Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 10th April and for the Week ahead:Scripture:8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” (Matthew 21:8-10)Reflection:Palm Sunday, the day we remember that Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The crowds shouting and singing for Jesus. Shouting, “Hosanna!”….. “Save!”…which became an exclamation of praise.What a simple but profound question they asked, “Who is this?” One of the Palm Sunday hymns answers that question in a few lines:You are the King of glory; you are the Prince of Peace.You are the Lord of heaven and earth; you’re the Son of righteousness…… You are Jesus Christ the Lord!He came to save you. Never mind what anyone else says, how do you answer that question about Jesus: “Who is this?” Revd David Commander
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
