forever. Amen
A modern Celtic Prayer
Come on pilgrimage.
Let us walk together the road of life.
We will go on well trodden paths,
And also open us new ways.
We will seek,
We will search,
We will rejoice,
And perhaps we will sing.
You cannot come as an onlooker,
That leaves you on the outside,
Yet still influencing us,
As we influence you.
Come and share your experiences,
Your sorrows and your joys.
If your prayer has gone dead,
Your God is too small,
Your vision too narrow,
Come journey into new depths,
Let life be an adventure.
Come and participate,
Come and discover-
We will go to strange places,
We may even meet dragons.
But we do not journey alone
We go together along the road
And our God goes with us.
Amen
David Adam
The Road of Life SPCK 2004
The Big Question - St Mary Abbots 170208
John 3.16
The answer to the questions of Nicodemus, the Pharisee, about what must a person do to be born again (or to be born anew)?
Only in John.
Nicodemus comes at night so that people do not know.
Asks Jesus a key question - how do I attain salvation.
Interesting question to ponder and the road through Lent.
Link to baptism - imagery of water anbd spirit.
This slavation is a gift of Go; perfected in Jesus - achieved through the transformation of suffering and a looking to the resurrection.
The answer to the questions of Nicodemus, the Pharisee, about what must a person do to be born again (or to be born anew)?
Only in John.
Nicodemus comes at night so that people do not know.
Asks Jesus a key question - how do I attain salvation.
Interesting question to ponder and the road through Lent.
Link to baptism - imagery of water anbd spirit.
This slavation is a gift of Go; perfected in Jesus - achieved through the transformation of suffering and a looking to the resurrection.
Wednesday 6 February 2008
Lent begins St Mary Abbots 060208
The Season of Lent begins this week as Jesus enters the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn and holy days of the year when Christian traditionally begin a season of reflection, meditation, study and prayer. In many churches, a cross marked in ashes made from last year's Palm crosses is marked on the head of believers.
Jesus is tempted and tested in the desert - yet is without sin.
And so, the focus in on each human person coming to terms with the reality of herself and himself.
The 20th century writer Thoma Merton wrote widely on how the 4th century Desert Fathers of Egypt, Arabia, Palestine and Persia went into the desert to mirror the desire of Jesus to reflect on the world and on society.
"What the Fathers sought most of all was their own true self, in Christ," he wrote. And that is a key aim for many Christians in Lent: to come to a great understanding of who we really eye in the face of God: our own true selves.
And so our prayer this Lent is rooted in the Collect which unites us across our churches:
Almighty and everlasting God,who hatest nothing that thou hast madeand dost forgive the sins of all them that are pentitent:create and make in us new and contrite heartsthat we, worthily lamenting our sinsand acknowledging our wretchedness,may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy,perfect remission and forgivenessthrough Jesus Christ our Lord;who liveth and reigneth with thee,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever.Amen
Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn and holy days of the year when Christian traditionally begin a season of reflection, meditation, study and prayer. In many churches, a cross marked in ashes made from last year's Palm crosses is marked on the head of believers.
Jesus is tempted and tested in the desert - yet is without sin.
And so, the focus in on each human person coming to terms with the reality of herself and himself.
The 20th century writer Thoma Merton wrote widely on how the 4th century Desert Fathers of Egypt, Arabia, Palestine and Persia went into the desert to mirror the desire of Jesus to reflect on the world and on society.
"What the Fathers sought most of all was their own true self, in Christ," he wrote. And that is a key aim for many Christians in Lent: to come to a great understanding of who we really eye in the face of God: our own true selves.
And so our prayer this Lent is rooted in the Collect which unites us across our churches:
Almighty and everlasting God,who hatest nothing that thou hast madeand dost forgive the sins of all them that are pentitent:create and make in us new and contrite heartsthat we, worthily lamenting our sinsand acknowledging our wretchedness,may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy,perfect remission and forgivenessthrough Jesus Christ our Lord;who liveth and reigneth with thee,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever.Amen
Saturday 2 February 2008
St Brides Fleet Street 3rd February 2008
Good to be back at St Brides:
Weekend - Feast of the Presentation
40 days after the birth of Jesus he is presented in the Temple
The Nunc Dimmitis is said for the first time.
