Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 21st July and for the week ahead:Scripture:“He got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astonished.” (Mark 6.51)Reflection “He got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astonished.” (Mark 6.51) The disciples have helped Jesus feed five thousand people from a starting point of only five loaves and two fish. He has then sent them off in their fishing boat. The next morning they see him as they are struggling against the wind and cry out for help. Why were they utterly astonished? How could they not have been ready to accept that Jesus would be able to provide the help they had asked for? How far does our own experience echo theirs? – recognising the wonderful ways in which our lives are made possible and enriched, our daily bread provided and so many possibilities of growth and healing,… and yet we are astonished if our prayers are answered.David Harmsworth
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 14th July and for the week ahead:Scripture:11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)ReflectionLast week, as I looked at some pylons, marching across the landscape, transmitting energy, I got thinking about: where do we get our energy from? What in your life gives you energy? What powers you? Is it joy? Is it anger? A sense of injustice? A feeling that time is short and you want to make the most of it? Other people? Your own company? We can get our energy from many different sources, some of them more healthy and life giving than others. Spend a bit of time this week thinking about what fuels you, and is it helping you make the most of every day, or is it draining you, or wearing you down? If you are not tapping into the best power source often enough, how could you “switch supplier”? What activities or friendships give you life and energy, and how could you get more of those in every day, or week? Do you connect directly to God, the ultimate power and the source of all life?Revd Ylva
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 7th July and for the week ahead:Scripture:'He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.' (Mark 6:7-9 & 12-13)Reflection:Jesus sends out the disciples, giving them authority to do things. But he sends them off empty-handed! “Take nothing for the journey.”! Now that seems pretty counter-cultural! By today’s standards Jesus’ instruction appears cavalier at best, and down-right reckless at worst! Why did Jesus say this?!We need to combine Jesus’ teaching and some words from the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians, Chp 12) where he says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. I am content with weaknesses….; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”When we feel strong in our own abilities; when we feel strong in our own resources: then we are tempted to do God’s work on our own…without needing to involve God! That leads to failure.When we are weak; when we allow God to fill us with His power (his Holy Spirit), then we are stronger than we could ever be on our own!Revd David
