Reflections on Sunday Bible Readings
John 18.33-37 22 November 2009 - CHRIST THE KING
When questioned by Pilate Jesus does not deny he is a King. As so often before our Lord answers a question with a question. So even in his actions, he is showing the difference of his Kingship, not autocratic as other rulers of his time, but one that allows choice and has compassion and love.
Jesus is clear that his kingdom does rise from the normal political powers and struggles of this world. Whilst Jesus’ Kingdom may not come from this world, it is for this world. It must be, otherwise why would we pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?
So how do we live as citizens of earth and of heaven? Well Jesus again shows us that it is by accepting him as the way, the truth and the life. However, life in this realm, according to the values of the Kingdom, may not be easy for us in this “free economy” world. It is worth reading again the beatitudes (and indeed all of Matthew 5 &6) to remind ourselves what these values are, and reflecting on what those values might look like in today’s world, and in the situations in which we find ourselves day by day. In all the commercial hype that surrounds us at this time, perhaps this might help us approach to the celebration of out King’s birth in the light of his example and instructions.
Mk 13.1-8 15 November 2009 - SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT
At first glance this passage looks like apocalyptic writing, predicting the end of the world (as in passages like 4 Ezra 9:1-6). But when we look more closely, is this really what the writer is showing us?
When the four disciples ask Jesus to “Tell us when these things will be, and what is the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” he avoids a straight answer, instead teaching them that wars, earthquakes and famines are part of how the world is – equally, persecution for being a believer is to be expected, and is not a sign of the end. But how does this fit with Jesus as the Prince of Peace - the one whom we are getting ready to receive?
If we look closely we can see Jesus’ wisdom: he shows the disciples (and us) not what to know, but how to know. We are not shown how to remove our ignorance about God’s ultimate plans, but how to cope with it and respond appropriately to it. How often do we struggle with this, craving certainty? How can we instead learn to live with the idea that the ultimate fulfilment of God’s purposes is beyond our ability to understand? Because God is God, there will always be things that we just can’t grasp - we cannot hope to conceptualise the enormity and complexity of our God. But that, of course, is why we need Jesus, the one who is Emmanuel - God with us - who sees our ignorance and uncertainty, and comes to meet us where we are.
8 November 2009 - REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
The blood red poppy has long been a symbol of the remembrance of sacrifices made in war. Sadly, due to current operations, the names of many young men and women are now being added to war memorials. At this time we also remember the many that are, or have been, injured, increasingly surviving with horrific injuries of battle. We also bring to mind the silent, non-combatant, victims of war.
It can be hard, therefore, to keep hold of Jesus’ command: ‘love your enemies’. How can all humanity learn to embody the sort of love that allows disagreement, challenge and even confrontation without descending into violence? When we demonise any of God’s children, we damage the humanity in ourselves, and bring horror and conflict to God’s creation.
He has compassion for the anguish of the world, and through his healing power people and nations are made whole. If we can hang on to nothing else in the midst of these turbulent times, then perhaps it might be the knowledge that nothing can ultimately drive a wedge between us and God’s love for us, not even the horror of war.
John 11.32-44 1 November 2009 - ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS
The story of the raising of Lazarus is, at first glance, a celebration of the communion between those of us still here on earth (‘The Church Militant’) and those who have already passed into heaven (‘The Church Triumphant’) – Lazarus bridges that frightening chasm, giving hope for a more full and wonderful resurrection for everyone. But the feast of All Saints, and the commemoration of All Souls, which we also mark in our worship today, are fundamentally about life, not death. ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ says the Lord Jesus, ‘Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’ Perhaps a saint is anyone who has grasped Jesus’ promised gift of life abundant’, and has found that eternal life doesn’t have to wait until we have died; it can begin here and now.
Luke 4.16-24 25 October 2009 - BIBLE SUNDAY
Throughout our lives it is easy to be pigeonholed. During our school days, we might be described as sporty or academic; at work, a team-player or a completer-finisher; when it comes to faith, a Mary or a Martha. However, today’s gospel reminds us that we can jump to the wrong conclusions if we pigeonhole others. Those who lived in Nazareth thought they knew Jesus well, after all he was one of their own, and yet it was their familiarity that blinded them to who he truly was. The good news for us, Christ is still with us; our challenge is to recognise him anew, in others.
