DAILY REFLECTION - 2025

Monday 7th April

 Yesterday I preached on the woman anointing Jesus's feet at the meal in Bethany. It's set in order to set the stage for the unfolding of Jesus's passion, his way of the cross. I include the end of my sermon on that, which revolved around the deep peace that can be accessed even in the midst of great turmoil: Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there's no noise, trouble, hard work. It's rather to be in the midst of those things, and still touch place with calm.

The time was approaching and the prophecy they were all dreading was about to be fulfilled.

The atmosphere in the room as they gathered grew heavy with portent.

There hung palpable fear, anger, frustration, sadness.

You could almost smell it.

And then - another aroma supplanted the smell of fear. Rising from the ground.

They looked down and saw a woman anointing Jesus feet with the most expensive ointment, it must have cost her lifetime savings.

It was astonishing. Reckless. Audacious.

Yet the calm that exuded from the attention between Jesus and... this woman.

Her focus was total. Her devotion, tenderness, courage; His gaze never left her. His vulnerability, openness, courage.

It was as if the pall of the room, the growing turmoil that surrounded them, it all faded into insignificance as they demonstrated that love will conquer all.

The storm can do it's all, it can rage, and scream, and tear down.

Love will quietly, calmly, with strength, rise again. Touch by touch. Breath by breath. Truth by truth. 

Revd Louise Grace

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Friday 4th April

Reading: John 11: 1-16

Extract: 1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather, it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 6 after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Reflection

One of our greatest enemies in our journey of faith is unbelief. Sometimes unbelief is not only what God can do, but what God would ever do for us. Sometimes when we ask Jesus to intervene, he seems not to hear us. Here, in this story, Lazarus does die but Jesus raises him up from the dead. He had the view from heaven or from eternity and we see only from our viewing point in our lives.

In a Georges Saurat’s painting, (a French Post-Impressionist) if you view it closely you just saw dots. When you stand well back you see the colours blend in together to form a beautiful scene. If you see portrait painters from the past, they had a short paint brush for close details and a very long one often attached to a long stick. The long one was to paint the picture standing well back to get the full view. The Lord has both brushes. He sees us where we are and walks with us in the day to day but has the eternal view.

Prayer

Lord, help us to see past the dots in our lives to trust in your loving kindness to paint in our lives beautiful paintings to glorify you. help us trust you with the eternal destiny he has for each of us. Amen.

We pray also that this Lent time we and those who attend our Alpha course will know afresh that first fresh love of Jesus that makes every possible.

God bless you today

Peter

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Thursday 3rd April

Reading: John 5 39 (Extract from today's Gospel)“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that testify on my behalf. 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Reflection: This exert from today’s Gospel surprised me like the exert from yesterday’s Daily Reflection. I am trying to read through the Bible in a year and have been struggling through Numbers and Leviticus. Jesus is warning the Pharisees who are searching through the scriptures to find life. When he tells them to go to him (Jesus) to find life, it can be true in our lives.

We can sing a well known hymn as we go and a phrase will awaken us that Jesus is there with us.

We need to find not just Jesus in the scriptures, and we do need that, but also in our daily lives. We can soon search for distractions to fill our life but miss walking with Jesus in the difficulties we face each day. If we do, we miss out on life with the flashes of eternity in it.

Listening to a beautiful piece of music like Vaughan William’s “The Lark Ascending”—and for a brief moment, I am transported to a different reality, one filled with grandeur and beauty like God is right there.

Seeing a bird perched on the windowsill, or see the sun shining from the window, or feel a light breeze on my face, I consider them as reminders of the Maker and the wonderful way He’s created all these for His and our pleasure.

Receiving unexpected kindness and acceptance by friends opens my heart to the goodness of God in the everyday of life.

