Getting Connected - Weekly Reflection 13th April 2024

 Reflection

On Sunday 7^th April I was leading a time of Prayerful Reflection in the evening at St Oswald’s. I had prepared a set of slides that I hoped would enhance our experience. I was informed that it would easy enough to link in my computer with the large monitor in the Church Lounge. But alas, when it came it, we didn’t have the right adapters or connectors and therefore we had to do without the slides I had prepared. 

The following night, Monday 8^th April, I was back in the Church Lounge and preparing to lead the Rugby Prison Fellowship Group through a monthly Prayer Gathering. I had made two trips to PC World to ensure that I had the right adapter.  (I am ‘okay’ with tech but by no means an expert). I went to plug in the lead into the jack in the socket and the socket came loose and disappeared. Ah, I thought, I’ve got this one covered.   I had taken a DVP player with me that I have used before with my computer, not as good, but it would work. Well, it would have worked if I had taken my old computer. But no, I had taken my upgraded computer, and yes, you’ve guessed it, I couldn’t establish a connection, I didn’t have the right lead.   

Having this happen just prior to a prayer gathering is not very conducive to engaging in prayer in the right frame of mind.

Since Resurrection Sunday we have been considering the stories of Jesus’ ‘appearances’ – note, not visions or hallucinations. Read the plain text of these reports and you see a recognition of a ‘bodily’ resurrection and yet strangely different. For example, in Luke’s account following the appearance to Cleopas and companion on the road to Emmaus we read in Luke 24.36 – 37 ‘While talking about this, (Cleopas’ report of their Jesus encounter) Jesus himself stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you,’ They were startled and terrified, and thought they had seen a ghost.’  But Jesus invites them to touch him and feel his bones and also eats some broiled fish.

I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching on new wine for new wineskins. (See Luke 5.37-38)

The first followers of Jesus needed to ‘adapt’ so they could accommodate this new reality. Their old paradigm of reality needed to shift and be renewed. The resurrected Jesus simply couldn’t not be accommodated in the old paradigm.

Now, joy of joy, for we read in Scripture that Jesus is the first fruits.  ‘But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ I Cor. 15.20.

And we are likewise are being adapted so that we can ‘fit’ and ‘connect’ in the new paradigm of a heaven and earth reality that began at the resurrection and will be culminated upon Christ return. (Technical term, 'inaugurated eschatology')

‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’  2 Corinthians 3.18

Ponder this question. How much at ease are you in this world and in the way it currently organises its affairs, locally, nationally, and internationally?  Do you feel a certain disconnect?  How much time and effort are you willing to put in to try and find ways that better connect heaven and earth?  How much time and effort are you willing to put in so that a clearer picture of our true human destiny is displayed?

For that to happen you will need the right connection, and there is only one connection that will work - Jesus.

'O My God!' Reflection 1st Sunday of Easter 2024

 

Reflection

Like many Churches that follow the RCL (Revised Common Lectionary) at St Oswald’s we engaged with the story from John 20 about Thomas, ‘doubting’ Thomas.

When reading this account, the first important thing to do is to put it into its context.

Chapter 20 reads like a conclusion and chapter 21 as a kind of postscript. Chapter 21 is a lovely story but sits oddly next to chapter 20. Its purpose appears to be broadly two-fold. One, to stop a rumour about the ‘disciple whom Jesus loved’ that he would not die until Jesus had returned, verse 23, and secondly to give affirmation of Peter’s restoration and therefore he could be accepted a leader in the infant Jesus community.  (And note 20.30-31, and 21. 25.)

Chapter 20.31 is the key verse that ends John’s Gospel.

‘But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.’

 What the author wants us to do as we come to the end of the Gospel is to ask ourselves the question that Thomas faced. Can we, dare we, trust the evidence given by others about Jesus’ resurrection. Can we, dare we, then declare as Thomas did, (verse 28) ‘My Lord and my God.’   Sadly today, many people say ‘O my God’ with little thought or care of what they are saying (or whom they are offending!).  Even our grandson William has picked this up from school friends and we are trying hard to get him to stop.  (And it is worth pondering here that Thomas was as monotheistic Jew and therefore what had shifted for him to declare Jesus as God. Much in the same as Jesus is ‘worshipped’ – see Matthew 28.17)

The big question then, as it is now, is what it means to believe in the resurrection and what does it mean to declare Jesus as my Lord and God.

