News and reflections

Today’s reflection is for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and comes from Dr Nicola Brady, the General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The Guardian’s reflections will resume next week.

Reflection for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020 was described as a watershed moment. There was a sense that the global wave of solidarity that brought people out onto the streets during a pandemic would make it impossible to ignore the deadly consequences of institutional racism and the power imbalances that deny human dignity.

The Black Lives Matter movement has certainly sparked uncomfortable yet necessary conversations, shaking the complacency that allowed racism and xenophobia to slip down the agendas of political and civic leaders alike. It has also questioned their reliance on legislation to protect people’s rights and challenged the failure to invest in the deeper work of examining the quality of our relationships in society, the attitudes that shape them and the language that defines them.

Yet with each passing year we see continued evidence that, across the world, the powerful institutions of the state continue to treat people differently based on race, ethnicity and other facets of identity that are protected in legislation. Those who live in fear are still waiting for their watershed moment.

Despite the heightened awareness of the nature and consequences of racism in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement there is a persistent resistance to dialogue about issues of power and privilege, exclusion and alienation in society. Christians bring to this dialogue a vision of reconciliation grounded in mercy and faithfulness, justice and peace, from which we draw hope for the healing of relationships.

For this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we are guided by the churches of Minneapolis as we seek to explore how the work of Christian unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society. Through this resource, the CTBI writers’ group has also focussed our attention on the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence, which we mark this year. The work of restoring hope through justice undertaken in Stephen’s memory continues to inspire and change lives for the better.

As we join with other Christians around the world for this year’s Week of Prayer we pray that our hearts will be open to see and hear the many ways in which racism continues to destroy lives, and to discern the steps we can take as individuals and communities to heal the hurts and build a better future for everyone.

Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

Reflection for the Third Sunday of Epiphany and The Call.

Jesus…”called to them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” From Matthew 4:12-23.



If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? Stephen Levine.



Today’s Gospel focuses on the call of Jesus to his disciples, the first thing he does when he emerges from the desert. Whether they knew him or had heard of him or not, it’s nevertheless astonishing that men who had work and families to support should immediately leave to follow him. What did Jesus see in those fishermen as he summoned them beside the Sea of Galilee, what did they discern in him – and whatever did their loved ones make of the consequences for them?

A spoof selection process for the twelve disciples suggests that they are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the roles which Jesus asks of them. Simon Peter is described as ‘emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper‘, James and John ‘place personal interest above company loyalty’ and Thomas ‘demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale’. Matthew is one of the hated tax collectors who liaised with the Romans whilst Thaddeus and James were both deemed to be possibly bipolar and have radical leanings. What would the same process suggest about each one of us?

However, the spoof suggests that one shows great potential: “He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot…..’ Bible.org

In telling Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him, it seems that Jesus offered no inducements or obvious benefits. However, his call to those four men quickly grew into twelve and the start of a mission which is still ongoing today although there have been many challenges to it along the way. The first four chapters of Matthew’s Gospel reveal the birth of Jesus, the journey of the Magi and the Massacre of the Innocents as well as the baptism of Jesus and his temptations in the wilderness. This is known to the reader but not, presumably, to the disciples who nevertheless responded to the sudden call of Jesus on their lives. What if they had not?

What if we had not, too? For the spoof reminds us that who we are now is not what we could possibly become when Jesus influences our lives and our potential. Those first unlikely followers who were summoned by him responded without knowing where it would lead them and, despite their faults, began to fulfill what Jesus saw in them. That was clearly both challenging and bewildering for them at times. In the bewildering and uncertain times of today, as we try to discern where love, hope and fulfilment can be found, our response is as important now as it was then. For George Herbert’s poem reminds us that the call is twofold, not only that of Jesus to follow him but the call from us for his revelation in our lives too:

“Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life

Such a Way as gives us breath,

Such a Truth as ends all strife,

Such a Life as killeth death.” From George Herbert’s ‘The Call’.

With my prayers; pob bendith

Christine.

Reflection on Epiphany, the Baptism of Jesus and Prince Harry.

“This is my Son, the Beloved.” Matthew 3:13-17.

