Reflection: Sunday 7th August and for the week ahead:Scripture:‘From those who have received much, much will be required, and from them that have been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.’ (Luke 12.48)Reflection:This is one of the sayings of Jesus that surely speaks for itself. But though its meaning is quite clear the implications for all of us are very challenging.We have received so much. We enjoy a degree of peace and prosperity unimaginable in many parts of the world, and even to many in our own. country.For Christians there can never be a sense of ‘entitlement’. We have what we have by the grace of God, gifts given to us to use in his service.It’s often said that ‘the more we have, the more we want’, but Jesus reminds us that the more we have the more we are able to give to others. And what we give to others, we give to God. ‘All things come from you, o Lord, and of your own do we give you’.Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
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
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
