The Readings for 17th October 

Isaiah 53: 4-end ~ Hebrews 5: 1-10 ~ Mark 10: 35-45

Thoughts for this Week 

Wouldn’t it be great if for every problem that we encountered in adulthood, someone took the responsibility away from us and gave us freedom from worry? A lovely thought, indeed, but highly unlikely. We usually have to resolve our own adversities. In our Gospel reading today, we learn of two of the disciples, James and John, asking our Lord Jesus Christ if He will do them a favour and allow each of them to sit alongside Him. One would like to be on His left and the other on His right. They want the chief positions in His future administration. However, Jesus reminds them that the decision is out of His control. It is not in His power to determine who should be given the responsibility for such a challenging role. He also reminds them that they do not realise how much they would be taking on if they were assigned this responsibility. It should be remembered that man is here to serve, not to be served. It is not his place to judge another, that is the role of God or His appointed one. The implications are immense.

Doe Zantamata, a Canadian author, artist and photographer once remarked: “It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.” Many people in life, whether it be by intention or not create problems for others to deal with. Difficulties and bad times plague us all from time to time. They can commonly be referred to as "The Trials of Life." They can take many forms, and often appear as significant setbacks in life which occur when we least expect them. Possible causes can include underhanded or deceptive tactics used by another, our personal failings or perhaps an incorrect understanding of a situation. Sometimes the blow delivered can hit home hard. It may shake our confidence or make us feel inadequate. One of the answers to these problems is to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The trials of life sometimes arrive in waves on which we have no control, but how we cope with them, and our response can make the difference between success or failure in adversity. Paulo Coelho, the Brazilian lyricist, relates the dark clouds in life as: "Life has many ways of testing a person's will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once."

Many years ago, back in the late 1970s, there was a young man who had recently passed his driving test and was searching for a cheap car to travel to and from work. At his office, there was an elderly colleague who owned a vintage Hillman Minx Saloon car which was identical to the model that his father had owned throughout his childhood. He had always adored this car as it brought back many happy memories of annual holidays to Littlehampton in West Sussex for several years. He would have loved to buy his father's car, but unfortunately, it had been sold before he attained the legal driving age.

His colleague decided that after having owned his car for several years, he wished to buy a brand-new modern car and was offering the Minx for sale at a reasonable price. It was an ideal car for the young man, and even though he had to wait a few months until a new car had been purchased, it was considered well worth the wait. His colleague informed him that the obligatory annual roadworthy test certificate was about to expire and so he would happily have it retested before parting with the vehicle. On the day that the young man took possession of his pride and joy, he was informed by the owner that he had discovered that there were still three weeks left to run on the existing test certificate and he felt that there was little point in having the test performed needlessly. 

He assured the young man, however, that he considered that there would be little problem in the car passing the test when the renewal time arrived. The young man was so overjoyed at the prospect of owning the car of his dreams that he happily accepted the terms and drove the car home. It was his sheer delight and joy, and he was so proud of his new possession. Three weeks later the time came for the annual safety test on the vehicle to be performed and he made the necessary arrangements at a local garage for the checks to be carried out. Much to his dismay, the vehicle failed the test on several points which included problems with the steering and brakes. His father who had owned the identical car offered to help with some of the work and spent many hours working through several of the required repairs in order to obtain a pass. On completion, the young man took his vehicle to another garage which offered immediate tests without prior booking. The test was conducted, and the young man was informed by the mechanic that, although it had failed, it was only a simple matter of replacing a brake hose and then he would happily pass the vehicle. The young man was overjoyed at the prospect and left the vehicle at the garage for the job to be completed.

Later that day, he returned to collect his vehicle, but was informed by the mechanic that unhappily they had found a major rust problem in the car chassis which rendered the vehicle dangerous to drive. It was considered so dangerous, in fact, that the car was likely to break into two parts at any moment. He was strongly advised not to drive it again. They stated that the cost of repair would be prohibitive and that the only solution was to send the vehicle for destruction at a local breakers yard. He was also told that although they were unable to offer any money for the vehicle, they were prepared to have the car demolished at no further cost. The young man's heart sank, and he was full of dismay but was forced to accept the situation. He provided the registration document to the garage at their request in order to officially destroy the car. He had lost his pride and joy within a few weeks of acquiring it, but reluctantly accepted it as a trial of life. 

