Scripture:'Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.' (Acts 9.1-9)Reflection: In Damascus Ananias, an ‘ordinary’ Christian man, was told by God to go to Paul, heal his blindness and baptise him. Knowing Paul’s reputation and his purpose in coming to Damascus it took enormous faith and courage for Ananias to do this, but he did as God had told him. And the rest is history! Paul went on to become a major figure in the spreading of the Christian faith, both by his indefatigable preaching and by his letters which are still a source of teaching and inspiration to us today. Paul fully believed that he was right, and even that he had God’s authority and approval for his actions. He is neither the first nor the last to claim that God is on his side while committing acts totally contrary to the will of God. What a contrast to Ananias, whose life of faith and prayer allowed God to use him to further His purposes through a totally changed Paul. His humility and courage echo the words of Jesus: ‘Your will, not mine, be done’. Heavenly Father, give us grace to know your will for us, and courage to carry it out.Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
Scripture:'Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.' (1 Corinthians 12 4-7 & 11)Reflection:Competition to be the best is generally celebrated with honours, prizes, medals or trophies which starts at school and continues throughout our lives. This has the effect of leaving those whose contributions are not quite up to scratch feeling underrated and seen as a failure.Whoever we are, wherever we come from, we are all blessed with gifts that enable us to help all humanity to work together for the common good. Each and every one of us has a different ability and we all have something special to bring to the table. Each contribution that we make to our family life, our community life & our church life is to be equally honoured, celebrated and developed to bless and transform the world. So let us help everyone to nurture their God given gifts. Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture: 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ (Luke 3:21-22) Reflection:As if the baptisms of John the Baptist weren’t special enough, today was a truly extraordinary day. Jesus is baptised along with many others by his cousin John who has come to prepare the way. Then God’s voice is heard by all, praising and thanking Jesus very publicly, as well as acknowledging that he is His son. At this point in Jesus’ life he hasn’t started his teaching or miracle work, so why is God pleased with him? A different translation of the voice of God says: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” (Message). Jesus received praise from his Father, who is proud of him. He has been baptised and can now show people the Way in earnest. There is no doubt from this moment who Jesus is or belongs to, or how much he is loved. God shares this love with all of us, and we are truly blessed to receive it. This is the first part of the Good News story that we have the privilege to share today. Victoria Bray
