Reflection: Sunday 30th October - All Saints' Day - and for the week ahead:Scripture:‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:27-31)Reflection:Someone needs ‘the patience of a saint’ we sometimes say, and may be referring to the qualities and actions that Jesus is recommending to us here, and which can seem impossible! Who is that good? This week the Church celebrates both All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Both in different ways taken up with thoughts of those who have gone before us. Not that they were all saints, of course. Far from it, in some cases. But even the saints were not always so saintly. Because saints are not all dead, holy people, so much better at being good than us. The saints, the way that word is used in the Bible, are just those who are trying to live God-centred lives, doing what God wants from us, which in its simplest form can be expressed thus: Do to others as you would have them do to you. That simple, and that difficult. Revd David
Reflection: Sunday 23rd October and for the week ahead:Scripture:We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15.1-6)Reflection:This week it is Bible Sunday. A day when we should reflect upon how important the Bible is to our faith and to our lives. If you agree that the Bible is important, what do you make of these words of the apostle Paul?If we view it from a global perspective, then we can perhaps see it is a good thing Paul is saying: neighbours should build one another up….. because doing the opposite can lead to war. But what about when it is more personal, and we have fallen out with our immediate neighbour? Then the scripture, “Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour,” becomes tough! However, these are still words inspired by God, and the message cannot be ignored. Fortunately, Paul ends with a sort of prayer, “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another.” If you are struggling, then pray this prayer for yourself…. and your neighbour.Revd David
