'Real Lives' - Weekly Reflection 28th September 2025

I had a couple of friends who made the trip to Twickenham yesterday which must have been an incredible experience. It was exciting enough watching the match on TV.

In case this has somehow passed you by I am referring to the ‘Red Roses’, England Women’s Rugby Team winning the world cup playing against Canada.

I know some old die hards who will still say that it is proper Rugby, which of course is total nonsense, its simply a different type of Rugby, but its Rugby none the less with athletes at the top of their sport.  With 81,885 in attendance at the game and over 4million watching on BBC I think it is safe to say that this is being taken very seriously and in certainly not a novelty or a sideshow.

However, delighted as I was to watch England win I want to reflect on another game, a football match painted by L.S. Lowry in 1953 of fans arriving at Bolton Wanderers game at their old ground of Burden Park.  Lowry painted several sports related pieces, but this is the best recognised.  

We saw the painting at the Lowry Gallery on Thursday last. A beautiful iconic building situated in the former dock land of Salford, Manchester. What is also special about this piece is that it has been set up to offer you a fully immersive 360 experience.  During the experience the narrative draws attention to the figures. Initially if you simply look at the painting it might appear that what you are seeing is the same ‘matchstick’ figures only dressed slightly differently. However, you are invited to notice a couple walking hand in hand. A small crowd gathered around a man who seems to be speaking, perhaps preaching. In other words, individuals each with their own story, each with their own life, hope, dreams and aspirations.

Some months ago, I was invited to write a piece on how I came to live in Rugby in 3,000 words. This was for a project by the Rugby Café Writers. They invited 17 people to tell their story of how they had come to live in Rugby.  The idea came about by recognising everyone has a story, even the most ‘ordinary’ things that happen every day. Amongst their immediate fascination they also offer a historical record. The book is Real Lives – Everyone has a story to tell. My story is called, From Rochdale to Rugby.’  *

And given my age, being invited to write up my story, and then making a trip to Manchester to see the Lowry exhibition all came together to make me curious to know more about my early childhood. While staying in Manchester we called off to visit my older brother who was able to help fill in some blanks and unclear recollections. Plus we did drive around ‘old haunts’ and I took the opportunity to lay flowers at both mum and dad’s graves.

Those who know me will be aware that I am fond of remembering Saints and notable Christians from the past, especially when they have a dedicated day on which we are invited to remember them.  For me this serves as a reminder that we are part of a greater narrative. That there have been others who sought to faithfully follow Jesus in their own day with all it challenges. They have a story to tell.

And despite the occasional very questionable behaviour we know that they succeeded in passing on the Faith – otherwise we would not have had an opportunity to embrace the Faith ourselves.  

On Friday 26^th we remembered the Founder of the Church Army in 1982. I love the way a colleague put it on a FB posting and I can do no better than offer you his own words.

On this day 83 years ago, a guy died who most of us have never heard of. He struggled at school, failed at business, had a breakdown, suffered from depression and yet has transformed the lives of thousands.

Wilson Carlile had profound back issues and so struggled through school. In spite of this, he became a highly successful businessman. But the stock market led to the complete failure of his business, leaving him depressed and broken. For years his aunt had been writing him letters telling him of his need for Jesus, only now did he listen, finding faith.

He was later ordained but quickly became frustrated with how little the church was doing for the poor. He began outdoor preaching in order to reach those who would never come to church. This led to work in the slums and eventually the formation of Church Army UK & Ireland, in a way the Anglican equivalent of the Salvation Army. The Church Army still works with the most vulnerable and neglected in society and their mission statement still speaks of 'enabling everyone to encounter God's love and empowering them to transform their communities through faith shared in words and actions.'

I love the words on his plaque in St Paul's Cathedral 'A man greatly beloved who loved and served all – especially those thought most unlovable. “GO AFTER THAT WHICH IS LOST"' (The plaque has the caps!)

If God can do so much through one man's life against all the odds, what can he do in your life?

If God can do so much through the initially rejected letters of an aunt, who is God prompting me to share my faith with? I might even need to start writing letters!

A few things to consider as we step into the new week…

What might you like your epitaph to say?

Have you ever tried to write your story, especially how you came to embrace the Christian Faith?

Can we be curious (not nosey!) about people’s life stories and invite them to share something of their story with us.