We can suddenly realise we walk on holy ground

Prayer: Lord help me to listen and watch for you in the everyday of life, because I don’t want to miss one word you say to me. Amen

God bless you today

Peter

Lark ascending by Vaughn Williams Click Here

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Wednesday 2nd April

Reading: But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’ For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. John 5.17-18

Reflection: There can be times when we feel we are praying for the right thing but things seem to conspire against it. Maybe we are sure that God will answer our prayer but there is no change in the situation and even that it seems to have gone badly wrong. We can find ourselves asking God why could he allow things to go so wrong. Perhaps God seems so distant in our life at this time of despair. Why is God not working in this situation.

This may be the cry of the disciples when Jesus was arrested and condemned to death.

But we are always called to walk by faith and not by sight. We know the Father God is still working, and Jesus is also still working.’

The worship song: “Even when I don't see it, You're working'” encourages me at those difficult times. (Click Here)

The lyrics are:

Even when I don't see it, You're working'

Even when I don't feel it, You're working'

You never stop, You never stop working'

You never stop, Jesus You are

Way maker, miracle worker

Promise keeper, light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Have a faith filled day

Peter
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Tuesday 1at April

Reading: “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” 21 Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. 28 When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.”

Reflection: This is reading comes just after some of the disciples came down from the transfiguration. They were full of confidence but, when they tried to cure an epileptic mute, they were unable to help. People from the crowd complained. Jesus came to sort it out. He challenges the father who says “I believe help me with my unbelief” Jesus tells the disciples that this kind can come out only through prayer. What can we take from this today? Confidence in God is not the same as a relationship with God. Confidence can be built on what we want to. But that may be wishful thinking. A child may believe a father will give him the sweets he wants. But the father may want to protect his child’s teeth and say no sweets. We need to commit each day to the Lord and trust the outcome to Him. If we want to see answers to prayer we need to seek to Father’s heart through prayer. As we spent time in prayer we need to practice listening as well as asking. It is not just to get a yes, no answer or wait, but a need to learn what is in the father’s heart in this situation we are praying about.

God bless you today

Peter
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Monday 31st March

Reading: Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Reflection: It is really hard to forgive when we have been hurt by people or situations. David Dimbleby wrote in the Times at the weekend that he was really hurt he wasn’t asked to commentate at the King’s coronation. He went on to say he probably would have said no but he wanted to be asked

When I feel hurt, I find it hard to forgive, even though it is central to our faith. Jesus never said it was easy. He was wronged far more than anyone can imagine. His words ‘Forgive them, they know not what they do’ resonate for us.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12.2

How can our minds be renewed? We need to put Christ on the throne in our minds. We need to work though hurt feelings and forgive others. We need to replace our thoughts with Godly thoughts. I haven’t conquered this but I am trying to get there.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4.8

Prayer Lord, I want this. Send your Holy Spirit and change our hearts to be in tune with yours. Amen.

Have a great day. Peter

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Friday 28th March

One of the prime responsibilites of parents, mothers, fathers, mothering and fathering figures, is to keep those in their charge safe.

Many will know that we are in the middle of a full scale independent safeguarding audit. This will be an excellent way to see where we need to prioritise and resource our safeguarding in the coming years.

It has taken a lot of work, still is, and a huge thanksgiving goes to Katie Gray, our safeguarding lead.The work she is undertaking on this, and many other urgent safeguarding needs particularly over these past six months, mean that as we give thanks for guarding us safe mother love this weekend, I suggest we all say a big 'thank you' prayer for Katie.

Revd Louise Grace

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Thursday 27th March

Continuing reflections based on Mary, Mother of God, here is the famous hymn by Tim Dudley-Smith, using the words of the Magnificat: Tell Out My Soul

Click Here

Revd Louise Grace

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Wednesday 26th March

Following on from the annunciation yesterday; this poem from Yeats captures the earthiness of Mary's body housing the impossible, the 'hands that flung stars into space', as the popular worship song 'servant king' proclaims.

The Mother of God

The threefold terror of love; a fallen flare
Through the hollow of an ear;
Wings beating about the room;
The terror of all terrors that I bore
The Heavens in my womb.

Had I not found content among the shows
Every common woman knows,
Chimney corner, garden walk,
Or rocky cistern where we tread the clothes
And gather all the talk?