Luke 10.1-9 18 October 2009 - TRINITY 19
Jesus had called twelve of his disciples to be ‘Apostles’ (apostle - one who is sent) and now sends out a large number to visit the towns which he intended to visit. It is thought that Luke is intent on giving an account of the Church’s worldwide mission and here emphasises
that this mission has its foundation in the ministry of Jesus. The instructions appear to be guidelines for mission. The task is urgent and is fed by prayer and dependence on God. They are warned that as they represent the one who sends them their message will be warmly received and strongly rejected. They are to accept hospitality.
Mark 10.17-31 11 October 2009 - TRINITY 18
This is not the only time that Jesus says that riches can be a block to faith. The young man’s question is unusual in that riches were at the time seen as God’s favour. Once again Jesus goes to the extreme to make his point and he challenges to give up all. If this were a universal requirement then society would fail to operate. The demand is for this particular individual as it may be for some other individuals. The universal teaching is about allowing riches or other things to become the dominant and motivational force and therefore a barrier to love of God and neighbour. The Archbishop’s recent comments about ‘the city’ and finances is not unrelated to this!
Luke 12.22-34 4 October 2009 - St Francis of Assisi
At first this might seem a rather lighthearted illustration and if it were pressed too literally it might suggest that the disciple has no need to work for food or other of life’s necessities. But the point is that God sees that even the birds are fed, and a disciple is more valuable to him than a bird. What is prohibited here is ‘worry’ not ‘work’. Anxiety achieves nothing; it cannot add even a little time to our lifespan. But Jesus also gives us a salutary reminder that God’s sure provision of our needs does not guarantee a life without problems. But they need not be multiplied by worrying about them before they occur. God knows about these too and can be trusted to deal with them when the time comes.
Mark 9.30-37 20 September 2009 - TRINITY 15
Much of Jesus’ teaching at this time centred on his approaching death and resurrection, a lesson that the disciples found very hard to accept and at that moment something they couldn’t even bring themselves to ask about. But there were other lessons to be learned, such as that true greatness for the follower of Christ means to be foremost in service. That charity given to the humblest member of the Christian family is given to God himself. That self-denial is the essence of the Christian life. To accept the kingdom like a child means to accept it in humility. So it is in this humility, knowing no respect of persons, that we treat a child as we would the King of kings.
Mark 8.27-38 13 September 2009 - TRINITY 14
Jesus puts the all important question to his followers. ‘Who do people say I am?’ Various possibilities are put forward but it is left to Peter, with intuitive perception, to give the answer for which Jesus had been waiting. ‘You are the Christ, the Messiah’. To call Jesus thus was to put him in a category above humankind, a man who was in some strange way akin to God. Characteristically Jesus does not wish the title Messiah to be used publicly and he chooses rather to call himself - Son of Man - a title taken from the Book of Daniel and used there of the head of the ‘People of the saints of the Most High’. Jesus goes on to predict his death on the cross, an impossible idea for Peter to take in. But Jesus insists, no follower shirks going anywhere the Leader has first gone. For Christians this is the great hope of heaven, since our Leader has gone there before us.
Mark 7.24-37 6 September 2009 - TRINITY 13
In the story of the Syrophoenician woman we should not be misled by the apparently brusque dismissal of the Gentiles as ‘dogs’ into thinking that this was the way Jesus really regarded them. The true meaning of the Greek word used here is an affectionate diminutive, more like ‘puppies’ which suggests that his remark was whimsical and friendly. The woman’s naturally quick wit finds a ready reply in the same vein. But surely Jesus would not have cured her daughter just because she had a quick tongue. No, Jesus sees beyond this to her faith and persistence, as well as her recognition of the role of Israel vis-à-vis the rest of the world. This unknown woman’s words have passed into our history and are for ever recounted in the Eucharistic liturgy – ‘We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table’.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 30 August 2009 - TRINITY 12
At the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. Whatever is in our hearts really drives us on. Whatever we desire, whatever we long for, will take a hold of our lives. For some it may be family and friends, for others their career or business, for others their hobbies and leisure pursuits. We often admire, when we see in others, real dedication that comes from the heart. It requires commitment but it is not really a sacrifice - it might be to a sick or disabled loved one, it might be to passing an exam or earning a degree, it might be to becoming an Olympian or lowering ones handicap at golf. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is re-iterating that God desires loyalty not sacrifice. A loyalty that is born out of a heart filled with love, a heart close to His.
