Word in the Hand

Depending on where you are in the world you will have celebrated this feastday yesterday or today - so whichever - happy feast day. Peter and Paul - the brains and the brawn of the church, and they would probably say that themselves. Two people who were so very sure of themselves and who they were until Jesus came along, threw one out of his boat and another into a ditch. Only then did they find out who they really were. They may have been as opposite in culture, status and religious attitude as it was possible to be; as dogmatic within their own beliefs as many are even today but once Christ caught their eye, they came together in love. Not that they ever personally got on; chalk and cheese, as I say. But both in love with the same person; our Saviour, our Lord. It is astonishing how God works with people. Peter and Paul are just two examples of turning your life around but the Gospels are full of people who do it; and no two are the same. Every person, made by God - therefore unique...

O pening Prayer Here I am Lord, Listening Speak to me within my heart and soul. I am listening. Matthew 22:21 ‘give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his’ Reflection How much do you give to God? I only ask because I know that all of us have a busy life, a really busy life. My life is so full of priorities that when I am advised to list them from 1 to 10 they are all a one, I don’t even have time to think about the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Can’t imagine what a 10 would be – washing my hair? And then what am I supposed to do? Except dash from one to the other and spend the last minutes before sleep trying to plan a tomorrow that will get it all done. Trying to keep everyone happy. Trying to live in this world. Trying to give Ceasar what is his. And where is God? Sitting at home like a maiden aunt who is always forgotten in the Christmas visits, looking at photos of us and reading old letters. Of course we make time to visit on Sundays and maybe when He can do us a fovour but otherwise…...

Opening Prayer Here I am Lord, Listening Speak to me within my heart and soul. I am listening. Acts 2:14 ‘Then Peter stood up’ Reflection The crowd thought we had been drinking - it was an easy mistake to make- in fact it wouldn’t have been totally out of the question. It was festival after all. We had been cooped up in hiding for so long a drink would have been welcome; and we did have a reputation for drinking and enjoying ourselves even when the Lord was with us. And Peter was always in the thick of that. And that’s it really – that’s what gives it away – Peter was thick. Not stupid, just one of those practical men who talks with his hands – wants to do stuff not talk about it - puts his foot in it when he does. Fishermen don’t do too much talking, don’t go to Temple, don’t know scripture - don’t like crowds or people much. And Peter was still like that, never liked the Lord being surrounded by the crowds, couldn’t cope with miracles and had barely forgiven himself for what had hap...

Opening Prayer Here I am Lord, Listening Speak to me within my heart and soul. I am listening. Acts 2:4 filled with the Holy Spirit Reflection Fifty days later and the disciples who are left are huddled together in room. Doors and windows barred against dangers real and imagined. But there is nowhere left to go. Everyone here is an outcast; from family; community; Temple. All those who imagined themselves saved; who saw a vision of a new future; and now cannot bear the thought of another day. The Lord had promised to send another; but in truth, they only wanted him. Outside the Spirit paces the air, Breath of God, of Life. Why were their hearts and minds so closed when the promise of the Lord’s last kiss was waiting? It is simple, they are children; afraid of the unknown; afraid for their lives; afraid of the might of the world; but they cannot be afraid no longer. The Spirit roars - she has had enough of waiting – the children have work to do. Nature’s force surrounds the house howli...

Opening Prayer Here I am Lord, Listening Speak to me within my heart and soul. I am listening. John 16:27 the Father himself loves you for loving me Reflection You often hear of strained relationships between fathers and sons. I don’t mean ‘bad’ relationships, just sometimes it is hard for both sides to show their feelings as, perhaps, you imagine women do; and I know that this is quoting stereotypes but we all know stereotypes. Jesus and his Father obviously do not fall into this stereotype. Jesus lives his life swathed in the Father’s love for him, which is why he cries out in bereavement at the end ‘Why have you forsaken me’. Jesus’ childlike adoration for his Father is never questioned, not once, no matter what his Father asked of him and that is astonishing because Jesus, the human man, was asked to make some awful sacrifices. Sacrifices where, as a human man, it would have been more than acceptable to say ‘No’. That we could all have that relationship with God the Father; but He ...

Opening Prayer Here I am Lord, Listening Speak to me within my heart and soul. I am listening. 1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘By the grace of God I am what I am’ Reflection I have a friend, who having read this, would probably burst into song. ‘I am what I am’, a song from the musical La Cage aux Folles’ has become a bit of an anthem for marginalised communities, people declaring themselves proud of who they are – exactly as they are - warts and all – despite the criticism of others. In a world of stereotypes and peer pressure it is not easy to be the odd one out; even if there is a few of you! The pain of being outcast has never changed over the thousands of years that humanity has existed - in fact it has always been the most severe punishment you could suffer, worse than death – a living death. So why did those early followers do it? Why did Paul; who had seen and been deeply involved in the ‘casting out’? Why did all the other named and nameless disciples. Tiny communities living right ac...