ITV

Just heard that the ITV show I have recorded is going to be transmitted in September. Still awaiting date. Will be interesting to see how the filming turns out!

Pause For Thought

Just recorded another series of Pause for Thoughtr for BBC Radio 2. Produced by Unique, in Bell Street, Marble Arch - I've been doing this slot for about 15 years now! Good to be asked to do more at Christmas as well.

St Bartholomew The Apostle 24th August

Today (23rd August) is the eve of St Bartholomew

Suggested that Bartholomew is indeed Nathaniel in John's Gospel.

Philip brings him to Jesus

Jesus surmises that here is an Israelite " in whom there is no guile"

Guile is deception, duplicity, dishonesty, slyness, sharp practise

Bartholomew has a simple, direct character which avoids all of these.

overcomes all cynicism and proclaims Jesus as Lord

Josiah G Holland's poem:
God give us men! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands
men whom the lust of office does not fill
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy,
Men who possess opinions and a will
men who love honour, men who cannot lie.

Old Testament Study St Mary Abbots 23rd August

Professor John Rogerson
in his book Beginning Old Testament Study

- complained the church has largely ignored OT study in recent years
-suggests that the primary aim of any biblical study should be understanding

Exodus 4.27-5.1
is a typical passage for those of us who see that any understanding of the NT is rooted at least in an understanding of the Old.

Looks at Moses and Aaron

Key motifs there - for instance - wilderness, mountain, words, signs
all of these com into full prominence for the Christian in the New Testament

Holiness of God
Presence of God
Covenant with God

Bedrock of our Christian faith.

On this our faith in Jesus is rooted.

Wedding James & Sonja 22nd August

It was nice to officiate at a wedding once again and to wish James and Sonjia all the best at the start of their married life together!

Feast of the Transfiguratiion 2009

This was a particularly fulfilling and great Feast Day.

It began early, setting up St Mary Abbots for a day of reflection, prayer and meditation led by Bishop David Hope.

Then it was into the day itself, on the hour, every hour, a reading, a prayer and hymn reflection the great feast.

After lunch the day continued until I had to leave to preach at St Paul's Cathedral at the Mass of the Transfiguration. It is always a great honour to be in the pulpit graced by so many in the past.

Then, quickly onto the tube and in torrential rain to St George's Campbel Hill Square, where many had gathered for a Eucharist presided over and preached at by Bishop David Hope.

It was a momentous day.

All rounded off at Nandos, Notting Hill where chicken and chips and a nice bottle of white finished the feast.

St Mary Abbots 020809

Searching and Sustenance

John 6 24-35

Passage worth reading again and again.

Follows on the from feeding of 5000

Strangely synoptic for John.

Crowd go looking for Jesus. Jesus recognises it was because the picnic that they hunt him down. Then he challenges them - what are you searching for?

The passage then goes on to discuss "the work of God"; what is it?

Jesus then talks in terms of feeding them spiritually with food and drink and that it it only through the Father that they will understand fully.

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."