John 6:56-69 23 August 2009 - TRINITY 11
What is your image of God? When all is said and done, how do you imagine God to be? In today’s gospel, Jesus reveals a God who is overwhelmingly generous. What more could the Father give but His Son, and what more could Jesus give but His own flesh and blood. Yet, it appears for many, this is too much to take. Many leave, they are disappointed – this is not what they were expecting; and perhaps they are frightened – Jesus’ openness and vulnerability is too difficult to accept. What is remarkable is Jesus’ response – “Do you also want to leave?” Here is no control freak, or power hungry leader, rather perfect freedom.
John 6:51-58 16 August 2009 - TRINITY 10
One of the most popular dietary programmes on TV is entitled ‘You are what you eat’. A regular feature at the beginning of each show is when the presenter, Gillian McKeith - a nutritionist, spreads out on a kitchen table the weekly dietary intake of the show’s participants. More often than not, the content and amount of food is grotesque and the people involved are in danger of premature death and in real need of help. It is meant to be shocking, provocative and life changing. Likewise, one suspects Jesus’ words in today’s gospel reading are intended to create a strong reaction. However, the table Jesus spreads out may be a banquet and disturbing to some, but it does not destroy, rather it is beautiful and life giving.
John 6.35,41-51 9 August 2009 - TRINITY 9
It’s very tempting at times to remember the past with rose-tinted spectacles and hark back to the glory days. This was especially true for the Jews gathered around Jesus, who had recalled how in the time of Moses their ancestors had manna to eat in the desert. Yet, Jesus offers to them a reality check. He reminds them that the past is not always as glorious as they remembered it to be. Thankfully, this is just part of His story. Jesus goes on to transform the whole of history – the past, present and future – and promises to transform the whole of the world - you and me included.
John 6.24-35 2 August 2009 - TRINITY 8
There is an element of Oliver Twist in today’s gospel reading – “Please Sir, can I have some more?!” The people have had a taste of what Jesus has to offer (in the feeding of the five thousand) and have come back for seconds. What is remarkable is Jesus’ response. He is not dismissive or overwhelmed by the peoples’ need, rather He assures them of the generous hospitality and abundance of God. It’s always a concern when catering for large numbers that if you hand out seconds too early you will run out of food. However, there is no chance that God’s kitchen will ever be out of stock.
John 6:1-21 26 July 2009 - TRINITY 7
In the biblical time-line, Jesus’ Spartan, miraculous kingly feast occurs after Herod’s indulgent party, the one at which Herod’s step-daughter dances and John is beheaded. The feeding of the five thousand again contrasts with how worldly monarchs behave and the disciples don’t know how to deal with the crowd. Still, they do manage to bring a boy with a basket of food to Jesus’ attention. Once handed over to Jesus, the problem is solved. On one level, that is the message for us but the passage carries another which, at this distance, we find more difficult to uncover. The incident harks back to the time of the Exodus when Moses lead a captive, chosen people to freedom and the promised land, where the hungry, grumbling children of Israel were fed manna from heaven. We have a choice. Jesus is the true bread of Heaven to sustain us on our journey. How do we respond?
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 19 July 2009 - TRINITY 6
The Lectionary splits apart the Gospel story. The missing parts we probably remember as the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water. Stripped of the “happenings”, we are being forced to see Jesus, the man in sandals, in all his humanness. Nowadays we might say he has been working hard, had the devastating news of John’s execution as a kind of offering at a dissolute party in Herod’s place and he is stressed out, in real need of space, wanting time to chill out. But life intervenes as it always does and Jesus responds by getting on with the job. Jesus, the divine, the Messiah, is found in the middle of hunger, thirst, illness, suffering and death, putting the tortured world to rights. This is our servant king and our model for real life.
