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January - June 2001 These Weekly Thoughts are taken from the Parish's pew sheet called the NOW (News of the Week).
The Birth of John the Baptist - 24 June More than Forgiveness - 17 June Trinity Mystery - 10 June Pentecost - 3 June Christian Unity - 27 May Every bride ... - 20 May Love with the Love of Jesus - 13 May The Festival of the Dedication - 6 May Christ has died, Christ has risen... - 29 April Resurrection People - 22 April Easter Day of All Days! - 15 April Crowds - 8 April |
Extravagance - 1 April Lady Day - 25 March Forgiveness - 18 March Repentance - 11 March Temptation - 4 March Epiphany, Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, Lent - 25 Feb Mission to Seafarers, Planning Day - 18 Feb Hope or Hopeless - 11 Feb Happenings in the Church and around W.A. - 4 Feb The greatest gift is love - 28 Jan "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled" - Conversion of St. Paul - 21 Jan What a Wedding - 14 Jan Epiphany - 7 Jan Previous Weekly Thoughts: 2003: Jan - June Previous Weekly Thoughts: 2002: Dec - July Previous Weekly Thoughts: 2002: Jan - June Previous Weekly Thoughts: 2001: July - Dec Previous Weekly Thoughts: 2000 |
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1 Kings 19:1-4, 8-15a, Gal: 3 10-14, 23-29, Luke 8:26-39 The madman of Gerasa shows all the symptoms of a disintegrated personality; a morbid preoccupation with graves, abnormal strength, insensitivity to pain, refusal to wear clothes and 'multiple' personality. He saw himself as being possessed by a whole regiment of demons and his condition may well have come from a traumatic experience associated with the Roman military occupation. His healing came with such an outburst that it caused a nearby herd of pigs to panic and stampede. The people there believed that there was a connection between unclean demons and unclean animals and assumed that the demons, driven out from their home, found a new and more suitable one in the unclean pigs and that Jesus had given his consent to this. The locals, filled with fear, asked Jesus to leave. Was it that they feared losing more of their pigs? Often it does seem that people have more regard for animals than they have for humans. They don't praise God that a man is healed. They count the cost and find it is too much. Jesus left but not with the healed man. He was sent to tell people how much God had done for him. Fr. Glendon |
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1 Kings 21:1-10, 15-21a, Gal: 2 15-21, Luke 7:36 - 8:3 In today's gospel story, we read and hear that the Pharisee is shocked to see the love that the repentant woman displayed toward Jesus. Jesus knew the Pharisee's thoughts and pointed out to him the great debt which had been forgiven her. Simon the Pharisee played it safe and preferred to be uninvolved and to remain blameless in his own mind. He didn't recognise his own need of forgiveness. Neither did he recognise who it was that was the guest in his own home and therefore failed to act as host. It was the woman who recognised Jesus and who it was that forgave sins. He accepted in return her love, her hospitality and ministry, in what was, at the time, a man's world. Although the woman found the greater love, it was her faith that saved her and made her whole. For in spite of her sins or her reputation, she, unlike the Pharisee, was prepared to show love, be involved and to choose life. Robyn M |
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Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 Deep inside classic Jewish monotheism is a strange swirling sense of rhythm of mutual relations within the very being of the one God: a to-and-fro, a give and take, a command to obey, a sense of love poured out and love received. The revelation of the Trinity is a personal lifting of a veil of mystery on God's nature and being. Peoples' understanding of God comes slowly through the old and new testaments. At the beginning God's Spirit hovers over the void so God is Spirit. God is then a 'voice.' The mystery deepens yet is clearer when Abraham has three visitors and greets them as one. The revelation goes on in Jesus. He says he and the Father are one; that he will send the Spirit and finally that they, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will come and live in us, we who are temples of the Holy Spirit. The mystery remains a mystery but God's loving kindness has given us an intimate glimpse into his infinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is not only the best we can do in speaking of the one God, it is also the foundation of Christian spirituality. It is a vital doctrine because we confess that the God we meet here is not far away in heaven. The God of Jesus is with us. He had better be, or we are in big trouble! Glendon+ |
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Gen 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 Today concludes the celebration of the great fifty days, the time of the Church's period of intense meditation on the meaning of the Resurrection and Ascension and the empowerment by Holy Spirit. It is important not to historicize the day as though we are re-enacting the original event. Pentecost is not a rupture in the Christian year, it is the consequence of the Resurrection. Jesus makes it clear in today's Gospel that the Advocate is his gift to the church, so we are not left destitute of the Presence of Christ. The Resurrection is an ongoing experience in the Church's life, because of the presence of the Spirit in our midst, reminding us of all Christ has done and said. Charles Wesley, in one of his hymns, refers to the Holy Spirit as 'the remembrancer.' It would serve as a bridge between today's readings. The spirit brought life to a dispirited band of disciples. The Spirit in Psalm 104 is responsible for all life and sustenance. We know not everyone acknowledges the Spirit or lives by grace and so as Christians we find ourselves at odds with the values of the world. Christ is our peace, not a peace which the world gives or experiences, it is the gift of Holy Spirit, as we experience the mystery of the Presence. Helen Thomas |
