Reflection: Sunday 14th August and for the week ahead:Scripture:Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-2)Reflection:‘So great a cloud of witnesses’, what does the writer mean? Who are these witnesses? Why, they are the women and men of faith, the ‘saints’ who have gone before us. This is a text often read at All Souls and All Saints, when we remember those who have already ‘finished the race’. The thought that all around us is an unseen, unheard, but encouraging crowd of earlier believers and heroes of the faith cheering us on, is both comforting and gives us a strong imperative to carry on, to ‘run with perseverance the race that is set before us’, whatever that race looks like in our life. But the writer also makes sure that we understand that the one we are running towards, the one on whom our eyes must be fixed, is Jesus. Ponder this, as you run, walk, or slowly amble, this week. Revd Ylva Blid-Mackenzie
Reflection: Sunday 7th August and for the week ahead:Scripture:‘From those who have received much, much will be required, and from them that have been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.’ (Luke 12.48)Reflection:This is one of the sayings of Jesus that surely speaks for itself. But though its meaning is quite clear the implications for all of us are very challenging.We have received so much. We enjoy a degree of peace and prosperity unimaginable in many parts of the world, and even to many in our own. country.For Christians there can never be a sense of ‘entitlement’. We have what we have by the grace of God, gifts given to us to use in his service.It’s often said that ‘the more we have, the more we want’, but Jesus reminds us that the more we have the more we are able to give to others. And what we give to others, we give to God. ‘All things come from you, o Lord, and of your own do we give you’.Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
Reflection: Sunday 24th July and for the week ahead:Scripture:Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” 18 Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” 20 But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’ (Luke 12 18-21)Reflection:With the cost of living crisis squeezing our budgets, this parable feels all the more relevant. Many people in our country and abroad are suffering from lack of food, from rising fuel costs and dwindling savings as the inflation rate rises higher and higher. Now more than ever, if we have stored up riches in our ‘barns’, this maybe a perfect opportunity for us to give to those who desperately need our help - this is also a good time for those who are in need to feel comfortable about seeking help - ask and it will be given. Maybe give of your time, your expertise, donate to food banks or be a listening ear - God’s gift of abundance is there for all to share - it is just a case of sharing it out fairly to those need. Lyn Hayes, ALM