Mark 6:14-29 12 July 2009 - TRINITY 5
This is the story of royalty, sex and religion, a truly explosive mix. Herod Antipas, son of Herod, is seeking a place in history by completing the building of the magnificent Temple started by his father. He is a Vichy governor in occupied Jerusalem who is looking for recognition as King of the Jews. He is married to Herodias, once his brother’s wife. Remember how that situation sat with our Henry VIII. At an over-indulgent party he has his step-daughter performing an erotic dance for the guests. Although Herod sees no real harm in John, politics takes over, just as it will when Jesus faces the authority of the world. A rash promise and the die is cast. John, Herod’s critic and now his prisoner, has been preaching a new kind of kingdom for the Jews, without the trappings of earthly power, beginning with baptism and the forgiveness of sins. Which is our kingdom? Are we prepared to stand up for it?
Mark 6:1-13 5 July 2009 - TRINITY 4
Today’s passage is clearly two discrete sections. In the first, despite all that has been seen and done, the local boy fails to impress. Jesus’ own will, in time, come to understand but Jesus knows they are best left to it. So, from verse 7, we see that Jesus ministry moves out of Nazareth and beyond Galilee. Typical Mark, this passage is breathless. Jesus authorizes the disciples, demanding their urgent commitment to preaching and healing. It is his decision, not theirs, and that is the first lesson for our own church in our own time. They are to be unencumbered by the regular trappings of travellers and are to rely on the generosity of the communities they visit, a second lesson in praise of a lean church. To our joy, the ministry now embraces Gentiles. However, there is a warning for us and this too deserves a moments thought. The mission is necessary and urgent but we are told that if we offer the Good News and it is rejected, as it will be at many a door, we are not to waste time but should shake the dust from our feet and move on.
Mark 5.21-43 28 June 2009 - TRINITY 3
These two lovely stories of healing, Jairus daughter and the woman with the issue of blood speak of Gods care for the individual and the value of each human life.The woman was an anonymous figure in the crowd but not to Jesus who affirms her faith and her individuality-we each matter ,we are each heard.Jesus treats the little girl with great tenderness and in the process reveals to her and to her parents the reality of God.Something they would never forget.
Mark 4.35-41 21 June 2009 - TRINITY 2
Babys fall asleep in their prams or pushchairs secure in the abiding love of their parents.This is the picture here in our gospel.Jesus secure in the knowledge of God the Fathers love sleeps peacefully in the boat oblivious of the growing angst around him.The disciples fear for their lives but Jesus sleeps on.Even if the future becomes dark with the prospect of Crucifixion ultimately in the words of Julian of Norwich "all shall be well,all manner of things shall be well"because God is totally trustworthy.
Mark 4.26-34 14 June 2009 - TRINITY 1
Jesus told stories to illustrate the coming of the Kingdom of God.He saw Himself as the one who comes to inaugurate the Kingdom or the reign of God.By becoming his disciples we enter the Kingdom of God.These parables tell us that the Kingdom grows secretly often in a hidden way.The most unlikely people respond and people of the kingdom live their lives and influence those around them in ways that we are aware.God is at work in His world.
John 1. 3-17 7 June 2009 - TRINITY SUNDAY
It is Trinity Sunday, when we contemplate the mystery of God. In our Gospel passage Jesus refers to Himself as the Son, and to the work of the Holy Spirit who generates new birth within us. Then he talks of the God who gave his only Son. It’s very easy to think of three distinct entities - a sort of family of gods. The Christian belief in the Trinity an attempt to describe the total Christian experience of God. God relates to us in three ways as Creator and source of all (the Father); the Son who came among us and died for us; and the Holy Spirit who works within us and the whole church. The three-dimensional God - God above and beyond ,God alongside and God within - one God who relates to us in these ways - worthy of all worship and adoration.
John 15.26-27;16.4b-15 31 May 2009 - PENTECOST
Jesus’ friends may well have been confused and hurt when he told them that it was for their own good that he was leaving them. Until the Holy Spirit came, they couldn’t possibly understand how God could continue to be so real to them, so very present with them, without a body that they could touch and see and hear. But like so many of Jesus’ final words to his disciples in John’s gospel, this promise only made sense to them when it was fulfilled. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were finally ready to hear and act upon God’s commission, and change from disciples to apostles. May we be similarly empowered and strengthened in faith and service this Pentecost.
