Weekly Thoughts: July - December 2002

John the Baptist's life shows that we cannot rely on physical means or human support. If we are to be of use to God, we need to let him supply the means. The Almighty will not go bankrupt or lose interest. God had sent him to proclaim His Son to be Saviour of the World.

John did not decide, out of the blue, to become an eccentric troglodyte in the desert with a message almost no one wanted to hear or could understand. He was sent by God on a special mission. The execution of his mission was more important than anyone's response to it.

The point of John's proclamation was that no one would be able to say later that scripture had not been fulfilled. There is another 'proclamation' of which we could see a reminder. Yours and mine as a twenty-first century Christian. (c.f. Isaiah 40: 3f)

So send I you, to labour unrewarded,
to serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown,
to hear rebukes, to suffer scorn and scoffing,
so I send you to toil for me alone.

Fr. Robin

'Hidden Fears'

Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

(The West Australian, Tuesday 3rd, Kate Gauntlett) The subheading was, 'We look inward despite world's woes.'

This front page story reviewed a survey which showed that protecting children from sex abuse and drugs, along with health care and domestic violence are our biggest worries.

The managing director of the firm which conducted the survey of focus groups said that Australians were having difficulty dealing with threats they 'could not pin down'. they are dealing with this by re-discovering home, friends and family as a source of stability and reassurance - but even then they feel their families are 'under threat'.

Curtin University Professor Jon Stratton said the findings were not surprising given Australia's long history as a haven. 'Australians, perhaps more so than Americans, are very concerned about local issues and things to do with their own lives.' in relation to the debate as to whether the media shapes society or reflects it, it is notable that our TV news usually starts with local news of whatever magnitude before covering world events. It is also in keeping with research in the UK which has shown that people who say that they don't believe in God, because there is too much suffering in the world, continue to hold on to a god who they pray will help them and their family when needed.

If we believe in God it needs to be God who is BIG and then we can have the courage to look at the world's big issues.

Despite the state of the world at the time, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that God was present and active and the people should prepare themselves for his coming. John the Baptists takes up the same message and offers a baptism of repentance in readiness for the ministry of Jesus.

We too are called to be open to his coming and live our lives in accordance with his being among us. This includes being concerned with issues beyond our own.

Fr Glendon

World Aids Day, National Day of Prayer, Memorial Statue

Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

World Aids Day: The world today sets aside some time to recall those who are HIV positive and those people living with AIDS and loved ones who have died. Our prayers encompass the people of many African countries who have an alarming increase in the number of the population carrying HIV/AIDS and insufficient medical supplies. Thanks to all who offer care and compassion and those involved in medical treatment and research.

National Day of Prayer - Australia in Drought: Many of us in the city are unaware of the drought across the country. Family properties have been wiped out and economically there is a huge shortfall in grain and sheep supplies. May God's people be awakened on this Advent Sunday to care for one another and in particular for the people on the land and their severe hardship at this time.

Memorial Statue 'St John's Square': The parachute was removed by the primary students of Hilton park School to reveal the statue of their former student who rose to the position of Governor of Western Australia. Air Commodore Sir Hughie Edwards was Australia's most decorated Airman during World War II and served in the Australian and British Air Force. It was wonderful to see so many who knew him personally, including Olga Tuckfield and Velma Vickridge who recall his visits to their family shop when they were kids.

The energy and vision of Phil Thompson of the Fremantle Council led to the erection of this memorial 'to commemorate a great Australian Hero' in the words of the Governor of WA who officiated at the Ceremony on Tuesday.

Fr Dennis

Christ the King

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

God is still searching for his lost, strayed or injured sheep. Those sheep are his people whom he longs for with a steadfast love and enduring faithfulness.

Christ brings peace, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and hope. His rule or kingship has authority, power and dominion over all.

Today we celebrate Christ the King, whose message is that he will be with us always. He as King commands us his servants to go into the world by showing his love and hospitality to all. That love and hospitality is to be extended beyond our own circle of family and friends. His glory is also to be found in the lives of strangers, his lost, sad and hurting ones. May we not miss the opportunity to be hospitable and welcoming of these into Christ's family, Christ's kingdom.

Robyn Mackie

God's Trust

Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Did God keep the loveliness of early nature to Himself? No! Even after the fall of Adam the Holy Scriptures proceeds with the story of how God went on trusting.

God almost reclaimed the earth in the time of Noah but instead He spared Noah and his family and enough animals to breed and perpetuate the species. 'Seedtime and Harvest shall not cease.' (Genesis 8.22)

God came to earth in Jesus who trusted eleven to be and go out for His Church. In His recited training manual came out today's parable. His trust is still going to be there, upheld by some and abused by others. For each, the day of reckoning came, says the parable.

