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
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 27th March and for the Week ahead:Scripture:‘And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”’ (Luke 2 33-35)Reflection:Mothers take many forms. Whether or not we become biological parents, we teach and nurture, offering wisdom, example, and practical experience. We pick up our children when they fall and love them unconditionally. But not everyone has a good relationship with their mother and Mother’s Day can be difficult for a variety of reasons. There are those who desperately long to be given the beautiful privilege of motherhood, for whom the day is also especially hard. Some people become mother figures without being literal mothers: fostering, nurturing, caring and loving as much as any other mothers. For everyone, it is your mum who knew you in the womb, grew you and bore you out into the world. That gives every single one of us, of whatever gender, the commonality, and a God-given uniqueness that make us the wonderful human creatures that we are. Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 20th March and for the Week ahead:Scripture:God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (2 Cor 10.13) Reflection:The gentle verse above is actually part of two readings today concerned with God's judgement! There are two ways of understanding the biblical word 'judgement' - one is that of 'retribution', and the other is of 'refinement'. Retribution speaks of punishment and vengeance; refinement speaks of love - of purifying and making more beautiful. The way you understand the word 'judgement', goes a long way to show how you understand God. Read from the beginning of Chapter 10, and then read the verse above again - do you see a vengeful God, or a loving God? God's love is shown in his judgement, for he longs for us to be free of the things that weigh us down. Even though we may choose what is wrong, God is faithful and will even then provide a way out. Our 'judge' becomes our 'redeemer'. Vicki Young
