Reflection: Sunday 22nd August and for the week ahead:Scripture:Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power: put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6.10-15)Reflection:In these Covid-dominated times we have all become familiar with ‘PPE’, the Personal Protective Equipment donned by health workers, visitors to care homes, dentists, and others . Its purpose is to protect the wearer from being exposed to the invisible but potentially deadly virus that has changed life for all of us in ways that we could never have imagined. So it is not hard for us to understand Paul when he speaks of spiritual forces of evil and cosmic powers of darkness, invisible, like the virus , but deadly in their ability to spread malice, hatred and fear.The Personal Protection that Paul describes is not a plastic apron, but the conscious exercise of the Christian virtues: truth, righteousness, faith, prayer... These both protect us against the unseen ‘virus’ of evil, and help to prevent its spread. Revd Rosemary
Services Sunday 22nd August 8am Holy Communion at St George's, Benenden led by Revd David Commander 10am Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Sandhurst led by Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen & Revd David Commander
Reflection: Sunday 15th August and for the week ahead:From the Collect for Trinity 11 O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure God is no finger-wagging tyrant, out to condemn, but a loving Father who, like any good human parent, wants only what is good for his children’s happiness and wellbeing. The Commandments have been described as a road map for life’s journey, a guide for living. They do not force us Into unnatural ways, but go with the grain of what is best in human life, bringing genuine peace, contentment and fulfilment. ‘What does the Lord require of you?’ asks the prophet Micah, ‘but to act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God’. Your commandments are more to be desired than gold... And in the keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalm19) Revd Rosemary
Services Sunday 15th August 8am Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Sandhurst led by Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen10am Holy Communion at St George's, Benenden led by Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
