Praying Together 4th February 2024

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.

Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.

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.

Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.

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

We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.

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.

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.

‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.

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’.

‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’

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.