Several months later, at his place of work, much to his astonishment, he noticed his beloved car with the identical registration plate parked in the staff car park. He immediately returned to the garage to complain and pursue compensation but was informed that an employed mechanic had undertaken the repair work as a personal project in his own time and expense to bring the car up to the required standard to pass the test and had then subsequently sold it on. The young man was informed that he had no redress on the garage, as the work that had been performed was solely on a private basis which was independent of any dealings by the garage. The young man located the registered keeper of his lovely car and informed him of the situation. The new owner was unhappy and concerned about the facts and informed the local testing authority, who undertook an independent examination and found that the new test certificate should not have been issued as there were still serious defects with the vehicle which had been overlooked. They, in turn, did a spot check on the garage in question with a faulty vehicle of their own, who once again passed it as safe. As a result, the Department immediately revoked the trading licence of the garage to perform these legal tests, which in turn, caused such a loss in custom that they were forced to close their trading doors and went out of business. 

Divine retribution had played its role. 

Amen.

Bill Meakin

Apart, we pray together

Creator God, you made the goodness of the land,
the riches of the sea and the rhythm of the seasons;
As we thank you for the harvest,
may we cherish and respect
this planet and its peoples

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

 Heavenly Father, as we come to the end of Trinity where darkness takes more and more of our Autumn daylight, we think of this precious Church within the Elham Deanery within the Canterbury Diocese. Through your Son you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church to be equal partners: hear our prayer for all your faithful people that in their vocation and ministry each may be an instrument of your love, and give to your servants the needful gifts of grace, patience and insight. 

Lord in your mercy Hear our Prayer

We pray today for those areas in the world in conflict – particularly the many parts of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. We ask you to bring peace in our world, and an end to violence. May there be peace in our homes and hearts so that we may live and work together in a spirit of truth and harmony. Remind us all that we share your world with others, many less fortunate than we are and who may be resentful. Help us to understand their frustration which often expresses itself in violence and anger. Purify the minds and attitudes of men and women in leadership, especially the media, so that they present a better more peaceful view of our world, rather than the violent image that agitates those troubled in spirit. 

Lord in your mercy Hear our Prayer

Lord, we remember before you any who are suffering from any form of illness. we pray for any who are anxious, sorrowful, or in any kind of need at this time. We pray especially for loved ones and those who are known to us who are ill. We remember them now in the quietness of our hearts. And we also think of Amanda Bradley, Robert Whitethread, Nick Brandon & family, June Boughton, Pauline and Richard Winfield, Lynn Callander, Claire Laker, Barbara Bell, Shanon Milton, Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Jean Anderson, John Hammond and Sheila Godden. 

We pray for all those whom we have seen depart this life, and entered into your glory, Andrew Garrett, Janet Thornby, Michael Hall and James White, and all those whose year’s mind falls at this time, Paul Hutchings.

We know that you love them, and know their every need, far better than we do. We ask that you will do for them as you see best, and bless them with your love and peace. Lord in your mercy Hear our Prayer

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench - We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. We thank you for those who have died in the faith of Christ, and we thank you for allowing us to share our lives with them. We pray for those who mourn. Open their minds that they may find a new direction in life, and grant them the comfort of your presence. 

Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Paul Sharman

The Lord’s Prayer 

Our Father in heaven, 

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins       

as we forgive those who 

sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours, 

now and for ever.     Amen.

A Blessing

May the Lord bless us and keep us,

May the Lord make his face to shine upon us,

And be gracious to us.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace.

Adapted from Numbers 6: 23-27

 

PREFACE: In Johns Gospel we find a reference to, “The Disciple Jesus Loved”, many Theologians recognise this disciple as John the Gospel writer. Jesus loved all his followers, but it’s accepted as the indirect way John chooses to refer to himself. 

THOUGHTS: May I preface with a quote from Archbishop Michael Ramsey’s book ‘The Resurrection of Christ’?….“In the resurrection the new world of the Holy Spirit touches the old world of the flesh, but touches it as a tangent touches a circle, that is, without touching it”.

