Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
As the world leaders prepared to leave Glasgow, following their Cop 26 Conference, President Biden spoke of wanting to leave something positive for his grandchildren. Certainly, it requires a determined and a concerted effort by all our World Leaders and indeed ourselves to make a real difference. Though agreeing wholeheartedly and indeed praying that we achieve positive results which are maintained and respected by everyone I found myself wondering what we as a church would leave subsequent generations.
The pandemic has had devastating effects and has undoubtedly brought about major changes in our world. One of the positive effects has been the way it has focussed people’s minds and on occasions made them face up to decisions, which for obvious reasons they would have preferred not to face up to. I hope that for all Christians it has in fact acted as a wake-up call. Are there things we can and indeed need to jettison if we are to grow and develop into a strong Christian community? The alternative is we drift along, leaving a mish mash of things, many of which younger generations have no desire to possess.
The gospel lectionary reading for last week focussed on the lawyer, who asked Jesus, which was the most important commandment. Like many of us I have preached on that narrative on many occasions but what struck me this time was the context within which Mark placed the account. Jesus left his listeners in no doubt that love of God was the most important commandment and the only way we can really love God is to love our neighbour, as ourself. If such a goal was to be achieved then many of the different aspects of worship, cherished by the Jewish faith would be rendered of minimal importance, in many instances they would be unimportant. Mark’s careful placement of the account means that many of the things Jesus had sought to impress on his followers really found their mark. Israel (Mark 11:12-14) the Temple (Mark 11:15-18) so significant to the Jews at that time, daily, weekly, monthly and annual sacrifices (Mark 12: 28-34), the Sanhedrin (Mark 12:2) were of no importance compared with love. It is as if the stage is being cleared for the final act……
Love for us remains vital, not the sentimental love but that deep love of God and of all people. To achieve that and indeed make the world a better place what can we jettison? What is God trying to tell us and are we prepared to listen and respond. His voice, midst the clamour of the world is a still and quiet voice, let us put behind us our own concerns and sometimes the things we love or think we love dearly and focus on more expressive worship, worship that touches our whole being and draws us into a closer and deeper fellowship with God. If we really love God, as we claim to, then we must be ready to listen and to respond to new and exciting ways of loving. This week’s service sheet for those unable to get to church includes in its prayer the words “Forgive us when we listen to others instead of you and fail to open our hearts to your loving guidance”.
Online Bible studies continue each Thursday night at 7pm
We’re studying that fascinating, and sometimes bizarre, prophet Ezekiel so come and join in.
May God be with you and may you feel his power in your life in these often difficult and uncertain times.
Shalom,
Judith Oldroyd on behalf of Bede Circuit