Have a quick scan though the Scriptures and notice just how many names there are, why do you think that is?

And perhaps take note of any ‘Saint’ or notable Christians we are invited to remember and learn a little more of their story.

And finally we are very much living in the age of the individual and a good antodote is to remember  that 'I am because we are.'   Our stories are always part of a rich tapestry of other people stories and their interaction, reaction and responses. 

Have a good week. 

 

 * Real Lives is availble to purchase -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQ2MYQC4

   

 

 

 

 

'Sticky Labels' - Weekly Reflection 21st September 2025

How good are you at starting a conversation, do have a regular ‘go to’ phrase? This was the question posited by a Radio programme I was listening to last week. People were invited to offer their conversation starters. There were some very intriguing ideas and several that were very puzzling. One British standard ‘go to’ is the weather, probably because we have so much of it!  Another suggestion was about musical taste, what people like. Another standard one that is still used regularly on Game Shows and the like is the question, where do you come from and what do you do.’

I remember a Vicar friend of mine who if ever he was asked ‘what did he do’ by way asking what job he did, would answer by saying he did all sorts of things. Even as a Vicar he refused to be defined by his employment. (Although strictly speaking Vicars are not employed, they are given a ‘stipend’ so that they do not have to work in the way we most often use and know that term.)

This Monday, 22nd September it is the Feast Day St Matthew. 

We read of his calling in Matthew 9.9

^‘As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.

With all the current toxicity around currently could this verse and the calling of Matthew guide us to have better conversations.

First and most importantly note the order this encounter is recorded.  (Without concerning ourselves overmuch as to the exact Greek construct of the sentence.)

Jesus first saw a man - a man named Matthew.

Then we are told that he was a tax collector.

It’s a very simple observation and yet powerfully profound and raises an interesting question for us. A person, a named person, then their employment.

When we see someone in person or even on TV what is our first reaction, how do we see them, what do we see?

A dangerous egotistical President of the United Sates.  A bullying tyrant wanting to annex Ukraine. Or maybe a President who appears to want to utterly destroy a people’s group, the Palestinians.

What do we see?

What do we see when we meet a prisoner, especially a sex offender or a murderer?

You get the idea, what do we see when someone is before us in person, or on the TV or even in a conversation being mentioned by name.

First and foremost, Jesus saw a man. Someone made in the image of God, Imago Dei.

I remember some years back meeting someone who polished stones. Not diamonds or rubies, but those stones you find lying around buried in the mud. These stones would be put in a grinding mill with other stones and sand, first quite a coarse sand and then moving on to finer sand. She showed me a stone she had picked up as we were out for a walk. After 24 hours of being in the grinding mill it was remarkable to see the colours that shone out of this now polished stone.

The Imago Dei may be buried deep, under layers of encrusted mud and dirt gathered over years. 

But, unless we believe certain people are utterly irredeemable, then we must at least hold onto the hope that it is there somewhere.

First see the person before we see their personality, their problems, their peculiarities, their profession and their peccadilloes.

It’s a tough call and deeply challenging especially today when there is so much vitriol and bile being spilt across the social media and on our streets.

Today (21^st September) is the United Nations International Peace Day. I used this powerful prayer from resources drawn up for today during our Morning Worship this morning.  

God of all, accept our plea for peace. Too many times, mothers have wept for their sons. Too many times, fathers have wept for their daughters. Too many times, children have wept for their parents. Our world is awash in violence and grief is everywhere. Guns attack children in schools and worshipers in their houses of worship. Everywhere persons perish by their own hands, the hands of another and mercy seems nowhere to be found. When will it end? How will your voice be heard above the crying?

Forgive us for othering and making different those whom you have created beautifully and wonderfully. Forgive us our divisive national identities, ethnic strife, religious opposition and culture wars – for they lead to violence within and between nations. Let us become a part of the solution by promoting critical thinking and providing empathy education. Give us the resolve to speak up for diplomacy and international organizations that foster understanding. Let us be willing to sacrifice wealth to promote economic equity and opportunity. Fill us with tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect on the pathway to peace. Help us to love our enemies and bless those who would persecute us.

Let there be peace on earth. 

Amen.