“She wanted Harry to be William’s wing man and not, as we have seen, his hit man.” Andrew Morton, of Princess Diana’s comments about her children, the heir and spare. 

Today’s Gospel refers to Jesus as the beloved son of God who was born in human form and drew a series of diverse characters together through his birth in Bethlehem. Innkeeper, angels, shepherds and Magi were brought to the stable by a wordless infant entrusted to a human family as the Word was revealed to the world. This Prince of Peace was nevertheless subjected to possible violence and forced to flee as a refugee to Egypt in his early days as the unstable King Herod sought to get rid of him by massacring all the boys under the age of two. That would probably have amounted to 12 or 15 babies and it must have been a disturbing and worrying time for his parents, although the family returned after the death of Herod and little else is known of Jesus’ early childhood. 

By contrast, in his memoir Prince Harry has revealed previously unknown details of his childhood, being born into wealth and privilege as part of the British Royal Family and second in line to the throne. It’s now clear that Harry did not always feel a sense of belonging or purpose about his role as the second beloved son and spare should anything happen to the heir. Similar issues were reflected in the life of Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister who was also constrained by her position. However, the ‘spare’ child was needed when Edward VIII abdicated the throne for love of a divorced American and George VI became King, thus paving the way for Harry’s later position. Many would have sympathy for the young Princes when Princess Diana was killed in so violent a car crash when Harry was only 12 and it’s clear that the grief and anger he experienced in his childhood then continues greatly to affect him. However, in divulging so much now, it’s clear that Harry’s Spare has spared very little for his father and brother in particular – he who brought so many diverse characters together through the Invictus Games and being a Commonwealth youth ambassador has now chosen to distance himself from the Family and institution of his birth. That also applies to his time in the Army and security issues as Harry has broken with accepted practice by noting the 25 members of the Taliban that he claims to have killed and calling them just chess pieces rather than human beings. That perhaps relates to his training as an Apache helicopter pilot, but what will result from all this in whatever lies ahead?

By contrast, Jesus meets his second cousin John and consents to baptism by him, even though John suggests that it is not necessary. The Baptist is clearly surprised by what is being asked of him but agrees to it when Jesus says to him, “Let it be so now.” As a result, through John’s acceptance despite his reservations, the words confirming Jesus as the beloved Son of God are heard and his public ministry begins – many challenges have been overcome and also lie ahead.

Whatever our private or public thoughts and actions, we all have opportunities and constraints upon us for all sorts of reasons and there are times when this is bearable and when it isn’t. Perhaps there are current issues when we need to “Let it be so now”in the hope of future fulfilment or when we have to accept that there is little that can be done to change matters and events as we would wish. At such times of revelation, whether through an epiphany of some sort, the controversial memories and comments of others or the inner voice of conscience, decisions will follow about whether to be supportive or critical as Andrew Morton suggests. These decisions may be affected by whether we seek justice or revenge for the situations that trouble us and all this has its consequences. As the voice from heaven speaking of the beloved child goes on to proclaim that it is well pleased with Jesus, would it say the same of each one of us?

With my prayers; pob bendith,

Christine, Guardian.

Holy Eucharist will be held at noon on 5th, 12th – Service of Reflection, 19th and 26th January, followed by a shared lunch at the centre.

Services will be held in the church if the weather is mild or in the centre if it’s cold – please also be aware that wet, wintry or stormy weather can cause difficulties in getting down the lane here as well as accessing the broadband and phone.  

However, green shoots are appearing in the garden – Spring is also on its way! 

New Year Reflection at the Shrine Church of St Melangell.

Christmas is now over for many, although we are still in the twelve days of Christmas until Epiphany on January 6th as far as the church is concerned. One thing that struck me this year, however, is the relevance of many of the traditional Christmas carols that were sung. There have been some calls for their rewriting and one Anglican church carol service included an updated version of ‘God rest ye, merry gentlemen’ with the lines ‘God rest you, queer and questioning’ and ‘God rest you also, women, who by men have been erased’. Whatever the views of those attending – and not! – the Christmas story has once again been proclaimed in many ways with its universal message of hope and love for all people. 

