Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 3rd April and for the Week ahead:

Scripture:

‘You, Lord, are gracious ad full of compassion, slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.’ (Psalm 86.15)

Reflection:

John Donne, the 17th century poet-priest who is commemorated on 31st March in the Church’s calendar, begins one of his famous sonnets with the words ‘Batter my heart, three person’d God’

and goes on to say that because he is so obstinate God will have to override him, besiege him, and drag him to Him by force.

This is not the picture of the loving, patient, compassionate God shown to us in Jesus, who says ‘Come to me, all who travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you’, who welcomes us all, without exception, however obstinate, reluctant and sinful, to receive his love.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

Because thy promise I believe

O Lamb of God, I come.

Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen