Were you a ‘Middle child’ between your high-achieving elder sibling and your adored younger one? If you were you may have felt unloved according to many child psychologists. Our place in the family matters, and many ‘middle children suffer because they feel overlooked. The eldest is praised, the youngest is adored and the middle one is often overlooked. Parents will know the anguish of trying to love all equally. Parents do of course love all their children, but nothing can overcome that sense of inadequacy that many ‘middle children feel. Often it is overcome by ‘acting up’ and getting noticed. Middle children can often be fussy, badly behaved, and ‘foul-mouthed’ according to research reported by the ‘Times’. We’ve seen it all and we recognise it as the signs of a child wanting attention.

The Ambassadors. Hans Holbein the Younger 1533

If ever there was a painting that shouted ‘look at me' it is this one. Two young men with all their finery paraded in front of the trappings of power and wealth. One is a bishop and one is a diplomat. They are on a mission to persuade Henry VIII to remain within the Catholic fold of Europe. Think Brexit! But Holbein has a subversive message for us hidden in the symbolism of the painting. The upturned globe at the bottom of the painting and the Celestial globe at the top suggest a Europe in turmoil. This is the time of the Reformation when European powers are struggling for supremacy and Henry VIII is a key player. The diplomat is French and the Bishop is an envoy of the Pope. Both hope to persuade Henry VIII to side with the Catholic vision of a united Europe. But note the broken cord of the lute and the hidden image of the crucifix, behind the curtain, which suggests that all is not right with the state of Europe. Holbein, as a follower of the Humanist philosopher Erasmus, condemned the religious controversy that was tearing Europe apart and in his hidden symbolism makes us aware of the futility of these political power games. The upturned globe contrast with the Celestial globe which shows the constancy of the heavenly order. The crucifix reminds us of God’s love for all Humanity outside of the political struggles for power. And finally, the hidden skull reminds us all that we are equal in death. All these references suggest that Holbein wanted to make a point. Political positioning is the reverse of the gospel message of love.

Where do I sit?

This is the story behind the parable that Jesus tells: It’s a story of children acting up, trying to get the attention of God. That was the game being played by these dinner guests, much like any child they wanted the limelight so they vied with one another in the “Look at me” game. They played the game by different rules then. It may seem strange to us but the competition was to be the ‘Holiest’. Being holy isn’t quite as fashionable now as it was then, but these were different times. The Pharisees through their self-denial and legal rigour wanted to appear world-denying but in the cultural setting of their day, it was actually a form of conformity. It was fashionable to be ‘puritanical’ because most people could not afford to be. The Pharisees earned valuable status points by conforming to the religious traditions of the day and so Jesus drew attention to their self-seeking behaviour when invited to a dinner party. Instead of honouring the other guests they would vie for the positions of importance and exclude those who did not fit in. It was a game of ‘Snakes and ladders’ played with rules we recognise today - recognition came with the prize of social superiority. The game played at the dinner table has even entered our language: “How far up the salt?’ referred to the position of guests in relation to the salt, which was in times past a precious commodity. The closer to the salt, the more exalted the guest.

'I love you'.

The point of Jesus’ parable is not to condemn, that was the game played by others, but to change the rules, so we see him choose out of the crowd the most despised and rejected of all the dinner guests at the dinner party, a man with ‘dropsy, a disease that caused the body to swell and weep fluid. Jesus often singled out the most unlovely and unlovable person in the crowd and said in a way that no one could mistake “I love you”

God, like all parents, is desperate to get his message across “I love you”. You don’t have to fight for attention. “I love YOU!” is the message to all His children. Sometimes before we believe in God we must be reassured that He believes in us!

Rev. Simon Brignall

We pray for all who seek healing, either physical or spiritual. Remembering especially Rory and Clare.

Prayer for Ukraine

God of peace and justice we pray for the people of Ukraine today,

and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,

that your spirit of comfort would draw near to them.

We pray for those with power over war and peace,

for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions

Above all, we pray for all your precious children at risk and in fear,

That you would hold and protect them.

We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen

St John the Baptist, Coln St Aldwyns,

St Swithins, Quenington and

St Nicholas, Hatherop Churches

IMPORTANT NOTICE Cirencester Deanery Plan ConsultationThe Cirencester Deanery has drafted a plan in response to its financial problems. Within the plan, there is a proposal for Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, and Quenington to lose their minister post. HAVE YOUR SAY

Consultation meeting open to all

7pm, Wednesday 31st August

Poulton Church

Please attend to support

the future of your local church

Revd Simon Brignall, CHQ Vicar

[email protected]

Christian Walker, CHQ Deanery Synod Representative

[email protected]