Is God harsh, as described in the story? He will seem so to us if you or I fall down in our Christian duty and inhibit the spread of the Christian Gospel. We are trusted to take on another's work, reap another's harvest or sow so that another later can gather. God has faith in us. He gives us tremendous courage, not harshness. Jesus reminds us that God is our trusting Friend.

Fr. Robin

Archdeacon Leonard Bothamley

Amos 5:18-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-18; Matthew 25:1-13

Len was a Curate under Canon Collick before an extensive rural ministry, particularly as Rector and Archdeacon of Northam. In retirement he served as a Honorary Assistant at St John's. Dear 'Both' who died this week, aged 96, was a saint who has left great fondness and goodwill amongst many people.

Thessalonians 4

Many of the early passages in the Old Testament are what we might call 'campfire stories', that is, the sort of stories told in response to 'how come?' questions. In a similar way, some passages in the New Testament are responses to 'what will happen?' questions about the future.

All bible passages need to be understood in relationship to their time and context. They were written by people who believed that they lived in a three tier universe (below, here, and above) only thousands of years old.

The early Church was faced with a major crisis when the expected imminent return of Jesus failed to eventuate and Christians began to die. In today's second reading we see the writer (Paul?) grabbing at an explanation to allay peoples' concerns. The gist of his response to their concerns is that those who have died will not be disadvantaged but will experience resurrection before those who are still alive meet the Lord in the air.

We can no longer accept things described in such unscientific spatial language but the truth that we will be with the Lord forever continues to encourage us.

Fr Glendon

Morning, Noon and Night

Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

This morning we celebrate the festival of All Saints recalling those of the ancient past and the present. The faith of Christ upheld by their lives of inspiration to us and generations yet to come.

This afternoon is the welcoming of the new Chaplain to John Curtin College of the Arts. Jeremy Wheaton will be commissioned in the Elllen Street School Theatre at 2:30pm. Hopefully, the Anglicans will be in force to meet him.

The School Chaplaincy committee is in need of new member. Jan Peake, our Warden, has completed 12 years on the Committee and we thank her for this tremendous effort.

On Monday night is the Service of All Souls to commemorate the departed. A reflective Service when the names of loved ones are recalled. The Service at St Peter and St Mark's, Palmyra is at 7:00pm.

Community Carols and Christmas

The City of Fremantle is trying hard to engage the churches and community to celebrate the festival at some co-ordinated events. We have the opportunity to assist with a Christian contributions to the celebrations. The Community Carols, the lighting of the Rotary Christmas Tree at the Esplanade are just some of the community events. The Ecumenical Christmas Carol at St John's is on Sunday 15 December at 7:00 pm and will be the Combined Choirs of St John's and St Patrick's. Christmas is coming.

Fr. Dennis

True Worship

Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46

Worship and love of God is our first service. God sometimes comes as a poor second to the neighbour. Love of neighbour issues from our prior love of God, if it does not, it will rest on foundations that are flimsy and as changeable as our emotions or other circumstances.

The more 'religious' might be glad to hear the first of the commandments - to love God, the 'activitist' might prefer to hear the second - to love our neighbour as ourselves. Both are necessary.

Just between loving God and neighbour is a 'quiet' space, a space to do precisely nothing, to stop trying so hard, allowing God to love us and to nurture ourselves. God is God even when he is not running around arranging the universe. This 'quiet' space may be mistaken for laziness but rather it is a matter of survival and a matter of salvation.

In loving God, may we love our neighbour as ourselves, by drawing them to the one who is love, God, as found in Jesus who lovingly seeks all. Is this not true worship.

Robyn Mackie

Becoming Imitators of Us!

Isaiah 45:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-33

Is this a proud and boastful challenge?

Just read it again.

What a responsibility Paul and his fellow missioners have. What a message sits in this command to first century Christians of Thessalonica.

Be imitators of the kind of people this three have proved themselves to be? So, what's so special?

It's all there in ten verses. The three uphold their Christian friends in their faith, their labours of love and their hope in Jesus. They've confidence that these new believers are loved by God. Their faith was sown not by repeated words but by the power they received from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, Holy Spirit driven and with conviction unmistakeable.

Right, readers. Now it's your turn if you have not quite picked it up already. IMITATE! Surprise and be blessed by people who will appreciate your presentation of being a Christian. Next, please God, they will imitate you.