John 17.6-19 24 May 2009 - EASTER 7
The Father sent Jesus, and now Jesus sends his friends out into a sometimes hostile and dangerous environment, to bring his truth to a world that often prefers lies, to bring his love to a world that seems so full of hatred. The road ahead will be one of conflict and difficulty, and Jesus’ own path shows that the Way of God is not an easy one; but though we are not ‘taken out of the world’ with all its complexities and potential for hurt, we are promised that we will not just be ‘lost’. When the going gets tough, Jesus’ promise is that we won’t be alone.
John 15.9-17 17 May 2009 - EASTER 6
‘Are you a servant of God, a friend of God, or a child of God?’ is a question asked of a young priest by a wise spiritual director in one of my favourite novels, and one that I ask myself. To think of ourselves as friends of Jesus (rather than servants) may be challenging for many of us. A servant may make huge sacrifices out of duty, but a friend may lay down her life out of love. In our relationship with God, we are all children, servants and friends, but with Christ it is always love rather than duty that is at the heart of everything, and it was for love, not duty, that Jesus, our friend, laid down his life for us.
John 15.1-8 10 May 2009 - EASTER 5
The vine seems to paint a black and white picture of what relationship with God means: we are either connected to the vine, or we are not – and is being thrown into the fire really a reference to the classic picture of a fiery hell? But we are not in hell, we are on earth, still living, and as vines our calling in to be fruitful, something for which we do indeed need that connection to God, the source of all our being. Dare we risk offering ourselves to God’s pruning shears so that he can free us from all that’s dead in us? Do we trust that even if we’re pruned back to the root, he’s a good enough gardener to help us grow again, and better?
John 10.11-18 3 May 2009 - EASTER 4
Jesus is the good shepherd – the only one to whom the sheep truly belong. ‘I know my own’ he says, and promises to find them all and bring them home. There are plenty of other potential masters, but it is only he who can lead us to what elsewhere he calls ‘life abundant’. It is only by learning to discern the voice of Christ – whether in scripture, in what others say to us, or through our own prayers – that we will be able to discover his purposes for us and what ‘abundance’ will look like in our own lives and in the life of the communities of which we are part.
Luke 24. 36b-48 26 April 2009 - EASTER 3
He’s here right among them. They knew He had died but NOW the almost unbelievable truth that He is alive – and if for them – then for us today.
‘He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.’
Those writings are fulfilled in Him. Throughout the centuries He enables us.
‘You are witnesses’ – sharing what you know now and the church will discover hereafter – beginning here at Jerusalem and until the divine purpose is fulfilled.
“He is risen indeed.”
John 20.19-end 19 April 2009 - EASTER 2
Only a matter of hours since Mary told them the incredible news that Jesus is alive and now, as they gathered behind closed doors in fear of what the Jews might be planning, suddenly He is with them and giving them the normal everyday eastern greeting. Can it really be Him? He shows them his hands and his side – the wounds of reality. Joy overcomes fear and confusion. He is alive!!
“Peace be with you” he repeats and gives them the ’Marching orders’ of the church.
But! Where is Thomas? Why did Thomas have to wait eight days to see the wounds? We cannot determine the moment when we shall know the presence of Jesus. God prepares us for that moment as He did with Thomas.
“Peace be with you.”
John 20.1-18 12 April 2009 - EASTER DAY
It was dawn. Christ had risen, but nobody knew it. As Mary hurried through the dark she still grieved for him – for her, the resurrection was not yet real. If you are living through your own Good Friday and your suffering means that the resurrection cannot seem real to you, perhaps you might hear Jesus asking in compassion, ‘why are you weeping?’ and know that those words were spoken by someone who trod the path of suffering, and still bore the wounds of crucifixion. And if this day has brought you new joy and hope, then perhaps you, too, will feel called to ‘Go on to Galilee’ – into ordinary life, where Jesus is already present – to bring the good news of the risen Christ to all, saying, "I have seen the Lord!"