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Acts 16:16-34, Rev 22:12-22, John 17:20-26 Today begins what for many years has been the week of prayer for Christian Unity, embraced by all the Churches and culminating in many places with an ecumenical service at Pentecost.To this has been added the week of prayer for reconciliation. Both have a common theme; becoming one. The choice of this week for prayer comes from the words in today's Gospel 'that they may all be one' and the outpouring of Holy Spirit on all believers at Pentecost. Whatever our differences are, let us remember that we are all one in Christ because in baptism we have all received the same Spirit. Whatever our differences are when we meet another Christian we know that the Christ in one recognizes the Christ in the other and we share the unity of Christ as members of his body. There will be no evensong at St. John's next Sunday. Please come to the service at Wesley Church, Fremantle at 7:00 pm. I will be the preacher. Fr. Glendon |
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Every bride . . . Acts 16:9-15, Rev 21:10-14, 22-22.5, John 14:23-29 Every bride took up the suggestion when every couple used the first order of Holy Matrimony, what we knew as the 1928 version. Every choir boy still alive can 'lah' the chant straight off. We'd all sung it as the couples advanced from wedding kneelers, through the chancel, up to the altar steps for Final Prayers: "God be gracious to us and bless us and make Your face shine upon us."We will sing Psalm 67 this morning and, no doubt, this evening too. I think it's a marvellous psalm. Grace is expected because of past experience of God. Blessing is humbly requested in case our beams and smiles, hugs and kisses are left entirely self driven. "Make Your face to shine upon us, Your ways recognisable in our very earthy pre-occupations." "Let the people praise you, O God. Yea, let all the people praise you!" Many marriages are hoped to be given "increase": "and God, our own God, will bless us!" I hope that, as you fill in your copy of the National Church Life Survey, you will recall many answers to that opening line of prayer, "God be gracious to us and bless us." If not, then do shoot another call into the Father's presence with "God, even our God, shall bless us!" Fr. Robin |
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Acts 11:1-18, Rev 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 Today's gospel portion is sandwiched between the foreshadowing of two happenings that did not show love. Judas had left the upper room to arrange for the handing over of Jesus and in the next passage Peter promised to be faithful even unto death. In between we have the words of Jesus concerning his glory, departure and the new commandment to love.In what way is this command to love 'new'? Love was not absent from their lives in the tradition of Judaism but it was new because they were to love as he loved them. The nature of this love was a matter of telling the truth, being faithful in sharing the word of God, continuing to reach out to those who may not be responsive, and, if need be, giving one's life. As this love is not based on feelings but is based on how we speak, do and be for others it can be spoken of as a commandment. Now in Easter tide we are not only celebrating Easter but living Easter out in our daily lives, hoping to influence others to love God through our own Christian living, loving and serving. Glendon |
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The Festival of the Dedication Acts 9:36-43, Rev 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 The Festival of the Dedication is also known as the Festival of Lights (or Hanukkah) for there were great illuminations in the Temple; and in every Jewish home. In the window of every Jewish home there were eight lights. These lights have two significances. Firstly, they were a reminder that at the first celebrating of the festival the light of freedom had come back to Israel. Secondly, it was told that when the Temple had been purified and the great seven-branched candlestick re-lit, only one cruse of unpolluted oil could be found, still sealed intact with the impress of the High Priest's ring.By all normal measures there was only enough oil to light the lamps for one day - but by a miracle they burned for eight days. The Jewish people knew of the miracles worked by God. Yet most did not accept Jesus as the Messiah - the Anointed one of God foretold in the Old Testament. But some did, and to them and to all who believe is promised eternal life, a life that knows no end and a life that is secure - for all who believe are held in God's everlasting love. Rev Debbie |