  

 Make me a channel of your peace....

https://youtu.be/S2R09Kuymd8?si=NH1Mp9I3yubiZHPz

 

  

 

‘Everybody’s Gotta be Somewhere’ - Weekly Reflection 14th September 2025

In Episode 163 of The Goon Show, the highly esteemed BBC radio comedy from the 1950s, Neddy Seagoon happens across the childlike Eccles in a dark, damp, coal cellar. “What are you doing here?”, asks Seagoon. Eccles replies: “Everybody’s gotta be somewhere.”[i]

The Goon Show featured on the periphery of my childhood but for some reason this quote has stuck in my memory. Hence I was delighted when a quick Google search revealed a ‘Reflection’ based around this quote. (Link here Everybody's Gotta be Somewhere - LifePicture)

It’s something about the pure logic of Eccles response that has lived with me. And throughout life I found myself in all sorts of places, and sometimes wishing I wasn’t there, but there I was none the less, because I had to be somewhere.  

I have just read a very harrowing transcript of a telephone conversation with Todd Beamer. Beamer (November 24, 1968 – September 11, 2001) was an American passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked and crashed as part of the September 11 attacks in 2001. He was one of the passengers who attempted to regain control of the aircraft from the hijackers. During the struggle, the Boeing 757 lost control and crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board, but saving the hijackers' intended target and potential additional victims.

That is certainly finding yourself somewhere you would rather not be in the ultimate extreme.  

My own experiences of wishing I wasn’t ‘somewhere’ pale into insignificance when compared this.

However, there are times when I ask myself “what am I doing here?”

One of those was on the recent visit to HMP Rye Hill on the 1^st September as part of the ‘visitor party’ for Afternoon Tea with the residents, especially those who rarely get visits.  I was a tad nervous about how this would work out. However, it turned out to be so well organised and such an enjoyable experience. And certainly, from what I heard at the time and the feedback since is that it was also well appreciated and an enjoyable experience for the people in prison.

And another occasion was last week on Tuesday 9^th September when I was with a group of 13 people mainly from St Oswald’s and visiting the Sherborne Recycling Centre in Coventry. (Sherbourne Recycling) Now that may sound like an odd place to visit but it turned out to be so informative and interesting. It is a state-of-the-art facility for recycling that has been in the planning and development since 2016 and was finally fully opened in 2025. Part of the facility is a visitors’ centre, and they welcome all community groups as part of their drive to reduce waste and involve everyone in the process of recycling. 

This morning at St Oswald’s we continued our exploration of Acts and today we reflected on Acts 16.16-34.  This this story of Paul and Silas being imprisoned while in Phillipi. And worth noting that this wasn’t where they thought they were going to be, see Acts 16.6ff, but here they were because everybody has to be somewhere. The story continues and we find Paul and Silas, beaten and thrown in prison. I am sure it was somewhere they didn’t want to be but look at their response.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16.25

And Paul was to write in his letter to the Christians in Rome, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8.28.

Recall the beautiful story of Esther and when Mordica speaks to Esther about her needing to approach the king despite the danger, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4.14

Consider the story of Joseph having been sold into slavery and now being reconciled to his brothers says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Exodus 50.20

‘What am I doing here’ is a good question to ask as we step out into the week ahead.

Then asking, am I here for such a time as this, to offer something unique, that might be like Paul and Silas singing God’s praises in the direst of circumstances witnessing to God’s presence, power and authority. Or am I here to learn something, a life lesson or something in my onward journey as a disciple of Jesus.

Michel Quoist in his book, ‘The Making a Man of God’ (about King David) wrote,

“You are a unique and irreplaceable actor in the drama of human history, and Jesus Christ has need of you to make known his salvific work present in this particular place, at this particular time.”

“Everybody’s gotta be somewhere” – so, let’s endeavour to be where God wants us to be!  

 

[i] The Goon Show Site – Script – The Last Goon Show of All (Special Episode)

'A Balanced Diet' - Weekly Reflection 7th September 2025

 We have a fridge magnet that says, ‘A well balanced diet is a biscuit in each hand.’

However, I want to invite us to reflect on not what goes in our mouths, but what goes into us through our eyes and ears.

Two Scripture verses come immediately to mind when I think about this.

The first is a very familiar passage from Romans 12.2, which the J.B. Philipps translation renders as, ‘Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.’

And then from Philippians 4.8 ^‘Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.’