Mark 11. 1-11 5 April 2009 Lent 5 - Palm Sunday
As we follow through the events of Holy Week it may be helpful to imagine ourselves as one of those directly involved. For example, the two disciples sent to collect the donkey; or one of the many who followed what Jesus taught and did ask “Who is He?”; or one of the Temple authorities apprehensive of the action of the vast number of pilgrims from many lands there for the Passover Festival … or even the donkey who was key to the prophecy of Zechariah . . . . . And what was the significance to those who spread their garments on the colt and on the road?
What new response do we make to Jesus as we share with Him the events of Holy Week?
John 12: 20 - 33 29 March 2009 Lent 5 - Passion Sun
Here we have another incident which underlines the essential universal character of the Christian faith. Like the cleansing of the temple and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem this passage emphasises that Jesus considered that Judaism had become narrow and restrictive. Once again we are challenged about the inclusivity of our church.
Jesus also does not hesitate to make claims for his place and role in the salvation and redemption of the world ‘Jesus is making the first identification of the Passion and the glory’ (Michal Ramsey).
Luke 2. 33–35 22 March 2009 Lent 4 - Mothering Sunday
In his commentary John Moorman writes ‘There is no reason to suppose that Simeon was a priest or a person of any great importance. He was just a simple, holy old man who lived in Jerusalem’. He was one of a small group who believed that God was about to visit and deliver his people. His waiting was rewarded and from Simeon we have that beautiful psalm - the Nunc Dimittis. Simeon then turned to address the mother of the child and both his comments foretold suffering.
John 2: 13 - 22 15 March 2009 Lent 3
Unlike Mark who has this incident near the end of Jesus’ ministry John places it right at the start. It may be that as John reflected on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus he recognised that this incident was so significant that it needed to be placed early. This was a sign that Jesus was removing the symbols of Judaism that kept the temple to itself, excluding Gentiles and even Gentile coinage – which was the purpose of ‘money changers’. Mark’s gospel includes the response ‘Is it not written my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ No doubt also that the money changers were making a profit at the expense of the poor – does something ring true about the financial situation today?
Mark 8: 31 - end 8 March 2009 Lent 2
This passage comes immediately after Peter’s reply ‘You are the Messiah’ to the question asked by Jesus ‘Who do you say I am?’ But the disciples needed to hear that unlike the accepted understanding of the Messiah the actual earthly future would be suffering and the way of the cross. “.. they did not want Jesus to suffer. That was because it goes against the grain to be followers of a Messiah who suffers instead of producing spectacular victories by an effortless exercise of power” (D. Nineham). The strength of Jesus’ reply is clear and, also, he does not call himself Messiah but ‘Son of Man’ or ‘The Man’.
Mark 1 : 9 - 15 1 March 2009 Lent 1
Mark’s reference to the ‘Wilderness time’ is so limited, unlike Luke’s account, that it almost passes without notice. However, it was the current belief that the Messiah was to be the divine agent for the overthrow of Satan and all his powers. The purpose of including this story at the start of the Gospel was to indicate this theme and to introduce us to the coming battle against evil. Jesus then declares himself and his message with reference to Isaiah 40 verse 9 and 52 verse 7 – statements which would be familiar to everyone at that time.
Mark 9: 2-9 22 February 2009 Next before Lent
The incredulous disciples have just been told (8:31) that their Messiah is prepared to die a criminals death on a cross, an idea not only repellent to them but unheard of in Old Testament prophecy. Something more than words is required to convince them that beyond this death lies victory. So the chosen disciples have to be given a foretaste of the glory of the Risen Lord. The whole scene of the Transfiguration combines to show Jesus at the centre of the greatest moment of Israel’s history. Jesus is confirmed as God’s Messiah, his future exaltation is foreshadowed and the old Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah, disappear leaving Jesus alone and supreme.
John 1: 1-14 15 February 2009 2 before Lent
John’s extraordinary words at the beginning of his Gospel speak of Jesus as the unique personal revelation of the one true God, the creator of everything. John uses the title ‘The Word’ almost exclusively here. In fact it was a brilliant idea in communicating the truth about Jesus to both Jew and Gentile. To the Greeks, the Gentiles, ultimately us, the ‘Word’ was the force of the Universe. Their word for this was ‘Logos’. The Logos was God working in the world, ordering it, ensuring the seasons happened, that the sun shone, that everything had, and still has a certain ‘Logic’. To the Jews the ‘Word’ could only mean ‘The Word of the Lord’, as found in the Old Testament, a personal message to his people. To receive God’s word and to live by it is to find a new life and a new beginning.