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Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again Acts 9:1-6, Rev 5:6-14, John 21:1-9 You are right if you think that you have heard today's gospel story before. Back at the beginning of the Jesus story we read that he walked beside the lake and uninvited and unexpectedly told these same men to throw their net and their livelihood away. Here he is by the lake again, after the resurrection, giving further instructions about fishing and other things.Our first reading from acts tells of the risen Christ coming very uninvited and unexpectedly to the Christian persecutor Saul who in his own words says 'God was pleased to reveal his Son to me.' (Gal 1.14, 15) Jesus is never one that you can pin down. The character of the risen Christ is the same as that of the rabbi from Galilee. Unpredictability is both his charm and his terror. Just when you think that he really isn't coming to Galilee to see you... just when you think that it is safe to go back into the water ... there he is again ... and he still enjoys having a meal with us. Glendon+ |
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Acts 5:27-32, Rev 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 In the world of today we sometimes need answers, even proof before we believe. Like Thomas, we may find death easy to believe in but resurrection questionable. Dying is very physical and tangible but rising or resurrection challenges our senses! Thomas heard others proclaim: "He is risen!" - he wanted physical reassurance. Jesus knew his need and offered him to look and even to touch his wounds. This brought him into a deeper relationship and level of belief with his Lord, which overcame his doubt. He could then proclaim, "My Lord and my God." We are all too familiar with the trappings of death, we see and hear of it, the pain, the finality, the coldness, the sadness and emptiness. All this cries out, "the end" but the voice of faith shouts - "A new beginning." The Lord certainly understands our anguish and our doubts. He knows our need to touch the mystery of resurrection. Our baptismal faith makes that possible, to move beyond the realm of the senses to live in a new awareness. In prayer and especially in eucharist, we walk in the company of the Easter Lord. New life through the Spirit radiates from him, giving us power to transform defeat into victory, sorrow into joy, doubt into joyful hope and to be Resurrection People. Robyn M |
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Acts 10:34-43, 1 Cor 15:19-26, Luke 24:1-12 Today we join with Christians throughout the world in the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. The old order of sin and death has passed away and all things have been made new. No longer does life end, it is death which ends. So St. Paul writes 'Death has been swallowed upon victory Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' Jesus has become a life-giving spirit, giving life to those who believe in Him. In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself and now we have been given the message of reconciliation so we rejoice and sing Alleluia. Praise be to God. Happy Easter Everyone. Glendon |
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Luke 19:28+, Isaiah 50:4+, Philippians 2:5+ In the Gospels, particularly in Mark, we find there are always crowds accompanying Jesus in his ministry. They witness healings, feedings, discussions, they hear Jesus' teaching and observe people respond to Jesus as they experience him in their lives. As we read the passion narrative we too find Jesus exposed to more crowds. Think of the crowd as he rode a donkey into Jerusalem as they chanted 'Hosanna'. Did the same crowd cry 'Bar Abbas' and later cry 'Crucify'? These crowds comprised disciples, followers and the curious - people caught up in the moment. Are we "Hosanna" people today, with the potential to be "Crucify, away with him" people later this week? It is easy to get caught up in the crowd and not be sure to what we give assent. Be careful - crowd behaviour might draw you where you do not want to go! Jesus withdrew from the crowds as he took time out for prayer and contemplation. May this week bring you into a deeper relationship with Christ, even in the midst of the crowds of life. |
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Isaiah 43:16-21, Phil 3:3-14, John 12:1-8 Lazarus is alive again and his sisters act out their usual roles, Martha serving and Mary at Jesus' feet. Mary's perfume wafts it welcome fragrance through the house. Of course it is outrageously extravagent, but that's the point. Whenever people worship Jesus with all that they've got, there's always someone muttering that there is no such thing as a free jar of ointment. In this we see the disintegration of Judas. First, we assume, his devotion has gone, then his loyalty, then his honesty towards others (his thieving), then his honesty towards himself (he says one thing, perhaps telling himself that he really means it, but in fact means something else), then later, his ability to choose good over evil all together. The downward slope starts gently but gets steeper. Judas goes on choosing a world which revolves around himself, which then destroys itself. Judas symbolises the way of self destruction while Mary the way of self giving. Both are costly but in entirely different ways. Its worth reflecting on what smell we are giving off? Let's be like Mary. Glendon + |