I am avid news watcher, and I also listen regularly to BBC’s ‘Newscasts’ as well as podcasts, ‘The Rest is Politics' with Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart and ‘The Rest is Politics USA.’  

However, on Saturday mornings if I am out for a run as I was last Saturday, I like to listen to Radio Two (not my usual station to listen to). 

Last Saturday I was being entertained by Romesh Ranganathan and Sara Cox, or as they jokingly designated themselves, ‘RomRa.’ This was all based around ‘Radio 2 in the Park’ being held over this weekend in Chelmsford.

They were joined by Ellie Taylor who was to open the Party in the Park with an air horn that was malfunctioning. However, there was a considerable delay in the gates opening and so ‘RomRa’ had to fill in and ad-lib. They were also joined by veteran DJ Tony Blackburn.

What I found wonderfully refreshing was all the banter, the joking, the public joining in with various messages, and with Ellie talking to people at the Party who were enjoying the fine weather and looking forward to the line up of artist.

This, for me, was getting the ‘other biscuit.’  This was getting a balanced diet.

Doom scrolling is a real thing and is adversely affecting a lot of people and having a damaging effect upon their mental health. Just check that out online and you will see a number of reports discussing the very harmful effects this can have on us. One Report from the Harvard School of Medicine offers this advice, ‘While keeping abreast of current events is essential, doomscrolling provides no extra benefits. "We need to stay informed, but not at the expense of our mental health," Dr. Nerurkar says. "And cutting back is not about abstinence; it's about decreasing reliance."

In the Practising the Way Course (Practicing the Way) and on the sessions about Solitude this question is asked, ‘what is the first thing that enters your eye and your ear gates as you wake up in the morning?’  

Is it a clock radio that is set to a programme where you will hear the news. Or will you sleepily reach for your phone and start checking it for messages and maybe begin to slip over into doomscrolling.

"Prayer should be the gate of the morning and the bolt of the evening" is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi.

That is very sound advice for followers of Jesus and as people of prayer.

Before we listen to the radio or look at our phones, let us check in with God through prayer, maybe even taking time with a cup of coffee or tea. Putting God first and setting God there as a marker for your day, or perhaps better put, the day you and God are going to have together!  And then check in regularly during the day and of course, as you lay down to sleep.

May we live in the reality of this song….

‘From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God.’

https://youtu.be/ZvXEPKR_D8U?si=W0ehW1oByIXQpIcR

 

 

 

 

 

'Guess whose coming for dinner' - Weekly Reflection 31st August 2025

 Yesterday (Saturday) I joined a small group of volunteers to try and tidy up the front garden of one of our older Church members. They are hoping to bring her home after a prolonged spell in hospital. However, the garden, and in particular the path to the front door had become overgrown.  Part way through our labours we stopped for a brew and one of our team had kindly brought biscuits, not just any biscuits, but chocolate biscuits.

I watched how people ate their biscuits because according to a study from Oxford University the correct way to eat a chocolate biscuit, according to experts, is to eat it with the chocolate side down. This method allows the chocolate to melt on the tongue, enhancing the flavour experience. The Oxford University study suggests that flipping the biscuit over before eating maximizes the 'oral-somatosensory experience' of the chocolate melting on the tongue. It is recommended to eat chocolate digestives at room temperature and take a substantial bite for maximum enjoyment. (This is a real thing, check it out)

Now you know, and don’t even get me started on the scones and jam and cream first debate – but just to say we lived in Cornwall for ten years!

The Gospel reading (RCL) for this Sunday is Luke 14. 1,7-14 and in the first verse we read, ‘One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.’

This was a Sabbath, would Jesus break any of the rules, ‘they were watching him closely.’

And he does break their rules by healing someone. However, our reading skips over this and we pick up the chapter at verse 7, a story about a wedding.

When our son was married during the Wedding Breakfast the ‘top table' was served last after all the guests had been served. Our daughter Tabitha picked up this idea and I remember sitting with her as we talked with the hotel where the reception was going to be held. The lady helping to organise the Wedding Breakfast was a tad non-plussed when Tabitha asked for the same, for the top table to be served last.

This was breaking all the rules of normal convention.

 However, Jesus in this passage from Luke isn’t giving advice on etiquette.