Simeon - represents the righteous and the devout - who have been waiting.
His Song: could be a song for the Guild of St Bride: because it is a song for all Christians
we can go in peace
we can see the salvation
Jesus is for everyone
The glory of God lies ahead
Tradition from 4th C was to carry candles - the light of Christ has come into the world: he is presented to us in a dark world.
Candle is only a symbol
The true light lies within us.
Weekend - Feast of the Presentation
40 days after the birth of Jesus he is presented in the Temple
The Nunc Dimmitis is said for the first time.
Simeon - represents the righteous and the devout - who have been waiting.
His Song: could be a song for the Guild of St Bride: because it is a song for all Christians
we can go in peace
we can see the salvation
Jesus is for everyone
The glory of God lies ahead
Tradition from 4th C was to carry candles - the light of Christ has come into the world: he is presented to us in a dark world.
Candle is only a symbol
The true light lies within us.
Moscow City Ballet in Poole
Taking a few days off in Dorset recently, I managed to get tickets to see the Moscow Ballet Company perform the Nutcracker at the Lighthouse Arts Centre.
It is a long time since I saw a ballet and have to admit that I wasn't quite sure before I arrived but it turned out to be a really great evening.
The second half was much better than the first; the showcase of ballet skills from the male and female dancers was truly remarkable and it was a delight to witness.
The average age of the audience was high - which is disappointing because all the local budding ballet schools should surely munch up tickets? - but the quality of the seat, the view and the general professionalism of the venue all added to the evening. Plus - an ince cream in a theatre for £1.50. Now, in London ...............
It is a long time since I saw a ballet and have to admit that I wasn't quite sure before I arrived but it turned out to be a really great evening.
The second half was much better than the first; the showcase of ballet skills from the male and female dancers was truly remarkable and it was a delight to witness.
The average age of the audience was high - which is disappointing because all the local budding ballet schools should surely munch up tickets? - but the quality of the seat, the view and the general professionalism of the venue all added to the evening. Plus - an ince cream in a theatre for £1.50. Now, in London ...............
Monday 28 January 2008
No country for Old Men
A wonderful movie underlining many of the things that America still grapples with today - voilence, short term values, and a dinishing sense of respectability and accountability for actions. Rolling Stone has it just right: Good and evil are tackled with a rigorous fix on the complexity involved. Recent movies about Iraq have pushed hard to show the growing dehumanization infecting our world. No Country doesn't have to preach or wave a flag — it carries in its bones the virus of what we've become. The Coens squeeze us without mercy in a vise of tension and suspense, but only to force us to look into an abyss of our own making. This is a film not to miss.
St Mary Abbots 27th Jan 6.30pm
Luke 4.14-21
Jesus returns to his home town of Nazareth and reads from the Old Testament
FF Bruce simple book"The Time is fulfilled"
Jesus choses the text from Isaiah
1. This is a fulfillment era
2. Message of the Kingdom
3. The Son of Man - about to be revealed
4. Christ as the Lord of TimeWhat is our response to fulfillment time?
Power of the sacred text is highlighted.
But we receive forgiveness through the words of Jesus.
Jesus returns to his home town of Nazareth and reads from the Old Testament
FF Bruce simple book"The Time is fulfilled"
Jesus choses the text from Isaiah
1. This is a fulfillment era
2. Message of the Kingdom
3. The Son of Man - about to be revealed
4. Christ as the Lord of TimeWhat is our response to fulfillment time?
Power of the sacred text is highlighted.
But we receive forgiveness through the words of Jesus.
Saturday 19 January 2008
Thought For The Day 19th Jan
Copyright is with the BBC
John Steinbeck said that the theatre is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed. Indeed the opposite is the case and audiences are on the up.
Not only was it reported this week that West End theatre audiences are increasing. The National Theatre also announced more weekly performances to cope with demand, including Sunday Matinees.
What is it about going to the theatre? I know it is not everyone’s cup of tea but it certainly strikes a cord in many people’s lives. Maybe it says something about its compelling depth and relentless quest to understand human nature in all its diversity that it remains such a popular night out?
