Reflection: Sunday 23rd October and for the week ahead:Scripture:We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15.1-6)Reflection:This week it is Bible Sunday. A day when we should reflect upon how important the Bible is to our faith and to our lives. If you agree that the Bible is important, what do you make of these words of the apostle Paul?If we view it from a global perspective, then we can perhaps see it is a good thing Paul is saying: neighbours should build one another up….. because doing the opposite can lead to war. But what about when it is more personal, and we have fallen out with our immediate neighbour? Then the scripture, “Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour,” becomes tough! However, these are still words inspired by God, and the message cannot be ignored. Fortunately, Paul ends with a sort of prayer, “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another.” If you are struggling, then pray this prayer for yourself…. and your neighbour.Revd David
Reflection: Sunday 16th October and for the week ahead:Scripture:‘The time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.’. (2 Timothy 3,4)Reflection: In the Old Testament there are numerous stories of kings and military leaders consulting ‘prophets’ about their plans. But they only consult the ones they know will tell them what they want to hear! They don’t want to risk asking the likes of Elijah or Jeremiah, who would tell them the truth, however unwelcome. It’s not hard to think of similar cases in our own time: politicians, leaders (anyone you can think of?), even church groups, who surround themselves with likeminded people and are deaf to anything that challenges their rigidly held point of view. If they don’t agree it must be Fake News. Let us pray for grace to let go of our prejudices and unfounded beliefs, and genuinely open our minds to ‘the truth that sets us free’..Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