Well worth pondering on that. And if I might point you hopefully in a useful direction, consider the role of a rally co-driver.   Go and check that out. You will find that for the most part the driver is utterly reliant on the co-driver for instructions about what’s ahead and how to deal with it.  Putting Jesus in the driving seat takes you on a taxi ride! But go on a rally with you driving and Jesus as your co-driver who has been there and knows the route – that’s bring a whole different dynamic to the picture.  I could add more, but I will let you play with that image.  Personally I find it so helpful and exciting, even if a little scary at times not knowing what’s coming around the corner.

And should you like to explore more about Thomas this article is brilliant.

https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/1745-for-those-who-yearn

Reconcilation - Reflection on Easter Sunday 2024

For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1.19-20

An article popped up on my Facebook feed telling the story of the world’s longest bus route from London to Calcutta that began in 1957 and continued into the 60’s becoming  known as the ‘Hippy Bus.’ 

 In 1981 I was living and working for Church Army in Victoria, London. In November I walked around the corner and caught a coach to Morocco! This was organised by Oak Hall Expeditions. www.oakhall.co.uk/  That adventure was very important going forward, but that’s a story for another time.

I wonder what journey you are on and what do you think is your destination and the destination of all your fellow travellers, i.e. other humans.

It may be something like the first picture attached with the cross being the bridge to heaven. As an evangelist I have used a model of this type but in a simpler form seeking to show that there is nothing we can do to bridge the gap between us and God, only Jesus and the cross can do that. This model has some merit but does presupposes someone is already trying to get to God!

On Resurrection Sunday our Vicar, Alan, reminded us that that the first Easter day inaugurated a conjoined trajectory which will ultimately bring heaven and earth together in a new creation.  (Revelation 21).  I began to play with the cross image in my mind and came up with another image. Jesus and the Cross intersects history at a very particular point and in a very particular way resetting the trajectory lost in the rebellion of the first human couple as told in the Genesis story.

 As you look at the first picture of earth, this is in the context of the creation narrative, with its heaven and earth reality. The second image as the new heaven and earth. Jesus reconciles and bring them back onto a trajectory which will see them once more combined as a common heaven and earth reality, God and creation living together in harmony.  Humans fulfilling their sacred mandate to be royal priest working in harmony with God in the new creation.

Evangelism and the Gospel story then becomes about an invitation to be part of this enterprise. The journey of discipleship is to learn how to live in this now and not yet moment, technically known as inaugurated eschatology.  During Lent, at St Oswald’s we were encouraged to read John Mark Comer’s book, ‘Practising the Way.’ He picks up the idea of a disciple following a Rabbi (he prefers apprentice as a better term for today). His strap line is simply, to follow Jesus, to become like Jesus and to do the things Jesus did.

Personally, I find this model far more engaging and dynamic.  Its sits well with the Lord’s Prayer when we ask that God’s will is done on earth as in heaven. I often refer to our seeking a ‘realized Lord’s Prayer.’ 

What do you think is our destination?  There are number of choices. Heaven, hell, earth/heaven (new creation), reincarnation or simply oblivion to name but some. 

What story do you think the Bible is telling us in its overarching narrative? These are important questions to sit with as they will affect our daily lives and what we perceive as the Gospel and what Jesus’ resurrection effected. 

Reflection Palm Sunday 2024

Reflection

‘Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! Your king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey.’ Zechariah 9.9

Some Biblical scholars would argue that this event we know as Palm Sunday  was written into the Gospel account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem but probably never happened.   Personally, I am willing to take it at face value. I am willing to see that this is exactly the type of thing Jesus would do. There was a long tradition of prophets living out or enacting their message. From smashing pots, Jeremiah 19, giving your children significant names, see Hosea, or a naked Isaiah, cf. chapter 20, or hiding your underpants in the cleft of a rock, Jeremiah 13.4.

Jesus was sending a very clear message of whom he considered himself to be, and he was inviting people to recognise this and proclaim it.  The time for obfuscation and the ‘messianic secret’ was over, now in this final week, it was time to be clear on intent and purpose, calling and vocation. 

I am equally okay with accepting that Jesus timed his entry into Jerusalem, coming from the east and through the North Gate just as another triumphal procession was entering throughn the opposite Western Gate.  Pilate would come to Jerusalem from his home in Caesarea for major feast, and they didn’t get more important than this one, celebrating the Passover.  Pilate would be riding a war horse, with a cohort of soldiers to bolster the standing army stationed in Jerusalem. And Pilate would be sending a strong message to any who might think of starting an insurrection. You can well imagine the trumpet blasts, the stomp of hob nailed sandals, people being pushed roughly to the side.