Just before Christmas I gave myself a treat and went to three musicals in a week: Cabaret, Wicked and Mary Poppins. They ranged from the disappointing to the sublime – but I’d better not tell you which was which! And on each occasion I think it was the priest in me that found myself, at significant moments as the drama unfolded, looking around at the faces of the audience. Faces of all ages reflected the events on stage by a range of reactions, each of which was a story in itself.
Alan Bennett says that he goes to the theatre to be entertained and to be taken out of himself. Unlike movies and the television, theatre, says Shelley Winters, can produce a wonderful deep silence which means that you have actually hit the audience where they live.
This is a skill still to be developed in many places of worship. Finding a wonderful deep silence.
Faith figures prominently in more theatre than we probably care to admit. Spiritual issues addressed on stage confront people with deep questions and unfathomable mysteries right there in front of them. There is a physical aspect to theatre which is immensely spiritual and often deeply painful.
Psychologists might say that many human beings spend much of their lives trying to find out who they really are and what the resulting implications mean for the future. That, of course, is the essence of much theatre. Taking us by the hand, beyond our experience, and confronting us in the flesh with stark realities and challenges. What about our priorities, about love, about overcoming evil; how do we combat jealousy?
With the great Mystery Plays, the Christian church eventually realised that theatre can transform the telling of a well known story. By challenging complacency, reawakening and restoring our spiritual senses, the relationship between actor and audience produces a most astonishing range of insights and perceptions. That’s perhaps why the theatre is rarely a bad night out.
John Steinbeck said that the theatre is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed. Indeed the opposite is the case and audiences are on the up.
Not only was it reported this week that West End theatre audiences are increasing. The National Theatre also announced more weekly performances to cope with demand, including Sunday Matinees.
What is it about going to the theatre? I know it is not everyone’s cup of tea but it certainly strikes a cord in many people’s lives. Maybe it says something about its compelling depth and relentless quest to understand human nature in all its diversity that it remains such a popular night out?
Just before Christmas I gave myself a treat and went to three musicals in a week: Cabaret, Wicked and Mary Poppins. They ranged from the disappointing to the sublime – but I’d better not tell you which was which! And on each occasion I think it was the priest in me that found myself, at significant moments as the drama unfolded, looking around at the faces of the audience. Faces of all ages reflected the events on stage by a range of reactions, each of which was a story in itself.
Alan Bennett says that he goes to the theatre to be entertained and to be taken out of himself. Unlike movies and the television, theatre, says Shelley Winters, can produce a wonderful deep silence which means that you have actually hit the audience where they live.
This is a skill still to be developed in many places of worship. Finding a wonderful deep silence.
Faith figures prominently in more theatre than we probably care to admit. Spiritual issues addressed on stage confront people with deep questions and unfathomable mysteries right there in front of them. There is a physical aspect to theatre which is immensely spiritual and often deeply painful.
Psychologists might say that many human beings spend much of their lives trying to find out who they really are and what the resulting implications mean for the future. That, of course, is the essence of much theatre. Taking us by the hand, beyond our experience, and confronting us in the flesh with stark realities and challenges. What about our priorities, about love, about overcoming evil; how do we combat jealousy?
With the great Mystery Plays, the Christian church eventually realised that theatre can transform the telling of a well known story. By challenging complacency, reawakening and restoring our spiritual senses, the relationship between actor and audience produces a most astonishing range of insights and perceptions. That’s perhaps why the theatre is rarely a bad night out.
Changing face of Sunday
Good Morning
News that the National Theatre in London will start Sunday matinees later this year has had a mixed reception. Many Londoners will welcome the news. Actors and support staff might have a different view. The feeling is that many theatres in the West End and larger cities might follow suit.
Radical changes to what we can and can’t do on a Sunday has impacted seriously and sociologically on British life. During the 1980’s, I backed the Keep Sunday Special campaign. Against a tide of sheer consumerism and the market forces, it was pretty obvious that more and more shops would open and the nature of Sunday would change.
Indeed, the issue is no longer just about Sunday; it is about the pace of life and living and the need to protect personal and family time from the rat run of work and stress partly induced by a communications revolution.
From a Christian perspective, based on the Jewish notion of Sabbath, rooted in the creation narratives, the day of rest commemorates the resurrection. Sunday is a special day for worship and prayer: for relaxation and self discovery.
