Reflection: Sunday 24th July and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

'The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.'  (Peter 4. 7-8)

Reflection:

The early church was constantly on the watch for Jesus’ return. This state of ‘being alert’ must have changed their priorities and the way they lived their lives. They lived in relationship with God, loving others as Jesus commanded, opening their hearts to the strange and unloveable folk - they didn’t always get it right, but I’m sure they experienced lifetimes of fulfilment and peace of mind and heart, living as beloved children of God, and awaiting the return of their saviour. In our world of clamour and immediacy our lives have become over-complicated and so fast-paced that I wonder if Jesus came back tomorrow, would we even recognise the simple homeless carpenter, saviour of the world? Or would we brush him aside without a second glance?

The verses above remind us what is important: a constant love for one another that turns our gaze outward and requires a pause - a time to re-consider our priorities and re-order their importance in our lives..

Vicki Young