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Joshua 5:2-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:11-32 The Fourth Sunday in Lent is traditionally Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday (Yes! There may be a little Simnel Cake for you!) but this year it is Lady Day, too. The Gospel printed out for today is not a mistake. It is a story. The story points to a truth. The truth is that God cares as much for the least as the greatest. God loves and helps the lost as much as men and women who are dutiful and convenient children to Him, too. Mary had several children. She is today's Lady to be remembered for devotion to holy duty. Her firstborn, Jesus, was God's son. She watched the young Messiah grow up. She stood by God's wish for her son in spite of many doubts on the parts of others. She even joined the support team, treasuring all the new experiences, exhilarating or terrifying, life with Him brought her. The Mother of Jesus came a long way since the young girl of Nazareth had trustfully agreed with God, "Let it be with me according to your will." She was some Mother, a unique Lady. Loving Christians around the world call her "Our Lady." Fr Robin |
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Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:31-35 'How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.' (Lk 13:34B) Our journey through Lent continues - temptation, repentance, forgiveness. God's forgiveness is sometimes misunderstood and consequently many people may never experience what it really is to be forgiven. Often forgiveness is tied to being sorry. We think that we must feel sorry for what we have done in order to receive forgiveness. 'A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.' (Ps 51:17) The only condition put on forgiveness, given in the Lord's prayer, is that we forgive others. This suggests not that God withholds forgiveness but that unless we have a forgiving attitude we will not recognize forgiveness. Forgiveness is part of God's nature; it is always available. We are forgiven the moment that we realise our need of it, not when we have earned it through being sufficiently sorry, though contrition may well follow. Today we are urged to turn to God - seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near and rest in the joy of knowing that we are forgiven. Glendon + |
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Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:1-9 On Ash Wednesday at the imposition of ashes the following words were used: '...Repent and believe the gospel.' Repentance comes from the Greek word metanoia which translated means 'a change of mind.' For the biblical writers of the time understood that to change one's mind was to change one's attitude and so, at least in principle, to change one's actions and even one's whole way of life. 'Repent and believe the gospel' - two aspects of the one experience in which we turn from sin to Christ. For Luke the Gospel is the offer of repentance and forgiveness of sins, that is, forgiveness for turning away from God. Repentance therefore is about changing one's attitude towards God, towards one's relationship with God. We all have the opportunity to attend to our relationship with God; to attend to our attitudes. For Luke it is of great importance, to be done here and now so that in time with patience and due attention our actions will bear fruit. Let this be a part of our Lenten reflections. Rev Debbie |
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Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:4-13, Luke 4:1-15 On Ash Wednesday we heard the words 'Turn away from sin and believe in (be faithful to) the Gospel.' That is a good start to the forty days of Lent. The drama of the gospel today is Luke's account of Jesus fasting in the wilderness and refusing to give in to temptation. As we look to turn away from sin we have the example of Jesus turning away from temptation. After receiving John's baptism of repentance Jesus is tempted to reject it. His real temptation is to see himself as God's Son, which he is! But he must, even at this early stage in Luke's story, be setting his face towards Jerusalem as the 'sinner' who will know fully what it is to be forsaken. In the end, as Jesus prays in Gethsemane, this will still be the temptation. This time the devil will be silent because Jesus will need no prompting. In obedience to God's way of love, the cup must be drunk, and it will be bitter! The temptation is to turn too soon to resurrection so that sin is not met head on. If it is not met head on, its defeat is only an illusion. Faith itself can become a trap if it keeps us from doing God's will. It is the temptation of Lent that wants victory before defeat, resurrection before the cross, Easter before Good Friday, healing before wounds. Glendon + |
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Epiphany, Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, Lent Exodus 34:29+, 2 Cor 3:12+, Luke 9:28+ The season of Epiphany with its emphasis on Jesus being 'manifest' or 'seen' concludes with The Transfiguration readings when Jesus is seen in glory, a foretaste of his resurrection. As we come to Ash Wednesday and Lent, with its theme of penitence, it is good to be reminded by Paul in the second reading that we are the glory of God as we 'are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.' When we scrutinize our lives as our Lenten discipline we may be confronted by some unsavoury things which we need to deal with but remembering that we are the glory of God will prevent us from becoming too despondent. With this in mind we set out on the Lenten path which prepares us for Easter. To help us with this and the changes of heart which comes through it we have - Ashes: To symbolize our acceptance that we need to repent and listen to the good news. Fasting: Cutting down on eating, drinking and anything, which we use a lot of. Abstinence: Refraining from certain things for a spiritual purpose. Alms giving: The additional giving away of at least what we save through our fasting and abstinence. This all begins on Tuesday with pancakes at St John's from 10:00 am and then Ash Wednesday when there will be the opportunity to worship at St John's at 7:30 am (guest Bp David Murray), St Peter's and St Mark's at 10:00 am and St John's at 7:30 pm) guest Bp Michael Challen.) Glendon + |
