ScriptureJesus said ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say – “Father, save me from this hour?” No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.’ (John 12.27)Reflection Thank heaven for all the instances of self-sacrifice which have led to saved lives. There are many who have given their lives to rescue others and many who risk their lives every day to keep others safe. They are heroes and an inspiration. And so are those who face threats, persecution, rigged trials and death for the sake of their integrity and principles of truth and justice. Jesus, the carpenter’s boy from Nazareth, came to be called the Saviour of the World not because he died averting physical danger, but because he would not compromise his message. He saw clearly that he would face death and faced the knowledge that there was no escape except by denying what he knew to be The Truth. They hoped that by his death he would be suppressed; but The Truth will out.David Harmsworth
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 10th March (Mothering Sunday) and for the week ahead:ScriptureAnd 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)ReflectionSimeon could sense that this wasn’t just any baby. Other, stronger powers were at work here. This little person would shine a light by his very act of turning up. For some he would be a beacon. For others he would act as a torch, revealing things that they would rather have kept in the dark.But for Mary, his blessed mother, he would also be a particular source of pain and anguish. Every parent knows what Simeon was alluding to. Parenthood is a unique mixture of blessedness and pain, of anxiety and joy. No one can upset and worry us like our children. And no one can bring us joy and make us smile like they do.This week, on Mothering Sunday, we pause and give thanks for our mothers and for the lovely quality of ‘mothering’; something that all are capable of, and all are in need of.Revd Ylva