You are serving a loving and true God. You have no dread of the future because, like Paul, you know Jesus, God's Son, has been there before you. Yes? Of you go! Imitate!

Fr. Robin

Invite Everyone

Isaiah 25:1+; Philippians 4:1+; Matthew 22:15

A letter in the Messenger this month suggests that Churches in places like Asia and Africa are growing at an enormous rate because Christians in the global South take the gospel seriously and are prepared to live and die for it, while the liberal Western churches with their pluriform view of truth and moral relativism are dying.

The writer tells of Bp Malango of Central Africa, saying that in Africa, Christians are facing drought, starvation, AIDS and intense persecution at the hands of Muslims but their faith in Jesus is sustaining them while in the West, the threat is from within.

However, taking the gospel seriously and a pluriform view of truth and moral relativism may not be the controlling factors in this phenomenon. It could be that if the West were facing drought, starvation, AIDS and intense persecution the church would be growing at an enormous rate while in African and Asian economies allowed their people to live self indulgent Western type lifestyles, the church there would be dying.

Much of the decline in Western Christianity is due to the success Christians have had in eliminating from society many of the hardships still faced by other countries. Perhaps it is a natural historical/sociological happening that Christianity is on the decline in the Western World.

As today's gospel reminds us, everyone is invited to share in God's generous love but the choice is ours.

Fr. Glendon

Matching-up

Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

Moses sought divine intervention when the people became impatient and grumbled along the way. He took time out for further direction to seek God's will. Thankfully for Moses once again God satisfied their needs.

The Psalmist reflects on how the people had forgotten what God had done for them when it became difficult for them.

Here in the Epistle reading today, we are given an example of Jesus self-giving love and obedience. He knew what was God's will for him even to the point of death.

The two sons in the parable are examples of words not matching-up with actions and deeds not matching-up with words. We in our humanity may hesitate over our choices or get impatient and grumble along life's journey or on our spiritual journey. Graciously accepting God's invitation to share in his kingdom and by seeking his will and delighting to do it (matching-up) would be a far better human response.

Robyn

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"If Only ... !"

Exodus 16:2-15; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

"If only ... !" - a time waster of a phrase.

"if only!" came with great hand wringing from the Bible people on the Exodus trek. Only in His merciful patience could God have jumped to it and come up with manna for their breakfast evening barbeque when there was no food!

King David wrote today's Psalm 27 which clearly shows the conviction of a great man. I see no "If only's!" there. He had a great relationship with God, singing and shouting with joy to Him. He voiced no "If only!" about his estrangement from mother and father (as we hear so much today) or the deranged and jealous behaviour of old King Saul. Notice that little prayer of struggle, too. "'Come', my heart says. 'Seek the Lord's face'. David looks up with "Din't give up on me," and he knows again that God will not.

Again, no "If only's" infect Paul's faith. "For me living is Christ and dying is gain. When I revisit you, Philippians, let me see it is the same with you too."

The Employer in the Gospel's Vineyard, is God still not guilty of unfairness or neglect. "Take what is yours and go!" Lesson? Let us never waste God's time and ours with "If only ... !"

Fr. Robin

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Is This God Our God?

Exodus 14:19-31; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

The Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. Ex: 14:27.

Really?

The Exodus story is central to Jewish religion but it does need to be de-mythologised. Christianity can hardly stand in the world and promote a God of love and peace without questioning the Old Testament passages which depict the opposite.

God hardening Pharaoh's heart and raining all sorts of nasty plagues upon Egypt - but not Goshen - culminating in the deaths of all the first born and the destruction of the Egyptian army is not God as we know God.

Scholars believe that over a period of time there were a number of 'escapes' from Egypt with varying numbers involved in each, culminating, probably, in the escape of a larger number, (but not 600,000 - the first would have reached the promised land before the last had left!)

What is important is that, in the events which surrounded their escape, the people of Israel saw God's involvement in their lives and worshipped this God, the God of their ancestors.

We have a more enlightened view of God in Christ and even more reason to put our faith and trust in him. In Christ we see not a God of violence but the God of love, compassion and service which the world needs.

Fr. Glendon

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"Hawks" vs "Doves"

Exodus 12:1-14; Romans 13:1-10; Matthew 18:10-20

Nine/Eleven is the America term for the terrorist attack one year ago. The current issue facing the world is the stand off between the American President Bush and Saddam Hussein of Iraq. George Bush has intimated he wishes to attack Iraq, some restraint in the congress has contained him so far. The US media are referring to the battle for the political mind between the pro-war hawks and the peacemaking doves.

