Chelmarsh: St Peter

On Thursday, just as I was on the point of giving up, I went out into my garden at 11pm and there I saw it; the "strawberry moon", which I had read about on the BBC news website. It is full moon that stays very low in the sky; as such it appears larger than usual and also has a red/orange glow. It is rare, the next time it will happen will be in 20 years time. It was spectacular; when I first glanced it, obscured by a tree, I thought it was an orange street light. Of course, being a vicar, I thought not of strawberries but of the Bible verses which speak of the moon being turned to blood, a sign of coming judgement from God. Now, I know that is not the explanation; the event is a consequence of the orbit of the moon and earth and way reflected light behaves when it is scattered by dust in the earth's atmosphere. It is not a sign sent by God. And yet, there was something spiritual about the sight; it was beautiful and it was moving. I am tempted to say that where there is beauty, there is also God but God is present alongside us everywhere, including what is dark and ugly. Perhaps it is better to say that beauty, natural or manmade, can point us to God, who is ultimate beauty, the joy of our desiring.

Chelmarsh: St Peter

Thought for the week, 14th June, The moon shall turn to blood.

Thought for the week, 31st May, Open to all.