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Mission to Seafarers, Anglican Planning Day Genesis 45:3+, 1 Cor 15:35+, Luke 6:27+ Mission to Seafarers, Fremantle - The Archbishop has endorsed the Management Committee decision of the Flying Angel Club to open all facilities and transport service to seafarers. The Club now has an opportunity to continue in the premises at 76 Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle. The Club will be requiring new volunteers as the Flying Angel Club faces the challenge of the year 2001. If you would like to be considered for training and practice in this mission, then please contact the Flying Angel Club. On Thursday the Diocese will be interceding for the Club and its ministry. Anglican Planning Day - Wednesday 21 Feb. Due to a large response by Parishioners, the venue for the (APE) meeting will be St Peter's in Palmyra at 6:30pm with pre-meeting fellowship with consultant Brian Brand. It will be an engaging meeting seeking outcomes from the initial Brand report. Please indicate your intention to be present so that details can be attended to for facilitating discussion. Parish Council last week have some insights into the guidance of the evening and everyone was enthusiastic. This week's second reading makes the doctrine of the resurrection very clear in St Paul's words, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God." It is a 'spiritual body' that is referred to and not a continuation of the physical body. Sound theology is the basis for our Church as we consider the planning of our future. Fr Dennis |
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Jeremiah 17:5+, 1 Cor 15:12+, Luke 6:17+ If for this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Cor 15:19 It is said that most people believe in God and spirituality but not in the supernatural. People also have difficulty with believing that the death of one man, Jesus, could bring about the redemption of all of humanity. In one survey, when people were asked 'Do you believe in a God who can intervene in peoples' lives and change them?' the overwhelming reply was, 'No, just the ordinary one.' I am sure that we all want to believe in 'the ordinary God' but the 'ordinary God' of the Christian Church is a supernatural God. That is, God exists in and beyond nature. God has a realm beyond our current existence and we can therefore believe that Jesus was resurrected to this realm and that we can also be a part of it. As Paul points out, if we do not have this hope then Christianity has little to offer us. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 1 Cor 15:20 As all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. Fr Dennis |
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Happenings in the Church and around W.A. Isaiah 6:1-8, 1 Cor 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 Many Anglicans in WA will remember the cry of the Rector of Wanneroo, who called for the Dean of Perth to resign because he (the Dean) did not believe in a literal resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. After some time elapsed, the Rector of Wanneroo (Peter Brain) rescinded his call to the Dean and was soon after elected Bishop of Armidale, NSW. Bishop Peter Brain has now been elected by the House of Clergy in the General Synod to the Appellate Tribunal of the Anglican Church. The Bishop of North West Australia (Tony Nicholls) was elected by the House of Laity to the same tribunal. Together with Justices Peter Young and Keith Handley of Sydney and Justice Clive Tadgell from Melbourne, Justice David Bleby from Adelaide and Archbishop Ian George of Adelaide, they make up this body which is the highest arbiter in matters of doctrine and order of the Anglican Church of Australia. Bruce Ballantyne Jones of Sydney said "the Appellate Tribunal is like a High Court." The Appellate Tribunal recently ruled that lay administration (presidency) of Holy Communion was not contrary to the constitution on the Church. The Primate and Archbishop of Perth (Dr Peter Carnley) had taken a firm stand in the opposite direction in strongly disagreeing that lay people could celebrate Eucharist. (Note: both Peter Brain and Tony Nicholls are Sydney trained evangelicals). We pray for the future of the Anglican Church and for those in responsible positions. The hearts of West Australians were saddened at the tragedy of the 4 police killed in Newman when their plane crashed. We uphold Police Chaplain Barry May as he ministers to the family and friends of the bereaved. Our intercessions this last week for the earthquake victims of India has been driven by the enormity of human loss and community destruction. The Bishop of Guyarat (V.M. Malaviya) has asked for aid of basic needs of food and water and some financial assistance to families who are living on the streets, some from buildings that are damaged beyond repair yet are still standing. We are awaiting the details of which agency for donations. Fr Dennis |