This Wednesday is the invitation to come and offer your prayers in St. John's Church. A Meditation and anti-violence workshop will be at 12:30 pm.

The friends of the Community of the Holy Name are assisting in the day's programme.

You are most welcome to come and light a candle or just be present and enjoy the presence of God in this holy place.

The 10 am Memorial Eucharist will be celebrated by Fr. Glendon and the Address will be given by The Reverend Margaret Ward, from today's Epistle of St Paul in Romans, "Love your neighbour as yourself.'

The closing Reflective Eucharist at 5 pm is by Bishop David Murray. Moya Sherlock will provide organ music and hymns.

Fr. Dennis

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Priorities

Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Moses was disrupted in his daily routine by a call from God to bring Israel out from Egypt. At first he objected - "who am I?" - and was afraid and hid his face. Then he was brought into a deeper awareness of God's presence with him in what he was called to do.

The Psalmist remembered how God had been his helper - this God whom his soul and flesh longed for.

In the Romans reading it speaks of God as being the final authority in human relationships. Expressions of this kind of genuine love can move even enemies to repentance.

Jesus knew his priority and was so motivated by divine love that he set his face to do what he had been called to do. Peter saw only in the human way and was really a tester of loyalties when he said to Jesus - "God forbid this should happen to you". Jesus reminded him and his disciples of their priority if they were to be his disciples - a call to service, rather than to privilege and power. As Christians we are called to follow Jesus and to be aware of his divine presence within us and in our relationships with one another and in the world about us.

Robyn

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Marks of the True Christian

Exodus 1:8-2:10; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20

St Paul wrote that strong, even difficult, letter to the Romans and went and still goes to the heart of things in our lives. He confronts us with the fact of God's existence. (Today's epistle). His own conversion and career has him reminding us that we are the objects of the boundless mercies of God. He pleads with us to give our entire lives to Him in return.

Is it not a wonderful thing that each of us can reply by doing just what God, for our own good and salvation's sake, asks of us? By his love and grace we Christians find in us the faculty which speaks to us in terms of "must", "should", "ought" and "obligation". Our ministry of the Sacrament of Baptism delights in human responses which recognise that our lives ought to conform to a standard which is outside of us and to which we endeavour to aspire. Loving devotion cannot be without duty and obedience.

1st century Rome was a great city of authority but Paul points to the Authority already over us. He makes claims on us and our sense of responsibility. Our apostle exhorts us to live it out in faith (assisted with right teaching), generously, diligently, cheerfully and accountable to God. He knows that to obey the rule of God in our hearts leads us to the highest morality, the fullest life and the truest wisdom, by the help of the Holy Spirit within us. Are not these the marks of true Christians?

Fr. Robin

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Faith, Loyalty and Commitment

Genesis 45:1+; Romans 11:1; Matthew 15:13

Western Christians have tended to intellectualised faith, sometimes seeing it as a conviction or knowledge or belief. In the Middle East, faith is best understood as loyalty and commitment to a person, 'no matter what.'

The woman in today's gospel story was committed to Jesus from the beginning of their exchange, perhaps even before she went to see him. His initial ignoring of her did not put her off, nor the insult which followed. She decided to be loyal to him no matter how he behaved and it paid off.

Economic rationalism has changed the face of employment. Businesses which have treated employees as family are bought out, taken over and the workforce 'down sized.' Long time employees are laid off, seemingly without care. This lack of loyalty from management results in a lack of loyalty and commitment from employees, with people constantly looking to move on to bigger and brighter things. Change is inevitable and change is good but not all change is. People do need stability and purpose in their lives, which is what our faith offers - loyalty and commitment to God through Jesus Christ.

Fr. Glendon

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Pastoral Assistants

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-36

The Pastoral Assistants of the Parish are conducting this special evensong at St John's. It will be an opportunity to encourage lay ministry participation.

All Parishioners and friends are invited to the service and an opportunity for questions and suggestions will follow the service.

It will be an opportunity for Pastoral Assistants to come together and join in this evening worship. It will also be a time to express thanks for all those who undertake prayerful ministry and worship in the Parish.

Our Pastoral Assistants are involved in ministry to nursing homes on a regular basis as well as pastoral visits to Parishioners at home or hospital.

Let us give thanks to God for all who undertake pastoral care in the Parish both formally and informally.

Fr. Dennis

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Change/Transformation

Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21

Often there is a great struggle in change as there was with Jacob as he wrestled with God. He thought as the day was about to dawn that he would be robbed of his anticipated blessing. But he held fast in that time of mystery and presence and was satisfied by a deep impression on his soul of religious awe and his name was changed from Jacob to Israel.

