'Who are you to tell me who I am.' - Weekly Reflection 15th March 2026

 It still happens with our grandchildren, the twin boys, James and William. I reference one and yet mean the other! They are not usually slow in correcting my error.

Identity has been a theme I have bumped into several times in the past week.

In our Connect Group (Home Group) we were exploring the woman Jesus encountered at the well.  We know her as perhaps a woman of dubious morals, and we know of her as a tad feisty in as much as she was willing to talk back to Jesus. And we know she was one of the first ‘evangelist’ as she ran back into the village and said, “come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.”   Jesus restored her dignity and restored her to the community. Being at the well on your own at noon is an indication that she was ostracised by her community. The Eastern Orthodox Church takes this a step further and identifies the woman and names her as a celebrated saint, St Photini and they present her in a very positive light. See Photini: Mother of Evangelists — Know Your Mothers

And in this story it is worth noting that Jesus identifies himself as ‘I am’ with all the deep connotations that phrase means linking in with Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. (Exodus 3)

On Wednesday evening I joined 'The Welcome Directory’ on Zoom for a 'Spotlight.' . The Welcome Directory

The ‘spotlight’ on this occasion was on the importance of accommodation for those coming out of prison. We heard of the work of two charities who are offering help in accommodating ex-offenders. Hope in Action - Hope Into Action UK and The Langley Trust - Langley Trust

 Frank was a guest who had been helped by Hope into Acton. From an extremely challenging childhood, Frank drifted into a life of crime that ended up with a very long sentence.  However, he told of how Jesus had illuminated his life, giving him a new purpose and identity. The work of the charity and the accommodation all helped him upon release. It was a delight to see him glowing with the presence of Jesus.

And having a new identity in Christ was the subject of our reflection at St Oswald’s this morning as we explored Colossians 3: 12-17.  Here, Paul outlines the former life of some of the Colossians, and the new life they were now to live as followers of Jesus. Verse 17 ‘Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,’ giving thanks to God the Father through him.’

This is to be our new identity, because ‘you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.’  (verse 3)

No longer a prisoner, or even an ex-offender, or a woman of dubious morals, no longer labelled by others, but rather loved by God, a son or daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

However, we have to choose to step into this reality and steep ourselves in this new reality every day. And a deep engagment with the Scriptures in one way to help in this endeavour.

And this is a matter of the will. I remember my first post at the Church of the Holy Cross, Marsh Farm, Luton. The Vicar, Bob Branson, was always keen to point out to couples being prepared for marriage that it is only in Hollywood Movies that couples say, I do. The actual phrase is ‘I will.’ It is a matter of the will, a matter of choice, a matter of always making that choice in all situations.

And living in that reality we will bear fruit as we are clothed in Christ.

^‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ (verse 12)  (And couldn't we do with some of that in our world at this time!) 

Many commentaries chose to reference the Samaritan woman as someone of previous dubious morals, the Eastern Orthodox follow’s Jesus in giving her dignity and agency.

Frank has become someone who now radiates the love of God, and has been rescued from a life of imprisonment, bitterness and anger and labelled as an ex-offender, a criminal.  

To round of the week on Saturday I took part in some excellent training from Urban Saints about Neurodiversity and how we can offer a welcome to everyone in our Churches by making various adjustments. Home · Urban Saints

I volunteer with RDA (Riding for the Disabled) Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) - Enriching lives through horses Our riders come with all sorts of constraints on their life, some in wheelchairs. What is always key is that we look beyond the presenting ‘disability’ and to see the person. ‘RDA is committed to providing life-changing experiences for disabled children and adults across the UK. We believe it’s what you can do that counts, and with your support we can do even more.’

We need to be careful of what labels we might put on people. If it is information that will help us engage in a more helpful and meaningful way with someone, then it is useful. If it becomes something that defines a person and becomes their indentity, that needs to be challanged. 

As we go through our day we may find people sticking all kinds of labels on us, not all of them helpful or kind. Some of them might be very injurious. It is a good exercise to take all these labels and put them in the bin at the end of the day, to acknowledge and recognize that first and foremost I am a child of God.

 

 https://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k?si=m70hNvHNzdQGoomd