Mark 1: 29-39 8 February 2009 3 before Lent
The display of authority over the demon-world, which had been exhibited in the synagogue in Capernaum (1:27) was enough to establish Jesus reputation as a healer throughout the countryside. When the Sabbath had officially ended the Law allowed a throng of patients to be brought to Jesus to be cured in mind and body. This scene, like many others in the Gospels, makes it plain that Jesus healing ministry was much larger than the few particular cases recorded. Very early the next morning after an exhausting and doubtless typical day, Jesus seeks the solitude which the hillside behind the town provided, to recover in prayer the strength that came from communion with his Father. It is a lesson we could do well to learn in our own sometimes hectic lives.
Luke 2: 22–40 1 February 2009 Candlemas
Luke shows us a baby boy about to take part in an ancient ceremony that will symbolise his identity with God’s people. He is carried into the Temple by his parents, who know that they are about to do something important but yet quite ordinary. After all every firstborn boy-child is blessed in the Temple and it matters to them that they should do this for him, it is in the Jewish tradition. But what they do not expect, or even fully understand, is that what they are about to do will matter, not just to them but to the whole world and for all eternity. But Simeon knew straight away - ‘Sovereign Lord…..my eyes have seen your salvation….a light to the Gentiles and to be the glory of your people Israel’.
John 2: 1-11 25 January 2009 Epiphany 3
John calls the great deeds of Jesus “signs” and here, during a marriage feast at Cana, Jesus turns wine into water. The quantity is huge, like the abundance of grace, but so huge as to be more than a kindly gesture to please his mother. In John’s hands, this is Jesus replacing the purifying water of Judaism represented by the ceremonial jars needed for ablution with the rich new wine of the Gospel. When his hour is come, Jesus will provide the Bread and Wine of life everlasting and there will be plenty for all.
John 1: 43-51 18 January 2009 Epiphany 2
The first chapter of John gathers together witnesses able to declare that Jesus is the true Son of God. In today’s reading, Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel. Philip is one of the twelve but Nathaniel is here as the honest man who can say Jesus is the expected Messiah. Nathaniel reappears only after the resurrection. The fig tree was, curiously in rabbinic literature, the place where one studies the Torah, this underlining Nathaniel’s reliability. However, perhaps the single most important image is of the angels ascending and descending, not on a ladder as in Jacob’s dream, but through the Son who is the new and enduring link between the Father and mankind.
Mark 1: 4-11 11 January 2009 Epiphany 1
The key theme of Mark’s Gospel is suffering and the reading today sets the scene on our redemption through the suffering of Christ. John, Elijah like, is introduced by leaning on Old Testament idea that Elijah was expected to come before the final day of the Lord and that the wilderness was the place from where the expected messianic deliverance would occur. We are told it is John’s function to preach salvation and to point the way to Jesus as Saviour and his baptism of the sinless Jesus makes sure the reader is in no doubt who this Jesus is and also in no doubt that the story to come is the story of the Son of God. Symbolically, Christ suffers and dies for us in the waters of baptism to rise again with the endorsement of the Father as judge of the living and the dead.
Matt 2: 1-12 4 January 2009 Epiphany
A major theme in Matthew's gospel is the transition from the special relationship between God and his chosen people, the Jews, to the opening out of that relationship to embrace all humanity. The appearance of the Magi is an early focus for the 'epiphany' (literally 'manifestation') of God to the gentile world. The gifts that the Magi bring are also symbolic: gold is for royal authority (whether Herod likes it or not); incence represents prayer and worship, and is a gift for someone who is God; myrrh was used in medicine and in embalming the dead - Christ's death on the cross would be for the healing of all the nations.
We come together in church to worship God, to hear His word and to share the Good news of Jesus, receiving forgiveness and renewal through His death and resurrection.
We are sent out from church to live as Christian disciples, showing love to others and living out our faith in all we think, say and do.