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Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Cor 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 Like Jeremiah, Jesus is rejected by those who should have known better. The rejection of Jesus is a foretaste of what is to follow, but he suffers all in love for us. This is the kind of love which Paul calls the greatest of all gifts. It is still usual in the Mediterranean for a first son to carry on his father's trade and his grandfather's name. The people of Nazareth knew Jesus well and Luke records their amazement. 'Is not this Joseph's son?' Jesus stirs controversy because he does not seem to be following Joseph's trade and therefore honouring him. Luke adds another source of amazement, rather than practice his father's trade, Jesus prefers to proclaim and practice healing, not in his home town, but among gentiles! Jesus then tells them that a prophet is not received in his own town, and they try to throw him over the cliff. There is often a violent reaction when home truths are heard. It is not easy to receive, accept and acknowledge truth, especially about ourselves so it must be given and received in love. Paul tells us of the importance of faith hope and love and gives us some of the things that love is and isn't. Other things will pass away and we are left with nothing if we do not have love. . Glendon + |
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"Today this Scripture has been fulfilled" - Conversion of St. Paul Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Cor 12:12-31, Luke 4:14-21 Scholars believe that the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book. Most likely they were composed by the chronicler and some references to detail are inaccurate when verified with historical data. The portion of Nehemiah (chapter 8) was originally thought to be in the book of Ezra between chapters 8 and 9. The exclusiveness of Israel in these readings which tells of the return of the exiles from capturing in Babylon speaks with disdain to any who are not pure Israelites. However as was pointed out at Christmas, the lineage of Jesus stems from Jews who married gentiles, yet he verified him as Messiah. In the Gospel, Jesus returns to his home town of Nazareth (his last recorded trip to Nazareth) and reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. As was the custom, the preacher then sat down to deliver the homily. Our Lord then proclaims that the Scripture is fulfilled. Next Sunday the Gospel begins with this verse (21) and we see the revelation that unfolds. Be sure to attend Church next week for the sequel to this story. Fr Dennis |
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Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Cor 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 Nuptial imagery rings through the bible like a peal of wedding bells. The first two chapters of Genesis reach a climax in the creation of man and woman in God's image, the last two chapters of Revelation unveil the New Jerusalem, dressed as a bride adorned for her husband. In between, weddings form an important part of the story of God and his people. A wedding is a time of joy, a time to begin a new relationship, when two families, not just two individuals, are united. Marriage is also a symbol of God's relationship with his people. Feasts with lots of food and drink symbolize God's generous gift of salvation. Abundance of wine is one of the signs of the messianic age, when God will restore the fortunes of Israel, bringing peace and prosperity, justice and knowledge of the Lord among the nations. In the miracle at Cana, John is telling his readers that the messianic age has already come. If, therefore, we see Jesus as Messiah our religion must be joyful, with that deep inward sense of well being, a quality of those who are at peace with themselves, others and God. Joy is expressed in our relationships, in our words and worship and the actions of our daily lives. It is closely linked with peace and love. It involves being able to see what is good in God's creation, in people and circumstances and take pleasure in it. So, at the conclusion of our services do we appear as people who have attended a wedding banquet? The story of the wedding at Cana is read at Epiphanytide when the Church reflects on Christ's 'manifestation' of himself to us. May we experience the joy that this revelation brings and may we learn to express our joy through love, service and commitment. Glendon + |
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Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-22 The celebration of this festival on the sixth of January each year meant that many Christians missed this feast unless it fell on a Sunday. In more recent times many Churches celebrate the liturgical feast of Epiphany on the closest date to the Sunday between the 2nd and the 8th. Many of the other festivals in the Church year would also be "missing feasts", and as a Parish we have tried to transfer many of the festivals to a Sunday. Epiphany is the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. Today in our Churches, the crib scene focuses on the 3 Kings and their symbolic gifts of Gold, Incense and Myrrh. May be be bearers of the gifts and offer ourselves renewed in service by our generosity, prayers and charity. As the New Year unfolds, why not look for something new to thank God for each Sunday, such as: A new person; a new hymn; a new prayer; a new challenge; a new way of doing regular tasks; a new way of serving our Lord, and become New Testament Christians with a new vision for our Church and ourselves. Let's look forward to the New Year offered to us by our Lord. "Behold, I make all things new." Fr Dennis |
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