Transformed by the Risen Christ

 

Our reading this morning was an account of one of Jesus’ resurrection appearances.  Following the meeting on the road to Emmaus, where, at the end of the day, He broke bread with two of the disciples, He subsequently appeared to the others, but they didn’t recognise Him and thought they were seeing a ghost.

It was only when he came among them, ate the fish with them and showed them His hands and his feet did they recognise that he was indeed the risen Lord.

Part of our thinking was directed at how we recognise people, particularly as time passes, and physically people ‘change.’ Jesus had changed physically so the disciples needed another way to recognise Him.

We recognise people because of the sort of people they are and the things they do – their actions. One of Jesus actions was with the bread; he took, blest, broke and gave; an action which is central to the Eucharist today.

The events of Easter can be difficult for some, however, for others, the conviction that Jesus has risen has led to a life long commitment to His  witness and service.

Through their contact, the disciples were transformed, they were charged with being witnesses of the risen Christ and spreading the Good News of God’s forgiveness to all, beginning in Jerusalem.

We are all, as disciples, charged to be witnesses to the faith. Are we prepared to own that faith and put our name to it, particularly when there are issues contrary to Jesus’ teaching to be decided?

Rev. Frances

Fear & Peace ...

Many thanks to Mark for his talk and presentation at TFG this week.   I can do no better than upload the youtube video of his presentation (see above) and invite your comments and reflections below to continue the conversation.

Peter King

Jesus and the Temple Moneychangers - Unnecessary Burdens

Jesus' action in the temple according to the film Jesus Christ Superstar

Today we looked at the story, found in all four Gospels, of Jesus' action against the temple moneychangers.    The reading from John's Gospel can be found here.   After we had heard the story as it might have been told by one of the dove sellers who were there (here) accompanied by some images showing another side of the story (here) 

We then spent some time sharing thoughts and ideas and about ways in which (we as) the church can place unnecessary burdens on people ...  Thank you to all of you who shared your thoughts with us.   Please do make a comment below to continue the discussion.

We finished with a quote from the film Chocolat.

I'm not sure what the theme of my homily today ought to be.

Do I want to speak of the miracle of our Lord's divine transformation?  Not really, no.

I don't want to talk about His divinity.

I'd rather talk about His humanity.

I mean, you know, how he lived his life here on Earth.

His kindness. His tolerance.

Listen, here's what I think:

I think we can't go around...measuring our goodness by what we don't do...  by what we deny ourselves...  what we resist...  and who we exclude.

I think we've got to measure goodness...  by what we embrace...  what we create... and who we include.

Pere Henri in "Chocolat" (2000)

What inclusive actions might we take this Lent ?

Peter King

  

 Pieter Breugel, "The Fight Between Carnival & Lent" (1559)

Read more about the painting here
Click on the picture above to see a larger version 

We heard today Jesus’ words about the cost of discipleship. His words are tough and uncompromising; He makes it clear that Christianity is not an escape route or a pleasant hobby to fill the hours. Like a lot of things in this life though, if it’s truly worthwhile, it comes at a cost. There’s a saying that there’s no such thing as a free meal/ticket/gift. How true is that! It’s not just cost in cash though, although that has to be worked for. There are costs to be considered in time, effort, and energy. If studying on a course, there are probably tuition fees, fees for books etc. but they do not guarantee a successful outcome that comes through hard work alone. The painting the ‘Fight between Carnival and Lent’ by Brueghel shows that we can be motivated by such things as greed and self seeking. However, we need to move away from these things if we are to follow Christ’s cross and His way.

It cost Jesus everything to win forgiveness for us and as disciples we can expect life to be tough at times, but it is in coming through difficulty, and hardship we recognise that the effort was worth enduring. However we can trust in God, and His love will be with us in our darkest moments, for He will not forsake us. His perfect love will remove even our deepest fears. 

Rev Frances

Time to Take Stock

 

 

This is the first Sunday in Lent, a time when we remember Jesus' time in the desert on his own before he began his public ministry and take time to take stock of our own lives.  

Thank you to all those who shared their thoughts and experiences about observing Lent.    One of you spoke of taking time to review their possessions.   Another spoke of a Mothers Union campaign for 2012  called "Count Your Blessings" which invites us to pause before we turned on a light or tap and give some money to help those who whom light and water does not come at the flick of a switch.   Another of you spoke of saying Compline together as a couple at the end of each day.   Yet another of a friend who is posting three things to be thankful for on their Facebook page each day.

At TFG this morning we sampled an activity called the examen.   The PP presentation on the examen can be viewed here.   The music following can be heard here (click on the triangular play icon - you do not have to pay anything to stream, only to download to keep.)   If you would like more on the examen, click here and here.

 

However you are observing the next six weeks till Easter,  may it turn out to be a journey that brings you greater understanding of your self and God's purpose for you and of your part in making the world a better place for all.

If you would like to continue the conversation please make your comment below.

Peter King