Our Task - to make a difference

Our airways have been filled with the story of the St Paul's Cathedral and the tented protesters. All at the Tuesday bible study discussed some of the issues at length. Why would you shut a church and have a private service behind closed doors? Where is the evidence of the chaplains moving through the tents, possible just out of sight of the cameras?

Concern was raised that poverty is often much more than lacking money - some are in poverty because they have no liberty, or perhaps are trapped by circumstances - and more.

We ended with the wise and beautiful benediction -

Go forth into the world in peace:
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honour all people;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are many people looking on the whole sorry state of affair around the Cathedral and wondering What Would Jesus Do ? Indeed - these words can be seen in some of the news shots. Matthew 25v31-end has much to say about our task.

Bible Study

Opening up the Bible is part of the vocation as a Christian. Tuesday Bible study group are working their way through Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Taking time, together, to read His Word offers much more than encouragement, it gives an opportunity to discover how God is working in others' lives - The same is true of taking time to pray and to listen, alone with Him -

We are living though turbulent times - so it is even more important to put time aside to attend to the purposes of God. As I began my conscious journey, all those years ago, when a part of Koinonia we were encouraged to have Quiet Times (QT) daily. As a priest there is the promise to attend to the Daily Office - following the Lectionary, that is the readings set for the day Morning and Evening Prayer. It is this rhythm that sustains and continues to surprise me in just how closely the Lectionary fits the moment.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Psalm 119v105

As we see the markets tumble, unrest in places that were once settled, political turmoil across the world the words of verse 127 of the same seem to to be highlighted. - Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold -

Chaplaincy

To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life
Robert Louis Stevenson

Over the past 5 years I have been Chaplain to 2467 Squadron of the ATC - distance prevents frequent visits, but there is skype! Accompanying the young men and women through these formative years is a real privilege.

I have come to know many able young people, some of faith and all on the journey of discovery. You only get out of things what you are prepared to put in ... as the saying goes and ATC, SU, to name two, are great organisations for youth. (There are others, too).

As a teenager I was part of a large youth group, called Koinonia. This was a lively organisation - and one which gave a great foundation, not just for faith, but life itself. Within its structure there were people who undertook a chaplaincy role, though might not have used that term. These were trustworthy people who had the ability to encourage, as well as the patience to listen, and gently direct those in their care.

Indeed these gifts of encouragement and patience are essential for those who put time aside to walk with young and old alike.

Thank you to those I knew in my youth, and thank you, too, to the youth who encourage me today.

Epiphanies

As I settled into my morning quiet time, I found myself turning to, and pondering on, Psalm 21. As I read, and reread, I became aware of the awesome majesty and splendour of the Lord and how his purposes do not return empty, but full. There have been miracles in abundance.

I have, indeed, been granted the desire of my heart ... to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. I am not physically in an ancient church, my spirit rejoices as I know, in my heart, I am there.


Although the pathway I have been set upon has been extremely difficult at times, and occasionally seemed impassable, there have been some exceptional moments. These have served as signposts along the way, without which I would not have survived.

All this, and more, was a part of my morning's preparation. When I turned to the readings set for this morning, I discovered the set Psalm was 21! I laughed aloud in celebration ~ reminded, once again, of His glorious power, am humbled.

Go before us, Lord Christ,
with blessings of your goodness
and guide all those you call to authority
in the way of your justice
the knowledge of your liberty
and wisdom of your gentleness
for your Name's sake. Amen

This is the prayer below this psalm in Celebrating Common Prayer.

Divine Remedy

As I was having breakfast this morning, my mind wandered to the many, many different friends I have known across the years. Each one, utterly unique, each with different gifts and qualities. Some I don't see very much at all anymore for all kinds of reasons, yet being able to pick up where we left off is a precious part of friendship. Distance in time and geography doesn't affect those friendships.

While recovering from a recent arthritic flare, I've been thankful for all kinds of help from different friends. Some time ago one particular group of friends helped out by providing a main meal each day. This relieved the pressure on all the family. From my sick bed I asked one friend how I could repay all her generosity. Her reply was wise: each time you find someone who needs help, help them in whatever way you can.

Making a difference. This is a vocation in itself. So often the little things we do for others can make the greatest difference. Sometimes something as simple as cuppa and a chat is an unfathomable divine remedy.

I give thanks for all who consciously and unconsciously live this vocation.

All Saints

Its All Saints Day today ... great celebration!

... not marked in the same way as halloween. There were all kinds of people dressed up and goulish even at 2 pm in Douglas yesterday. Last night we had a number of visitors all accompanied by their parents and each received a mini bag of chocolate buttons.

All saints reminds us those of faith who've gone before and to recognise that we too belong to the Cloud of Witnesses. I've had so many encounters with remarkable people, each with unique stories.

At Ordination, the enormity of the Almighty and his call to ministry is recognised and I wanted to recognise all those who influenced and enabled me. My stole was designed to celebrate those who influenced my unique journey, encapsulated by the artistry of Jacquie Binns. If you'd like to see her work this is the website: http://www.jacquiebinns.com/