Evening address on John 5
Looking at how the scriptures change in light of the resurrection.
Thursday 24 April 2008
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.
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