The fact that Muslims observe Fridays and that today is the Jewish Sabbath underlines the larger point that a healthy spiritual disposition embraces the notion of reflection and rest as part of life and living.
But maybe, without being thoroughly radical, we now need to be more flexible about sabbath space without diluting its importance. Church going trends, for instance, are changing. Many churches are experiencing large attendances at midweek services and Mass on a Saturday evening is increasingly attractive. These statistics rarely appear.
And Sunday may have changed, there has been something of a self correction going on for those who can still observe Sunday as Sunday: all over Britain is seems that people are finding new and natural ways of ensuring that Sunday is indeed a different day: going out to share a meal, visiting a farmer’s market, enjoying spectator sports or just being with the children.
Which means that as long as those people who are providing recreational enjoyment and facilities which encourage relaxation and refreshment have time off in lieu, religious groups should surely encourage activities and creativity which encourages relaxation, enjoyment and refreshment.
A friend of mine lent me a tiny book this week. Written as if for children it is aimed at us insecure and frantic adults. It tells the story of how Jesus, exhausted by all the miracles, healings and all the teaching he had been doing, decided to go off for the day and do absolutely nothing. Like most of us, his first reaction was to panic; his next was to seek reassurance; only then did he let go and offer up this time of restoration and relaxation to God himself. But the result was magnificent and God was delighted.
Going to the Theatre after Mass on a Sunday afternoon is no longer something I find difficult or wrong. I have come to realise that the need to take time out and restore the soul is what is most important; it’s just a question of when.
News that the National Theatre in London will start Sunday matinees later this year has had a mixed reception. Many Londoners will welcome the news. Actors and support staff might have a different view. The feeling is that many theatres in the West End and larger cities might follow suit.
Radical changes to what we can and can’t do on a Sunday has impacted seriously and sociologically on British life. During the 1980’s, I backed the Keep Sunday Special campaign. Against a tide of sheer consumerism and the market forces, it was pretty obvious that more and more shops would open and the nature of Sunday would change.
Indeed, the issue is no longer just about Sunday; it is about the pace of life and living and the need to protect personal and family time from the rat run of work and stress partly induced by a communications revolution.
From a Christian perspective, based on the Jewish notion of Sabbath, rooted in the creation narratives, the day of rest commemorates the resurrection. Sunday is a special day for worship and prayer: for relaxation and self discovery.
The fact that Muslims observe Fridays and that today is the Jewish Sabbath underlines the larger point that a healthy spiritual disposition embraces the notion of reflection and rest as part of life and living.
But maybe, without being thoroughly radical, we now need to be more flexible about sabbath space without diluting its importance. Church going trends, for instance, are changing. Many churches are experiencing large attendances at midweek services and Mass on a Saturday evening is increasingly attractive. These statistics rarely appear.
And Sunday may have changed, there has been something of a self correction going on for those who can still observe Sunday as Sunday: all over Britain is seems that people are finding new and natural ways of ensuring that Sunday is indeed a different day: going out to share a meal, visiting a farmer’s market, enjoying spectator sports or just being with the children.
Which means that as long as those people who are providing recreational enjoyment and facilities which encourage relaxation and refreshment have time off in lieu, religious groups should surely encourage activities and creativity which encourages relaxation, enjoyment and refreshment.
A friend of mine lent me a tiny book this week. Written as if for children it is aimed at us insecure and frantic adults. It tells the story of how Jesus, exhausted by all the miracles, healings and all the teaching he had been doing, decided to go off for the day and do absolutely nothing. Like most of us, his first reaction was to panic; his next was to seek reassurance; only then did he let go and offer up this time of restoration and relaxation to God himself. But the result was magnificent and God was delighted.
Going to the Theatre after Mass on a Sunday afternoon is no longer something I find difficult or wrong. I have come to realise that the need to take time out and restore the soul is what is most important; it’s just a question of when.
Monday 14 January 2008
Hebrews 1
Sermon preached at St Mary Abbots on Sunday 13th February
Theme of Baptism
Role of Hebrews 1 in understanding the expectation and fulfillment around the person of Jesus.
Key themes which they might not have fully understood.
Influence of Qumran.