What is this flesh I purchased with my pains,
This fallen star my milk sustains,
This love that makes my heart’s blood stop
Or strikes a Sudden chill into my bones
And bids my hair stand up?

– William Butler Yeats

Revd Louise

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Tuesday 25th March

 Today is the feast day of the Annunciation, when Mary says her radical 'Yes' to God's invitation to bear Emmanuel, God with us.

Her courage and vision pour through her later song known as the Magnificat, when she goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

What may be less well known is that the Magnificat was based upon Hannah's song from the first book of Samuel in the Old Testament.

I have cc and pasted them both below to compare and contrast.

It is wonderful to place Mary, and her response to the annunciation, in the company of these other amazing women - Elizabeth and Hannah.

It is always in community and digging deep into our formation, our tradition, that new insight and perspective emerges.

In 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NASB)

1 Then Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord,

My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,

Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

2 There is no one holy like the Lord,

Indeed, there is no one besides You,

Nor is there any rock like our God.

3 Do not go on boasting so very proudly,

Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;

For the Lord is a God of knowledge,

And with Him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty are broken to pieces,

But those who have stumbled strap on strength.

5 Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease to be hungry.

Even the infertile woman gives birth to seven,

But she who has many children languishes.

6 The Lord puts to death and makes alive;

He brings down to Sheol and brings up.

7 The Lord makes poor and rich; He humbles, He also exalts.

8 He raises the poor from the dust,

He lifts the needy from the garbage heap

To seat them with nobles, And He gives them a seat of honor as an inheritance;

For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He set the world on them.

9 He watches over the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a person prevail.

10 Those who contend with the Lord will be terrified;

Against them He will thunder in the heavens,

The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;

And He will give strength to His king,

And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Then, in Luke 1:46-55 (NASB)

46 And Mary said:

“My soul exalts the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.

51 He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

And sent the rich away empty-handed.

54 He has given help to His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 Just as He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Was Mary inspired by Hannah?

Mary, no doubt, was familiar with Hannah's exultant hymn of praise and thanksgiving and no doubt was influenced by that and other expressions in the psalms. But I am not clear as to your wording 'Luke being inspired in 1 Samuel'. These are Mary's words being faithfully reported by Luke. Up-voted +1, nevertheless.

Of course Mary's song alludes to Hannah's - why would it not? This is not surprising.

Hannah and Mary had a lot in common. When the songs were written, Hannah had given birth to Samuel while Mary was carrying Jesus in her womb.

Both songs open similarly with rejoicing:

Hannah opens with "My heart rejoices in the Lord. In the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation."

Mary opens with "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

The similarity between the two is remarkable.

Both saw themselves as lowly women that God lifted up. God's lifting up the humble people is a theme in both songs.

Revd Louise Grace

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Monday 24th March

This week, different material on mothering and the love of God. 

Today, a canticle written by Anselm in 1109:

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;

you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;

through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead,

your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;

in your love and tenderness remake us.

In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,

for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us

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Friday 22nd March

Reading: Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Happy are those who make the Lord their trust.

Reflection

Yesterday’s reflection mentioned hearing the Lords voice. It is so important in our relationship with the Lord to pour out our heart to him. This Psalm from David was who knew being in a desolate pit and in the miry clay. He was hounded by those who should have cherished him. He is one who cry out to the Lord in desperation as seen in his psalms.

Here, in this psalm, we have the other element that him described as a man after God’s own heart. He waited patiently for the Lord; he knew the Lord heard him. Peace came on his soul.

There are times to cry out and to continue to do so. But there is a time when you know, in your heart of hearts, he has heard you. You may not see any change but you know that something has change in the heavenlies. He puts a new song in our heart. You can stand on solid ground at last. It is like the army of Israel going to battle with the musicians and worshipers going ahead proclaiming the victory God has given them.

We, who follow Christ, can sing the songs of the victory he has already won. We may still be in the battle but Jesus has defeated the last enemy – death! Let us this day, what ever befalls you, to live with that victory over our sin and death for us. Let us sing that song today.