The psalmist speaks also of a night-time visitation and testing and then of being satisfied by seeing God's face in the morning.

Paul in the Epistle is concerned for Israel's hope which is a cause of pain and distress to him. But in his faithfulness is satisfied and breaks out in praise of God and of God's work through Jesus Christ.

Growing into Christ-likeness can involve struggles as well. It can also happen by being open to change. Jesus in the Gospel looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and transformed the little that the disciples brought into more so that there was much left over. Even the 'little' that we may have or are can be blessed and used by God and for the extension of God's Kingdom. In the Eucharistic meal, we too are changed and transformed more into Christ-likeness with the sacraments of bread and wine, which have been blessed and given to us. By receiving and being open to Christ's presence in this meal we are more than satisfied. We are then inwardly sustained and sent out in the power of His Spirit to love and to serve the Lord.

Robyn M

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Finding Treasure

Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:44-58

We are reminded today that the Kingdom of heaven invites two things that mark the fact that you have found it and treasure it:

There is a site to remember and a price to pay.

Can you remember where you found the first pearl that led you to Christ? a friend, a stranger, something read or heard in God's word? Was it a time of great joy or sadness or worry or decision? Or were you brought to Church and was prayer and Bible-reading commonplace at home. What a treasure you once found.

Mind you, the kingdom of Heaven comes with a price. In today's Gospel parable, Jesus is saying: "If you want to be a part of the Kingdom of God, you need to jettison everything for God and you will receive more than you've parted with."

I hope you frequently experience this together with your Christian friends at church, home or neighbourhood as well as in your private life and prayer.

Fr. Robin

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Enemies and Retaliation

Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Once again Jesus offers a different model. If only the world would see it and use it!

This last week the paper reported several examples of the apparently increasing incidence of road rage. In one case, two cars, travelling over the Narrows bumped each and other cars a number of times before stopping in Como where one driver was attacked with an iron bar.

In Jesus' parable, an enemy plants weeds in a landowner's wheat. Retaliation would be the normal response. At least remove the shame of this action by pulling up the weeds but the shrewd farmer knows that this would do more harm than good and he knows that the wheat is strong enough to withstand the competition from the weeds. He allows the weeds and wheat to grow together until the harvest when he will get his grain and the weeds as an extra fuel supply.

In a society dedicated to revenge, the landowner's victory by seeming to do nothing is a powerful lesson. The landowner's confidence that his wheat will overcome the competition from the weeds is worth thinking about. Trusting that goodness is greater than the fear of wickedness can be used to avoid the usual, but senseless, violent retaliation against all wrongs.

Fr. Glendon

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Sea Sunday

Jonah 1:1-17, Acts 27:27-38, John 6:16-21

'Those who go down to the sea in ships have seen the works of God.' In those words the psalmist recalled the plight of seafarers thousands of years ago.

Yet, today cargo transport through the shipping lanes of the Seven Seas continues to expand. The world of the 21st century is a 'commodity' driven community transferring goods and manufactured items from place to place. Sophistication in navigation of vessels through satellite communication and computer controlled ships leaves little area for the human contribution on board. However, there is the need to have nautical personnel on board and the Captains and Senior Officers and crew need to be highly skilled and responsible. Long periods at sea often in bad weather pu the strain on personnel.

This day is set aside to pay respect for the seafarers who have lost their lives at sea and to intercede for those who traverse the oceans in their daily employment. It is a time to acknowledge the nautical industries associated and the Port City of Fremantle. Today we especially welcome the Mayor of Fremantle, Peter Tagliaferri to the Seafarers Service.

The Flying Angel is a ready sign of hope and a place of refuge and welcome for those who serve at sea in hundreds of places around the world.

Support of this mission is vital to the care and compassion to the men and women of the sea.

Fr. Dennis

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Discernment

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

In the Genesis reading God works out his divine promises through the interrelationships of faithful people, doing good as in today's story.

Leaving one way of living to lead a more 'royal' or divine way is the focus of Psalm 45.

Paul was no stranger to the struggle against the sinful nature. The setting in the Epistle shows how humankind is lead from despair to hope, by recognising God's grace and purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ.

Jesus learned and discerned God's promises and purposes by listening to His Father. If it was good enough for him, it must be good enough for us. Jesus said, 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,' - (the text for today's Gospel). Then we can be free to join in the divine dance, 'the dance of grace'.

Robyn Mackie

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