Emphasis on Jesus fulfilling all that has been promised through him.
Theme of Baptism
Role of Hebrews 1 in understanding the expectation and fulfillment around the person of Jesus.
Key themes which they might not have fully understood.
Influence of Qumran.
Emphasis on Jesus fulfilling all that has been promised through him.
Radio 4 13th January 2008
Copyright is with the BBC
Good morning.
The clamour for instant results and success in contemporary Britain is increasingly loud and equally frustrating. We want success and we want it now.
Economists have been arguing for decades about the negative impact of short term ism on British industry. But it’s not just there. In politics and education the cry for immediate results is constant. And it’s the same in entertainment and sport.
The driving forces of short term ism include greed, inflated expectations and a communications infrastructure geared towards the now rather than the not yet.
The sacking of Sam Allarydice as manager of Newcastle United is a case in point. The complex reasons as to why this marriage made in football heaven ended so quickly, and with such disappointment, continue to be debated. Pope Benedict this week suggested that football encourages the virtues of honesty, solidarity and fraternity – qualities easily identifiable with the Geordie spirit – but they can only flourish in a healthy and realistic context.
Knee jerk thinking or planning is, in many ways, the antithesis of any longer term strategy. In constantly clamouring for immediate results and instant success, there emerges a frustrating sequence of crises and calamities resulting in a deepening sense of failure and a consequent loss of morale. Too many of us live in a world where you’re only as good as your last game or your last deal.
As a priest, I speak to lots of people who tell me the stories of their lives with a kind of detached disregard for the cumulative devastation resulting from the need to deliver –and now! That is not an excuse for bad performance or a lack of effort. I have heard this from dedicated bankers and gifted entertainers; prayerful bishops and enterprising executives; and, when I was a part time football commentator, indeed from football managers.
This kind of pressure to deliver now is the product of human behaviour which is, on the one hand modern and trendy but, on the other, undermining and exasperating. And we so easily join the fickle crowd shouting sack him, fire her, change it, sort it ….or else. Here today. Gone tomorrow.
So what does the priest reply? Of course, that faith is one dynamic way of restoring a greater sense of perspective to the basic notion that life is not just about the here and now; it is more about the permanent and not yet! But, also, as a fellow human being at the start of a new year, I simply suggest that there is much much more to life than the short term – and the sooner we start planning for the longer term outlook – the better it will surely be for all of us!
Good morning.
The clamour for instant results and success in contemporary Britain is increasingly loud and equally frustrating. We want success and we want it now.
Economists have been arguing for decades about the negative impact of short term ism on British industry. But it’s not just there. In politics and education the cry for immediate results is constant. And it’s the same in entertainment and sport.
The driving forces of short term ism include greed, inflated expectations and a communications infrastructure geared towards the now rather than the not yet.
The sacking of Sam Allarydice as manager of Newcastle United is a case in point. The complex reasons as to why this marriage made in football heaven ended so quickly, and with such disappointment, continue to be debated. Pope Benedict this week suggested that football encourages the virtues of honesty, solidarity and fraternity – qualities easily identifiable with the Geordie spirit – but they can only flourish in a healthy and realistic context.
Knee jerk thinking or planning is, in many ways, the antithesis of any longer term strategy. In constantly clamouring for immediate results and instant success, there emerges a frustrating sequence of crises and calamities resulting in a deepening sense of failure and a consequent loss of morale. Too many of us live in a world where you’re only as good as your last game or your last deal.
As a priest, I speak to lots of people who tell me the stories of their lives with a kind of detached disregard for the cumulative devastation resulting from the need to deliver –and now! That is not an excuse for bad performance or a lack of effort. I have heard this from dedicated bankers and gifted entertainers; prayerful bishops and enterprising executives; and, when I was a part time football commentator, indeed from football managers.
This kind of pressure to deliver now is the product of human behaviour which is, on the one hand modern and trendy but, on the other, undermining and exasperating. And we so easily join the fickle crowd shouting sack him, fire her, change it, sort it ….or else. Here today. Gone tomorrow.
So what does the priest reply? Of course, that faith is one dynamic way of restoring a greater sense of perspective to the basic notion that life is not just about the here and now; it is more about the permanent and not yet! But, also, as a fellow human being at the start of a new year, I simply suggest that there is much much more to life than the short term – and the sooner we start planning for the longer term outlook – the better it will surely be for all of us!