God bless you today

Peter

Hymn base on Ps 40 Click here

Kate Middleton on does God hear us: Clcik here

Thursday 21st March

Reading: .

John 10 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.

Extract:

Reflection

It is an encouragement for us to get to know his voice not just from the bible but in the everyday issues in our life. Let us believe that he speaks to us in the ordinary situations of our life. He will bring his eternal dimensions in our normality.

How can we hear his voice better and the Lord is with us? We need to genuinely seek to be with him through honest prayer not just requests but talking and listening and reading the bible so that his Holy Spirit will connect us to the Lord.

When he tells us we will never perish, it reassures us that as he places his Holy Spirit in us, no one will snatch us out of his hand. With so much uncertainty in this material world it is comforting that no one can take him out of us. Even Peter who denied Jesus three times was not lost to us but went on to establish much of that first generation of church.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, that you hold on to us even when everything seems to be shaking in our lives by things that happen and our own mistakes. Help us to walk in that dimension flavoured in eternity. Amen.

God bless you today

Peter

Wednesday 20th March

Reading: John 5: 1-3, 5-16

Extract: ‘Do you want to be made well?’ 7 The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ 8 Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’

Reflection

One of our greatest enemies in our journey of faith is unbelief. Sometimes unbelief is not only what God can do, but what God would ever do for us. I can see others who are strong in their trust in God in their lives but would God help me? It feels like I cannot get myself get into the pool of God’s blessings. But the words of Jesus in this passage has encouraged me.

Jesus tells us to stand up and pick up our ordinary lives (our mats) and walk into his blessings without wavering or fear of falling. One thing is sure, God expects us to ‘ask’ before we ‘receive’, ‘seek’ before we can ‘find’, ‘knock’ before God will ‘open’ his door for us. (Matthew 7:7-8).

We need courage to stand up and walk believing he is ready to bless us in our walk. Our precious Jesus will be with us in the way.

Prayer

Lord, as we ask, seek or knock help us to believe you are a God who loves to give us your children blessings till our cup overflows. Stir us up into an active faith.

We pray also that this Lent time we and those who attended our Alpha course will know afresh that first fresh love of Jesus that makes every possible.

God bless you today

Peter

Tuesday 18th March

Psalm 34:11-22. Good News Translation

11 Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honour the Lord.
12 Would you like to enjoy life? Do you want long life and happiness? 13 Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies.
14 Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart.

Reflection

Peter’s epistle quotes this psalm as the kind of life that we have as Christians. We all want long life and happiness. I am sure none of us choose to tell lies. We can easily believe lies. Our culture and TV tells us, through films, that pleasure seeking is the only way to happiness.

This Lent time we need to check what we allow into our lives. Paul tells us to whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

If we accept what we watch where lies, adultery, angry scenes as acceptable, we can begin to adopt values that are not good. We need to meditate on what is good.

Do not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In our Sunday service we introduce the peace with words with: We are the body of Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised into one body. Let us then pursue all that makes for peace and builds up our common life. Let’s strive for covering every relationship and conversations with love and peace.

God bless you today

Peter

Monday 17th March

Reading: Luke 6.36-37. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. (The Message Translation)

Reflection

Jesus is calling to live out in a completely different way. These are challenging words. Criticism can be highly destructive, damaging relationships, trust, and unity. When we judge or speak negatively about others, it creates division, Harsh criticism can lead to misunderstandings, discouragement, and even spiritual harm, contradicting the call to love.

This always creates fear.

Instead, we are called to speak with grace, correct/disagreeing in love, and seek reconciliation rather than tearing others down and encourage one another (Ephesians 4:29). We need to remember we are forgiven so much that our love for Christ is at the centre of our relationships.

This creates kindness, humility, and forgiveness, creating an environment where we support and uplift one another in faith.

Jesus calls us into a way of living that changes the hardness of the world where relationships are rooted in kindness and grace. Living by this the Jesus way leads to a more just and compassionate world.

Prayer Lord, I want this. Send your Holy Spirit and change our hearts to be in tune with yours. Help us live bathed in your love for others.

Have a great day.

Revd Peter
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