And a story it is, or rather a parable, we are told that in verse 7.

^‘Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honour, saying to them…’   

(And there are more meals in Luke than in any of the other Gospels)

And this is a parable about a Wedding Feast. Note that, a wedding feast. This is a recurring motif in the Gospel accounts, principally where Jesus is the Groom and those responding to his call are viewed as the bride, something that finds it fullest expression in Revelation 21.

Be careful to hold all of that in mind as you listen to this parable.

First off then this isn’t a piece of advice on etiquette, although there is some helpful wisdom here. So what is this parable meant to be telling us.

Remember that those gathered for this meal were watching Jesus closely to see if he would keep to the rules.  

And Jesus was to say on one, occasion, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.”

And how he will do this is encapsulated in this parable about the Wedding Feast and the invited guests jockeying for positions.

Who we might ask are the invited guests. Well, we know from other parables that these are people from the highways and the byways, the meek, the lowly, the poor and the outcast. The invited guests are people like Lazurus, not the one brought back to life, the other one, the beggar who sat outside the rich man’s house and was ignored. Luke tells this story in chapter 16 of his Gospel.

This is an underlying theme for Luke that begins with Jesus’ mandate for mission in chapter 4 quoting from a passage in Isaiah that declared freedom for those imprisoned, sight for the blind, and the year of the Lord’s favour. From Luke we also have Mary’s song, what we know as the Magnificat.

A key message of Jesus is that “I have not come to call those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

No, this is a not advice on etiquette but a profound parable.

This is revealing God’s heart for the least, the last and the lost.

“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

And if this is God’s heart position, then surely one question we need to be asking ourselves when we gather as God’s people is, who is not here and why?

May the answer to that question never ever be that they are not here because we deem them unworthy, or of not having enough money, or wearing the wrong clothes or maybe have served a prison sentence. Everyone bar exception is welcome to gather around God’s table.

However, there is a curious little incident in one of the wedding banquet parables told by Matthew that ends with this…

‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’…

Everyone without exception is welcomed because God loves us just as we are, but he loves too much to leave us that way.

Going back to the other Lazurus, the one Jesus raised from the dead, on emerging from the tomb Jesus said, ‘take of the grave clothes and let him go free.’  (John 11.44)

Everyone is welcomed, but then we are invited to take off our grave clothes, our bad habits, our besetting sins, our anger, pride or whatever, and to put on the garment freely offered by God so that we may enter into the Wedding Banquet of the Lamb as a son or daughter of the King.

And that is to begin not in some distant future and place far away, but right here and right now, we are called to live a holy life.

I Peter 1. 15-16, ‘But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  

The Easter Orthodox tradition refers to a process of Theosis, simply put, ‘Jesus came to share our humanity so that we might come to share his divinity.

As we read in Ephesians 4.13

‘…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.’

‘As we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.’

How are you doing on this one?

Certainly spending a few hours cleaning up a garden I would argue is a Christ like action, although I don’t think we would be too bothered about which way up Jesus might eat his chocolate biscuit!

So, how can we demonstrate in the week ahead that we are becoming increasingly holy and more Christ like? And how can encourage each other '…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.’

Listen to this song and allow it to speak deep into your soul and spirit as you ask to become more like Jesus.

https://youtu.be/9eOiEzgy0VY?si=ikpXC06dF_VB1m-b

 

 

'Dangerous Desires' - Weekly Reflection 24th August 2025

 

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid:
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This is a Prayer of Preparation and is a common feature in Anglican worship.

I have been reflecting lately on desire – in this prayer we declare that God knows all our desires.

The first reference in Scripture to someone having a ‘desire’ is very telling.

We find it in Genesis 3.6, ^‘So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.’

Note the sequence, she had the desire and then she took and consumed.

(Let’s not get to hung up on it being Eve who is designated here, that’s a discussion for another time)

We should also note that the tree was meant to be desired, that in the story is part of the point.

However, and a very important however, is that this tree was out of bounds to the human couple created by God with a special purpose and calling.

Would this human pair accept God’s wisdom and God’s timing in allowing the human pair to discover and discern true wisdom. Sadly, we know the answer to that and continue to live in the consequences.

In the final analysis I think it would be fair to say that every person in our prisons are there because of a desire, a desire that according to the law of the land could only be acquired by ‘legitimate’ means, or that has been deemed an illegitimate desire.