BBC Radio 4 Thought for the Day 050108-
Copyright is with the BBC
Good morning.
A Spanish friend of mine recently told me off for opening my gifts on Christmas Day and not tomorrow – the feast of the Epiphany.
Over in Spain – and many other countries around the world – the arrival of the three Kings from the East bearing Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh is the moment when our Christmas gifts should be exchanged (Los Reyos). There are grand processions, the journey of the kings re-enacted on horseback – and the children have a great night as they wait for their gifts.
Many churches in Britain will at least mark tomorrow with a more Anglo Saxon procession and the placing of the Three Kings into the crib.
But the chief motifs of this wondrous story are of course the star and the offering of the gifts themselves.
The star denotes God’s presence and guidance. With unpredictable Herod just around the corner, and three men in a strange land without satellite navigation, the star leads these foreign figures to a bemused Mary and Joseph – still waiting for a safe passage back home. The universality of the incarnation is suddenly and sharply focused by this visit of the Magi.
And then those gifts. Kathryn Turner has written widely of how the idea of gift wraps together the divine life and the incarnation. You know how it feels if you give a gift and it is not well received: the act of giving can be ruined by the lack of response or enthusiasm. Similarly, we either accept the gifts of God or reject them. The gift of life is offered, not forced
We’ve heard and read so much recently about how humanity has to ponder more carefully over the gift of life in creation. And as individuals, love, understanding and tolerance are desired qualities to help us in our response.
Which brings is sharply back to the spirit of freedom in which the gift is offered in the first place. It is up to you and to me to decide how to respond to what is offered to us.
Faith is a journey of discovery, an epiphany journey. Christianity suggests that the gift of love offered at Christmas is for everyone. It also states clearly that we show our sense of gratitude to God by how we relate to our fellow human beings.
There might be urgency, but there is no pressure. The alternatives to faith might at first appear easier. But the gift of life is offered, nonetheless. There are signs and pointers to guide us.
Celebrating our freedom to make choices and to respond to any gift as we see fit, should never be taken for granted. The gift is offered. The choice is ours.
Good morning.
A Spanish friend of mine recently told me off for opening my gifts on Christmas Day and not tomorrow – the feast of the Epiphany.
Over in Spain – and many other countries around the world – the arrival of the three Kings from the East bearing Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh is the moment when our Christmas gifts should be exchanged (Los Reyos). There are grand processions, the journey of the kings re-enacted on horseback – and the children have a great night as they wait for their gifts.
Many churches in Britain will at least mark tomorrow with a more Anglo Saxon procession and the placing of the Three Kings into the crib.
But the chief motifs of this wondrous story are of course the star and the offering of the gifts themselves.
The star denotes God’s presence and guidance. With unpredictable Herod just around the corner, and three men in a strange land without satellite navigation, the star leads these foreign figures to a bemused Mary and Joseph – still waiting for a safe passage back home. The universality of the incarnation is suddenly and sharply focused by this visit of the Magi.
And then those gifts. Kathryn Turner has written widely of how the idea of gift wraps together the divine life and the incarnation. You know how it feels if you give a gift and it is not well received: the act of giving can be ruined by the lack of response or enthusiasm. Similarly, we either accept the gifts of God or reject them. The gift of life is offered, not forced
We’ve heard and read so much recently about how humanity has to ponder more carefully over the gift of life in creation. And as individuals, love, understanding and tolerance are desired qualities to help us in our response.
Which brings is sharply back to the spirit of freedom in which the gift is offered in the first place. It is up to you and to me to decide how to respond to what is offered to us.
Faith is a journey of discovery, an epiphany journey. Christianity suggests that the gift of love offered at Christmas is for everyone. It also states clearly that we show our sense of gratitude to God by how we relate to our fellow human beings.
There might be urgency, but there is no pressure. The alternatives to faith might at first appear easier. But the gift of life is offered, nonetheless. There are signs and pointers to guide us.
Celebrating our freedom to make choices and to respond to any gift as we see fit, should never be taken for granted. The gift is offered. The choice is ours.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
