Lent 2
Collects
Almighty God, you show to those who are in error the light of your truth
that they may return to the way of righteousness: Grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion, that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 4: 13-25
Mark 8: 31-38
As part of our reflections during Lent, we are challenged to ask ourselves – ‘Which am I – the chicken or the pig? Jesus makes it clear that in following Him, there is no half-way house – our values are either of the material world, or of the Kingdom. Either temporary or eternal. Commitment or just involvement? Can’t have both.
Peter doesn’t understand yet. In many ways, you have to feel a bit sorry for him. His world is one in which victory is won according to human terms, in which suffering and death are the consequence of defeat. When Jesus talks about these things happening to Himself, Peter just can’t cope – if this stuff about Jesus’ suffering, rejection and murder is true, then his faith in Jesus as the Messiah is shaken to its foundations, so much so that he dares to rebuke Jesus – you can almost hear him saying “Don’t say these things! That’s defeatist talk!”
He gets a telling off, and still probably doesn’t know why.
But he will do soon.
“The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.”
Funny kind of Victory
A short battle, it was;
no flags and no trumpets,
not a fair fight.
One naked man with outstretched arms
against chain mail and spears.
They gave Him thorns,
gave Him whips,
gave Him sour wine and their spittle,
gave Him nails… but gave Him no honour.
It’s over now.
He dies alone, and the quiet is hard to bear.
Even the banter of the soldiers is hushed;
only the sound of the wind and the aching world,
bound and fearful for so long,
waiting for its freedom.
Funny kind of battle, it was;
one man against legion.
Funny kind of victory
when the victor dies.
I wonder if the loser knew;
I wonder if the shaking of the earth
or the tearing of the curtain distracted him?
Or did he see, and despair to see,
the Christ-blood
washing the earth beneath the cross?
Funny when a victory’s won by seeming loss.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 30th August 2026
Just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.
Praying Together 23rd August 2026
Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.
Praying Together 16th August 2026
We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.
Praying Together 9th August 2026
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.
Praying Together 26th July 2026
Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.
Praying Together 21st June 2026
‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.