We see this being played out on a global scale as Putin has a desire to see Ukraine once more under Russian control as just one example amongst many.

Sometimes our desire leads into conflict, currently we are seeing a rise in a desire not to have asylum seekers housed in certain hotels in particular areas.

The next desire we see in the Scriptures is the desire for revenge or at least to destroy.

From the story of Cain and Abel, offspring of Adam and Eve. (See Genesis 4)

Cain is angry that God accepted Abel offering above his, angry enough as to want to destroy his bother Abel.

Genesis 4.6-7, ^‘The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? ⁷ If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.

I find these words some of the most chilling in the whole of the Scriptures. This is ‘monsters under the bed’ big time.

There is a ‘monster’ that is always seeking to master us, to lead us into a way of rebellion against God, and it is powerful, but we can master it, we do not have to give in to it.

Thanks be to God that because of the completed work of Jesus we have someone who fully understands our dilemma…

 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So, whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help. Hebrews 4.15-16.

The difficulty for us is that Western culture is built on creating desires. We are bombarded daily with advertisements that activate and cultivate our desires.

Are we able to master the desire that may lead us into ‘sin’ – that leads us further into chaos, death and decay?

Are we able to create a desire to interrogate every desire, to see if this desire will bring flourishing and life. That will bring flourishing and life not only to me, but to my family and friends, to my community, to this person standing before me.  

Let me put this bluntly, I see this person before me, and I have a strong desire to have sex with them. However, they have no desire to have sex with me and added to which for various reasons having sex with this person is illegal.  That’s a ‘monster’ that need to be overcome before that desire consumes me and leads me into a gross transgression. (And a possible prison sentence!)

At the ‘softer end’ I may have a desire to give this person a piece for my mind for what they have just said or done. But will that help, will my following this desire lead to a building up, will it lead to flourishing, will it lead to life.

Desires are necessary, they are part of the warp and weft of life. We have a desire to eat and drink and that’s important, but we need to be cautious about what we eat and drink and the amount we eat and drink.

Left unchecked desires can be dangerous, very dangerous.

Romans 12.2 is a good Scriptural watchword,

‘Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.’

Remember that the thought is father to the deed. (Check out Matthew 5.28)

We need to cultivate the desire to walk in God’s will, way and wisdom where our desire is to honour the Lord, with all our heart and worship Him.

This is My Desire (Lord, I Give You My Heart)

https://youtu.be/blhRB3xz5yQ?si=iE-_3F48HhDS0eEn

 

 Choose your path carefully for only one leads to life in all it's fullness.  

 

 

 

 

'Jesus - a Syncopated Saviour' - transcript of sermon Sunday 17th August 2025 at St Oswald' Rugby

Continuing our exploration of the Book of Acts and the life of the early Church. Today we are exploring Acts 10 where Cornelious a Roman Centurian finds faith in Jesus and becomes a member of the new community of believers. 

                            -------------------------------------------------------

In a classic Morecambe & Wise sketch from their 1971 Christmass Show, Eric Morecombe attempts to play Grieg's Piano Concerto with Conductor Andre Previn as a guest on the show doing his best to conduct. After the orchestra plays the opening bars Eric comes in and plays a completely different tune. Andre Previn stops and speaks to Eric, saying you are playing all the wrong notes. Eric Morrecombe gives the now famous riposte…

“I am playing all the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order.”

As Alan reminded us of last week all the familiar aspects of the life of the Covenant People of God are here, but not playing out , as expected.

Let us remind ourselves of Jesus’ words that set the pattern for the expansion of the message of Good News across the world.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1.8

And this is what we have been tracking, this outward movement from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Coming back to Morcombe and Wise one of the aspects of their very popular show was to have a famous person join them, like in this show with Andre Previn.

As we have journeyed through Acts we have had an array of key players in this unfolding drama of the proclamation of the Good News.

We have Peter mark two, no longer afraid, but speaking boldly.

We then have our first martyr, Stephen, who outlines in even greater detail the role of Jesus in the fulfilling of prophecies and God’s ultimate plan for the redemption of the cosmos.

We have had Ananias and his wife, Sapphira – not a good outcome on that story but it does show messing with God can be dangerous.