This winter is hard for many, bleak even, as some families, businesses and charities struggle to pay their way. Christina Rosetti wrote of another bleak midwinter in her carol of 1872, which mentions earth hard as iron and water like a stone. That may not be the case for us as we end what could turn out well the hottest year on record with primulas in bloom and blossom on some trees because it’s been so mild. But Rosetti’s carol speaks of the stable-place that sufficed for Jesus’ cradle – a place that was probably dirty and smelly from the animals and with shepherds from the hillsides rather than the family calling. However, it was enough to provide the milk and bedding that was needed and the basics were there. That first Christmas was very different and yet familiar too: a pregnant teenager, thought at first by her older fiancé to have mental health problems because she spoke of an angel visiting her; an uncertain journey to be counted at the census, with no room being found on arrival in a town full of their relatives – probably due to shame and embarrassment at the situation; the family fleeing as refugees and being homeless because Jesus was in danger……

But that’s why there’s something to celebrate as New Year begins – Jesus was entrusted to an ordinary human family, not into wealth or a palace befitting a king. The first to hear of his birth were those on the hills tending the sheep – it was the poor and marginalised who heard the song of the Angels which so many others did not and they were told the good news first, with Jesus spending his early life as a refugee and then growing up in obscurity. He experienced so many of the issues still being faced today as well as then – so little has changed and yet so much!

Rosetti asks what Jesus can be given, poor as I am, and suggests that giving her heart is what’s needed. That’s as true today as at the first Christmas and when she wrote her carol. Love, hope and human care were needed and were enough for God’s purposes then – and that can be so now, no matter how bleak things seem to be getting. The stripping back of the luxury and frivolity to which many seem to have become accustomed may enable the true and basic values at the heart of the Christmas story to emerge once more – and that could enable a hopeful New Year, no matter how uncertain and challenging things seem as it begins. May it be so!

With my prayers; pob bendith,

Christine.

Greetings from the Tanat Valley 

May Christmas bring its blessings as well as its challenges and the New Year be a time of fresh hope,

Christine, Peter, Karen and the Trustees at St. Melangell’s.

Today’s reflection is Neges Nadolig, the Bishop of St Asaph’s Christmas letter, in Welsh and English by following the links: 

https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/221219-Christmas-message-Pastoral-Letter-ENG.pdf

https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/221219-Neges-Nadolig-Llythyr-Bugeiliol-CYM.pdf

Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday.

”Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” John the Baptist in today’s gospel, Matthew 11:2-11.

“You know he’s saying something proper and sensible.” The commentator Jo Phillips, of Gareth Southgate as he comforted Harry Kane after missing a vital penalty in the English football team’s World Cup quarter final match. 

A while ago, before I owned a sat nav, I was driving along country lanes in Norfolk and got completely lost. Fortunately, I saw an elderly chap at a junction and asked him how to get to my destination. “Well now,” he said in a mellow country burr as he scratched his chin, “If I were ‘ee, I wouldn’t be startin’ from ‘ere!”

But I had to start from there because there I was! His words came to mind with today’s reading where John the Baptist, having had people flock to hear him in last week’s gospel, is now languishing in prison. There he was in Herod’s dungeon, having been jailed for criticising him for marrying his brother’s wife – John’s caught in a protracted situation which will lead to his beheading. Rather than asking Jesus for help, John seeks clarification from the darkness of his cell – and he doesn’t just ponder. John takes action and sends his disciples to Jesus to question him. 

However, Jesus does not directly answer John – he simply replies that his disciples must relate to him what they hear and see. The blind, the lame, lepers and the deaf are being healed, the dead are being raised and the poor are receiving good news. These are signs of God’s kingdom being fulfilled but Jesus does not declare it openly and it could also antagonise the insecure King Herod further. John had called for repentance and spoke of the axe cutting down dead wood and fire to come whereas Jesus’ words are of mercy, healing and good news. The messages of the two men are very different as Jesus speaks of John’s greatness but declares that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater. The work of the messenger is done but the waiting goes on as Jesus continues his journey towards his own imprisonment and a terrible death – but, also, resurrection and fresh hope. 