And Jesus, Jesus comes humbly riding on a donkey. In the ancient world entering a city on a donkey was a sign that the person is coming in peace.

Pilate’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem is not hard to imagine. It has continued throughout the age, and you have only to see the news and

you will see it is still happening in many places across the world.

And you and I, we have a choice. Which ‘king’ are you going to give your allegiance to, which king are you going to follow, which kingdom are you going to give the whole of your life to see it become a reality.

Before you say yes to follow King Jesus go and take a long hard look this Holy Week at the preceding chapter 10 of Mark’s account of Jesus’ triumphal entrance in chapter 11. 

May your journey through Holy Week be reflective, full of pondering, may you be able to embrace the 'cost' of Good Friday, may you be able to sit in the utter hopeless dereliction of Holy Saturday, and having made that journey, our rejoicing will carry far mor meaning as we proclaim that 'The Lord is Risen.'  

Weekly Reflection 17th March 2024

 

Reflection

Tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day, although some will be celebrating today, (17th March) even more so after they retained the Rugby Six Nations title! 

The reason is simple enough, it is because ‘liturgically’ the Church does not celebrate any Saint on a Sunday. Last year, St George’s Day fell on Sunday 23^rd and was transferred to Monday 24^th.  It’s good to know that Sunday remains focussed on Jesus.

St Patrick’s story in essence is simply told.

Patrick was born in Britain of a Romanized family. When he was 16 years old, Irish raiders tore him from the villa of his father, Calpurnius, a deacon and minor local official, and carried Patrick into slavery in Ireland. He spent six bleak years there as a herdsman, during which time he turned with fervour to his faith. Upon dreaming that the ship in which he was to escape was ready, he fled his enslaver and found passage to Britain. There he came near to starvation and suffered a second brief captivity before he was reunited with his family. Thereafter he may have paid a short visit to the Continent.

The best-known passage in the Confessio tells of a dream, after his return to Britain, in which one Victoricus delivered him a letter headed “The Voice of the Irish.” As Patrick read it, he seemed to hear a certain company of Irish beseeching him to walk once more among them. “Deeply moved,” he says, “I could read no more.” Nevertheless, because of the shortcomings of his education, he was reluctant for a long time to respond to the call. Even on the eve of his re-embarkation for Ireland, he was beset by doubts of his fitness for the task.

As I hear this story, I am reminded of the story from Prison Fellowship in one of their recent missives  about Henry…

Henry was a learner on the first Sycamore Tree course that our Volunteer, Brian, facilitated. Henry also spent a lot of time in the prison chapel and became a Christian while serving his sentence and was baptised. Brian would often check in on Henry when visiting the prison. But then, one day, Henry was released. And Brian was left wondering and praying about his life on the outside.

A few years later, Brian was volunteering in a category A prison for the very first time. On his arrival, the Managing Chaplain smiled and said, ‘There’s someone in the chapel who would like to meet you.’ Brian wondered who this might be.

He walked in and there was Henry. He ran over and excitedly greeted Brian! But now Brian’s mind was racing. What on earth has happened for Henry to be in a category A prison? If he had been recalled here, he must have done something seriously wrong. He said, ‘Henry, what’s happened? Why are you back in prison?’

Henry laughed. ‘I’m not here as a prisoner. I am now a Group Facilitator, helping to run Sycamore Tree. The course had such a big impact on me that I wanted to help others to be transformed, too! I can never thank the Sycamore Tree team enough. They helped turn my life around.’

And I reminded of the founder of Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson.

www.prisonfellowship.org.uk

There are others of course, who having gone through the prison system, return to offer ministry. Like Simon Edwards and ‘Walk Ministries’ in Stoke.  They offer a fantastic range of programmes and facilities to help men transition out of prison life and into society.

walkministries.org.uk

I think this says something about incarnational ministry.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

This Sunday coming is Palm Sunday and once more we will begin the journey that leads inexorably to the cross on Good Friday.

Then what next?

Well, for most Christians it will be Easter or Resurrection Sunday. But what about Holy Saturday. (The day before Easter Sunday is not Easter Saturday, you can’t have Easter anything before Easter Day!)

I long for the Church to sit for a while, incarnationally, with all the pain and suffering and hurt across the world, and yes, in our prisons. Especially the recent tragedy in HMP Exeter of a young man from Launceston taking his life following violent altercations with his cell mate.

(Consider what Jesus’ disciples were feeling and experiencing on this ‘in-between day, all hope gone, all dreams dashed. Utterly and completely bereft, so much so that Peter returns to what he knows and what he left before he began the walk with Jesus, what else to do indeed!)

