I am writing this epistle on the eve of England’s first home test match of the season whilst noting the players in the squad chosen to face the visitors and reflecting on surprise inclusions and omissions. What are the selectors doing? Thinking back over the last fifty years I cannot remember an occasion when the England test selectors were not a topic of conversation because of their choice of players. Why on earth have they chosen him? Why is he still playing after last time? Where is this season’s most successful batsman or bowler? Of course everybody has their opinions and their favourite players and quite possibly wouldn’t want the thankless job of England selector if it were offered, but even so many of us who follow cricket are frequently bemused by the choices made.
Alongside the choice of an England cricket team is the choice of the next Archbishop of Canterbury. I will leave you to decide which is more important. The news came a few days ago that the Diocese of Canterbury has finally agreed upon which of its members should represent them on the Crown Nominations Commission – the body which will recommend a candidate to the King (in a round about constitutional sort of way). I would suggest that the choice made will matter more this time than at any other time in the recent history of the Church of England. The established church is struggling with its role in society and dealing with numerous crises from finance and staffing to safeguarding and fundamental matters of belief. Confidence is lower than at any time since I first knew about these things and anger at institutional failures is making many uncomfortable. (The latter matters greatly because although Anglicans are quite good at complaining they are not very good at being angry and so can cause a great deal of unintended damage). The process of discernment will take many months and speculation is fruitless because members of the commission take an oath of secrecy.
That might sound negative, but is not meant to be. A time of decision and choice can also be a time of hope. A good choice of bishop can lead to a good future. We are blessed to have Bishop Luke as our new bishop here at St. Peter’s, taking care of our sacramental needs and encouraging us in the faith. It will be a joy to welcome him on 6th July. I am also encouraged by two of the appointees to the Commission choosing the next Bishop of St. Albans. One is Richard Osborn who is a lay reader at St. Mary’s. Potters Bar. The other is the Rev’d Dr. Nick Weir, vicar of Holy Trinity, Frogmore. Both are faithful, orthodox Christians who will use their influence for the good of God’s Church.
A final reflection for Pentecost. After all the above, who chose you? Were any of us likely candidates for Jesus’ team of disciples? Certainly we didn’t deserve to be included. Reflect on the following words of St. Paul.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1: 25-29)
That makes a profound thought as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and our inclusion in God’s eternal plan. Welcome to the team. All you have to do now is play your best game!
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