Today is also called Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday, because of the antiphon for the day:“Rejoice in the Lord alway and, again, I say rejoice!” ( Philippians 4:4) The darkness is lifting as the light of Christmas draws nearer – Advent is about hope and joy to come as well as the present reality. Today, many people are asking searching questions in light of the huge challenges currently being faced, just as difficult questions are already being asked about the future of Gareth Southgate who showed such grace and compassion as he tried to comfort Harry Kane.  At times of great pressure, do we also show the same grace and compassion – would proper, sensible words be on our lips?

John endured disappointment and pressure in his cell but continued to ask probing and reflective questions. In finding courage to do the same in our own time, Advent reminds us that we must wait hopefully and actively rather than passively, taking action to make a difference as did John. May his example enable us not only to continue to ask questions and take action but to see more clearly how and where the Kingdom is already being fulfilled so that we can continue joyfully to await its coming – no matter where we’re starting from.

With my prayers; pob bendith,

Christine, Guardian.

Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent  – John the Baptist.

“Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’, for I tell you God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham…..one who is more powerful than I am is coming after me.” John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-12.

“Where do you really come from, where do your people come from?” Lady Susan Hussey to Ngozi Falani.

The voice of John the Baptist is heard in today’s Gospel, proclaiming that one is coming without saying who the one is or where he’s coming from. Nothing has been heard of John since Luke’s account of his birth to aged parents Zechariah and Elizabeth but he is the second cousin of Jesus as Elizabeth and Mary were cousins. The older woman had greatly helped Mary, with Luke writing that she stayed with the pregnant Elizabeth for about three months as both came to terms with what was unfolding. Zechariah and Elizabeth are to be blessed with a child in very late life and Luke tells us that her child, John, leapt in Elizabeth’s womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit as Mary arrived. At first Zechariah was struck dumb as he understandably struggled to accept this when told by the archangel Gabriel (whose name means God is my strength) what would happen. Eventually he was obedient to what God was asking of them both, the child was unexpectedly called John rather a family name and speech returned to this faithful old priest who was so surprised by God’s plans and then filled with the Holy Spirit as he praised God. Perhaps we too struggle to accept some of what God asks of us and can be forgetful of the Holy Spirit inspiring trust in God’s strength and not just our own? 

Zechariah was told that the child would have the spirit and power of Elijah and that he would turn many to God. When he appears in Matthew’s gospel, John is wearing camel hide with a leather belt and eating locusts and wild honey – as did Elijah. He speaks of the patriarch Abraham and is in the desert, reminiscent of the wandering of the people of Israel after the exodus from Egypt, as people travel to hear him and be baptised. Even some of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders who focus on ritual and tradition, are coming to John – presumably to find out more about him – and John calls them a brood of vipers as he speaks openly of the need to repent. But John points to the one who is coming after him as he tells them, “I am not worthy”. Despite his own stature and role, John defines himself in relation to the one who will be coming but is not here yet – and Jesus does later appear as John prepares the way for him. 

The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, mentions an oracle from God prophesying that, “I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.” This prophecy was made a long time after Elijah but four hundred years before John and so his appearance would create much speculation for those hearing his words. As the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, John is key to the traditional role of the prophets in preaching the need for repentance and change and in speaking of the one who is to come. But this is the arrival of his second cousin – isn’t it?

John seems to be a mystery to those questioning him as he dismisses the attention to himself, but clearly he knew who he was in relation to what Jesus was to him. The one who is coming is much more than his second cousin and it seems that the Holy Spirit has enabled John – in the womb and since – to realise who Jesus really is and where he comes from. All of us are much more than we may seem to be and it can take a lifetime to realise the many layers of identity that make us who we are. That surfaced in the recent exchange at Buckingham Palace where a guest was repeatedly questioned about her origins and when offence was taken at a time of great change that can be a challenge for some.

John challenged many and still does today as his words are a focus once more. In pointing to Jesus rather than himself, John is a reminder of those who have influenced our faith development and pointed us in the right direction to discern where God is at work in our lives just as we have opportunities to do the same for them. This Advent, John’s message of repentance and faith rings out once more – may the Holy Spirit enable us to hear and respond to his message amongst the voices warning of doom and the distractions which may divert us as we face the call in our own time to prepare for the coming again of the One who is both judge and love incarnate.

With my prayers; pob bendith,

Christine, Guardian.

Advent Message

Advent Message