And then, having sat in that place of dark and despair to slowly allow the wonder of resurrection arise bringing fresh hope of new creation, the dawning of a new day.  

 

Weekly Reflection 10th March 2024

 

Reflection

 

My brother sent me through this picture on Saturday of him and the Sycamore Gap Tree.  As someone with a life-long keen interest in the natural world he was delighted to hear the news that saplings and seedlings had been grown from the Sycamore Gap Tree that stood in a dip along Hadrian’s Wall. 

The National Trust didn’t hold out much hope of success given the time of year. But with diligence and skill they have manged to ensure that the tree continues to live on through these seedlings and saplings.

The link with Prison Fellowship Home - Prison Fellowship and their own Sycamore Tree Course has many echoes.  The Sycamore Gap Tree was subject to a random criminal activity that destroyed the tree and the pleasure that it had brought to many thousands of people.

The Sycamore Tree Course seeks to get those in prison to recognise the ‘damage’ they have done with ripples that spread way beyond those immediately affected.

There may be those who think that any hope a ‘new life’ is impossible.  However, with dedication and skill, restoration and new life can arise. There is always hope.

I would like to think, and I would imagine, that we will be hearing more about these seedlings and saplings as they are planted out. Maybe we could use the news of these plantings as a focus for prayer for the Sycamore Tree Course and for any Courses or individuals involved in the Course that we might know of. 

If you are not familiar with the Sycamore Tree Course follow this link for more information. 

sycamore tree - Prison Fellowship

Jesus said, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ John 12.24

 

Weekly Reflection 3rd March 2024

The Jury: Murder Trial

How much can we trust our justice system? In this landmark experiment, a real-life murder trial is restaged in front of two juries of ordinary people. Will they both reach the same verdict?

 THE JURY: MURDER TRIAL

Watch The Jury: Murder Trial | Stream free on Channel 4

 

Jane and I sat and ‘binged watched’ our way through the whole series of ‘The Jury: Murder Trial, as we found it so compelling. If you have not watched it, I cannot recommend it highly enough.  The two juries where unaware of each other and we got to see for the first time, a jury processing and deliberating the case before them.  If you have not seen it, I will not give anything away.

All I will say on this is that I am thankful that it is God who will eventually bring his full judgment and justice to the world. 

Partly that is because we are who we are, we have a ‘back story.’  During the series we got to hear the back story on some of those on the jury.  What was hard for them was to push all that down and try and act on the facts and the legality of the case. Their decision was whether the accused was guilty of murder or manslaughter.

Our ‘formation’ begins at conception and will continue until we die. Initially our formation is the responsibility of others until we reach an age where we can begin to make choices about what we are going to engage with. However, we are all being formed and changed by the things around us, by what we eat, where we live, our family and fiends and a whole huge raft of things. Some of those influences we have no control over, but others we do, and to some degree how we chose to engage with those influences remains in our gift. (But at the extreme edge that may lead to our death as we have seen recently with Alexei Navalny.)

St Oswald’s Lent Book is ‘Practicing the Way’ – John Mark Comer and picks up the idea of our formation which is summarised by St Paul in Roman’s 12.2 ‘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.’

Comer brings together in a very readable way, ancient wisdom from people like Benedict as well as an understanding and explanation of the way of ‘disciples’ and their rabbi at the time of Jesus. Comer encourages us to become ‘apprentices’ of Jesus, a term he prefers over the word disciple. The goal is to become all that we are meant to be infused by the life-giving Spirit of Jesus. This follows a threefold pattern; be like Jesus, become like him, and do as he did.

Each and every moment of each and every day we are being formed, shaped, and moulded by a huge array of influences. (Interesting that today being an ‘influencer’ is considered by some as a career choice)

The question for us all to consider and to ask ourselves and others we have conversations with, is what are we being influenced by and what choices are we making in what influences us?

The next and deeper question, again asking ourselves and those we engage with, is how those influences are shaping and moulding us? Into what type of people are we becoming? Are we becoming kinder, more loving, more at peace – perhaps we might want to say, showing more of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. (Galatians 5.22-23.)

Ask yourself this question what type of 80-year-old would you like to be? Older people tend to fall into broadly two categories. (Medical issues aside).  They will be at peace, content, interesting and engaging and with time to listen. Or sadly, they can be cranky and bitter and full of resentment and short-tempered.

If by God’s gift and grace I make it to being eighty, then I know for certain what side of that bell-curve I want to be. And that will mean letting God re-mould my mind from within by taking care of what I engage with on the outside and what I am letting in and allowing to influence me.