Perhaps, more obviously, the Gospel of John’s account contains vivid details that are likely to have come from eyewitnesses, adding weight to its authenticity. For example, we are told that the beloved disciple outruns Peter and gets to the tomb first, probably because he is younger. We are also given the actual Hebrew word that Mary Magdalene uses to address Jesus, “Rabbouni”, and very precise details about the cloth which had been round the head of Jesus, rolled up separately from the rest of the grave clothes….The people in the Gospel come across as authentic characters, which seems to fit what we know of them from elsewhere. Peter, impulsive as ever, rushes straight into the tomb, while John the beloved disciple holds back…. Mary Magdalene’s deep attachment to Jesus, fits with Luke’s (8:2) account that Christ healed her from some demonic affliction. The description of her behaviour seems very authentic, for it is what would be expected of someone in deep distress. All she can do when talking to angels, and Jesus himself, is repeat the same concerns she expresses to the disciples, about wanting to know where her Lord’s body is, unable to focus upon anything other than her fear that grave robbers have stolen his remains….She also stays beside the tomb weeping even when the disciples return home. Her tears obscuring her vision, possibly contributing to her failure to recognise the unexpected return of the risen Christ.

Then there are the details that would surely not have been included if the story had been invented. The future leaders of the Church are described as not understanding the scripture that jesus would rise from the dead….Hardly a glowing description for these, would be, pillars of the faith. Also, as a woman’s testimony was not taken seriously back then, it is unlikely that anyone would invent a story in which the first witness to the resurrection was a woman.

Details yes, but details which give good reason to believe in the resurrection. Christ’s appearance can’t just be explained away as some sort of mass hallucination just because the tomb was empty! Quite obviously, neither has his body been stolen. For what grave robber of the period would take the time to neatly roll up the grave cloths? And what explanation could there be for the transformation of the disciples? They are previously described (Jn 20: 9) as neither expecting the resurrection, nor understanding Christs teaching about it, yet these timid unbelieving men went on to preach the resurrection, convinced enough to risk and give their lives to evangelise it’s message. 

The resurrection is central to our faith. It means Jesus was and is the Son of God and has power over sin, death, forgiveness and reconciliation, with the spiritual power and capability to be with us here and now. Enabling us all to proclaim with confidence this Easter – Alleluia! Christ is risen….He is risen indeed, Alleluia! Amen 

RD. Easter 2021

  FOCUS OF PRAYER – PAST AND PRESENT

There have been many moments in history when we have been disturbed by an awareness of being out of our depth. Caught up in happenings which seem to remind us that our Creator God is ever present in both cause, effect and possible solution.

We are in 2021, experiencing the combined spiritual challenge of anxiety, disunity and separation.

And I would guess that one, if not all have in some way been the focus of our prayers in the last twelve months. It is almost foolish not to have shared Global Warming, European Disunity and Pandemic Separation with Almighty God, for whom nothing is impossible.

Perhaps, to help stimulate a spiritual response to our current predicament, I have searched history for parallel times when the future was predictably uncertain. Just three points in time when the spiritual motivations of anxiety, disunity and separation plagued the nation. With three prayers that were created at those times.

A.D. 1085: An occupied England nineteen years after the Norman conquest. History had taught us that we were an off-shore island of France and visitations from the mainland had been regular. While the Norman conquest wasn’t the first occupation, it could be listed amongst the most successful. Religious buildings and fortifications meant harsh but full employment and French was fast becoming our first language.

Prayer from the Sarum Breviary, 1085: 

Merciful God, the Helper of all people, so strengthen us by Thy power, that our sorrow may be turned into joy, and we may continually glorify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord…..Amen

A.D. 1680: Restoration of the monarchy did not please everyone, after the separation and divisions of the first English civil war. Loved ones had been lost. Separations and divisions remained permanent, fuelled by the mistrust they encourage. Mistrust that was often taken to the grave well beyond the 17thCentury.

Prayer from the Gothic Manual, A.D. 1680: 

O Lord, for as much as it is an easy thing with Thee to give life to that which is dead, restore, we pray Thee, to the sick their former health, and grant that they who seek the healing of Thy heavenly mercy, may also obtain the remedies necessary for the body; through Jesus Christ our Lord…..Amen

A.D. 1900: Dawn of the 20thCentury. European disunity would fuel two world wars within it’s first fifty years. Both great contributors to global destruction, contamination and warming. Deadly ego-tripping on behalf of world and military leaders, causing the suffering and death of millions. Europe divided into self-serving, almost, tribal countries crying out for unification under God and a European Banner. Even in 1900, the future looked uncertain.

Century National Prayer Union, A.D. 1900: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, please send your blessing on this Land you have given. Increase in our own and every nation, the Spirit of truth and justice, peace and Godly Love. Turn the hearts of all people unto Thee, and so hasten the blessed times when the kingdoms of the world shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose Name we offer these petitions, even the same Christ Jesus Thy Son our Lord…..Amen 

RD March 2021