We have seen a very generous Barnabas.  And Philip being called to meet with an unnamed Ethiopian in the desert.

Last week we met another Ananias, not the same one we met earlier, this Ananias was obedient to God’s call, and we marvelled at his courage and obedience.

Which brings us to todays guest, and we really are reaching out now with Cornelius.

And as before we see the work of God in preparing the way with Peter’s vision of an oversized picnic hamper.

Let’s just think about that for a moment.

Question, where do you think God is?

Some words that may be familiar to you from the worship song, 'Gather Us In' 

(Marty Haugen 1994)

Not in Some Heaven Light Years Away,
But Here in This Place the New Light Is Shining,
Now Is the Kingdom, Now Is the Day.

A recurring theme of the Book of Acts is the work of God in preparing the way, in moving people about, in engaging with people, sending heavenly messengers. We might call this book the Acts of the Holy Spirit.

So, where do you think God is?

Do you believe God is still active and still working out his plans and purposes through you and through me, although we sometimes mess things up and get things wrong. Well, I know I certainly do.

Mind you, the vision of a huge picnic hamper would certainly grab my attention as would suddenly find myself mysteriously transported into the middle of the desert.

There have been times however when I have thought, just what I am doing here, how did this come to pass.

God’s activities in Acts are a tad special and unique, but if God is God, then unless we believe God has got bored and gone elsewhere surely he is still in business and continues to look for faithful partners to work with him, to discern his will and to then walk in it.

And today’s guest, Cornelius was certainly left field and unexpected.

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10.1

Cornelius was an Italian Roman soldier, a centurion, a key military person with command of a small cohort of men numbering between 80 and 100. And his posting was in the very significant seaport of Caearea. 

Now wouldn’t it be amazing to think that this centurion was the same one or perhaps friends with the one who stood and watched Jesus die and proclaimed, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God.’   And let’s not forget the Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. Maybe there is a connection between all three centurions.  

Cornelious was a God-Fearing Gentile, who prayed to God regularly and gave alms to the poor and he was well loved and respected.

Like springs bubbling up out of the ground we keep catching glimpses of a Gospel message that is expansive and inclusive.

And now the flood gates are about to be opened making way for the Gentiles to come flooding in as Isaiah had said,

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60.3. (Cf also Isaiah 56)

“While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.  So, when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” Acts 10. 27-29 

Peter has all the right notes, but he is not hearing them in the right order.

This is not sounding like a piece of ancient classical music, but more like a Jam Jazz session and Peter is trying to keep in tune and in step with God on the lead piano.

And I am rather amused when I read about Peter’s recounting the story of Jesus, all very good stuff, but then we read in verse 44,

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.’

Is this a frustrated Holy Spirit, ‘cut to the chase Peter,’ and while he was mid flow, bang, the Holy Spirit fell upon them. This was manifested as at the day of Pentecost and they spoke in tongues and praised God. 

This stuff leaves you breathless.

The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.  For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts 10. 45-48

God is still on the lead piano and playing a Jam Jazz session that will ultimately bring about the reconciliation of all things both in heaven and upon the earth.

Now we may be more comfortable knowing all the right notes played in the right order, but that’s not always God’s way.

As Rowan William once said, “Mission is finding out what God is doing and joining in.”

Each and everyone of us has a particular instrument to play. And if you are still breathing God has not done with you. Band membership is for life not just for Christmass!

But we do need to learn to lean in deeper and listen more carefully to the tune of God’s redemption, reconciliation and renewal. 

And as in a jam jazz session that will mean taking a lead from the piano but also being very aware of all the others instruments and what they are playing as well.

And one more very important takeaway, absolutely no one is barred from participating in God’s jazz band, everyone is more than welcome.

However, to pick up the instrument God wants you to play you must first let go of what’s already in your hand – that’s called repentance.

Remembering that God loves us just as we are but loves us enough not to leave us that way.

This week let us be praying and looking for opportunities to invite people to join God’s jazz band because Jesus alone is worthy of every song we could ever sing and worthy all the praise we could ever bring,  because there is no one like him, our syncopated saviour. 

Worthy of every song....

https://youtu.be/xh86R7_w1_8?si=lF_lf6TZ8fbSIDNG

And if you want to see the sermon in context visit St Matthew's and St Oswald's website.

https://www.smso.org.uk/