Dear Friends,
If you attended the Cluster party and pantomime you may remember that Jack had to carry out a risk assessment and don a safety helmet before he climbed the beanstalk. It makes sense to try and avoid unnecessary risks. No-one wants to spend time in A & E if they can possibly help it. Even so, some of us have been heard to reminisce about the 'good old days' when we climbed trees, hurtled down hills on our bikes, careered down snow covered slopes on sledges and had a good many falls and tumbles in the process. It was a natural part of what we remember as a fairly carefree childhood. Most of us survived, or we wouldn't be here to tell the tale. If we'd had to wear cycle helmets in those far off days, I might have avoided four stitches in my forehead when I was about eight years old! Safeguarding against accidents must be good, yet we cannot eliminate all risks and dangers as we go through life.
At Christmas someone mentioned the risk God took in entering our world as a helpless infant. Now we have reached the time of year when the focus is on the adult Jesus. During Lent we remember how, after his baptism, Jesus spent time in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. Jesus overcame temptation through fasting, prayer and calling to mind words of Scripture. When he embarked on his public ministry he began to preach and teach about the Kingdom of God, and to demonstrate what that Kingdom is like through signs and wonders, not least the healing miracles which show that God wants each one of us to be whole.
Jesus came as the Light of the World, exposing the darkness in the world and those areas of darkness in the human heart. He had enemies as well as friends. Not everyone could bear to let that bright light shine into the darkness inside them. It's not comfortable to stand beneath the all-seeing gaze of God and, unless you are prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to eradicate the darkness in you and to change and transform your life and make you more like Jesus, you are sure to feel threatened. Added to that, is the desire of many leaders, religious and secular, to cling to positions of power. So they were bound to feel threatened by the superior power clearly demonstrated by Jesus.
If God had done a risk assessment before entering this world in the person of Jesus, the whole venture would probably have been called off. In his humanness, Jesus struggled as anyone would to face up to the suffering and death towards which events were moving. On the night before he died he prayed in great anguish that the cup of suffering might pass from him. Yet he was able to win through to a place where he could say to God the Father, 'Not my will but yours be done'. Because Jesus was willing to take the risk, even though it cost him his life, we can stand on the far side of the cross and give thanks for all that Jesus endured for us. We also know that this was not the end of the story.
During Lent we prepare to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate his resurrection from the dead. Whether our journey through this life involves little risk and leaves us relatively unscathed, or whether we live a life of high adventure and have many mishaps along the way, all of us must one day pass from this life.
Revd Glynis Hetherington
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Friday, 15 January 2010
February 2010 - Vol. 32 No. 2
THE REVEREND STEVE OSMAN WRITES:
Dear Friends
These days image is everything. Millions of pounds are spent in the fashion industry; thousands of pounds are spent trying to lose a few pounds. For teenagers, looking cool is the most important part of social life. In this lead up to a general election, our politicians will have a small army dedicated to influencing how our leaders appear.
It has to be said, the church has an image problem. This month sees the beginning of Lent when the popular image is about giving things up, being miserable because you can’t have your chocolate fix. Many people think that’s all that Christianity is about. All they remember is, “thou shalt not…!”
In my 5 parishes we are looking for a logo to represent what we are about. The reality is – image speaks.
What troubles me most about all this is when folk have a misguided image of Jesus. It’s been well said that when someone rejects Christianity, they are rejecting a misunderstanding of Christianity. So Jesus is depicted as an irrelevance, a killjoy, someone who said interesting things but doesn’t have much to do with real life. If that were true I would reject Christianity also – and my job along with it!
Read the gospels more closely and you discover a Jesus who was the life and soul of the party, who liked nothing more than eating out with friends and acquaintances, who enjoyed a good joke (remember the camel through the eye of a needle?) and who was an expert storyteller. Why were crowds drawn to him like a magnet?
Lent is, of course, a preparation for Easter. This same Jesus who told good stories also showed us how much he loved us by choosing to die for us. That’s where the Jesus image becomes much more challenging. If he was willing to do that for me, how should I respond? It’s now becoming costly, so far better to keep to my prejudices and misconceptions.
Can I simply ask that you spend Lent learning more about the real Jesus? Read through Mark’s gospel (and the other 3 if you’ve time) and ask yourself just two questions – who was this Jesus and why did he come?
If you do that seriously, my guess is you’ll find your self-image and the way you look at the world utterly transformed. You’ll discover you really are made in God’s image and that’s life changing.
Steve Osman
Dear Friends
These days image is everything. Millions of pounds are spent in the fashion industry; thousands of pounds are spent trying to lose a few pounds. For teenagers, looking cool is the most important part of social life. In this lead up to a general election, our politicians will have a small army dedicated to influencing how our leaders appear.
It has to be said, the church has an image problem. This month sees the beginning of Lent when the popular image is about giving things up, being miserable because you can’t have your chocolate fix. Many people think that’s all that Christianity is about. All they remember is, “thou shalt not…!”
In my 5 parishes we are looking for a logo to represent what we are about. The reality is – image speaks.
What troubles me most about all this is when folk have a misguided image of Jesus. It’s been well said that when someone rejects Christianity, they are rejecting a misunderstanding of Christianity. So Jesus is depicted as an irrelevance, a killjoy, someone who said interesting things but doesn’t have much to do with real life. If that were true I would reject Christianity also – and my job along with it!
Read the gospels more closely and you discover a Jesus who was the life and soul of the party, who liked nothing more than eating out with friends and acquaintances, who enjoyed a good joke (remember the camel through the eye of a needle?) and who was an expert storyteller. Why were crowds drawn to him like a magnet?
Lent is, of course, a preparation for Easter. This same Jesus who told good stories also showed us how much he loved us by choosing to die for us. That’s where the Jesus image becomes much more challenging. If he was willing to do that for me, how should I respond? It’s now becoming costly, so far better to keep to my prejudices and misconceptions.
Can I simply ask that you spend Lent learning more about the real Jesus? Read through Mark’s gospel (and the other 3 if you’ve time) and ask yourself just two questions – who was this Jesus and why did he come?
If you do that seriously, my guess is you’ll find your self-image and the way you look at the world utterly transformed. You’ll discover you really are made in God’s image and that’s life changing.
Steve Osman
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
January 2010 - Vol. 32 No. 1
Dear Friends,
'January brings the snow' according to an old song. It also brings Wise Men from the east - well, not literally, but in the Church's calendar. You may be forgiven for thinking that they had already arrived. After all, weren't they there in the stable with the shepherds during all those children's nativity plays, and didn't we hear the story of their coming and sing about them on Christmas Eve, or even earlier in December? Well, yes, we do usually include them in the story of Christ's birth which we tell and sing about and celebrate at Christmas. So it may come as a surprise to some of us to discover that they probably arrived with their gifts a year or more after the shepherds, when Jesus was no longer a tiny baby, but a toddler. The Wise Men are remembered on 6th January. This date marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas and users in the season of Epiphany.
The word 'epiphany' means to show or reveal. During the Epiphany season it is traditional to include in our worship stories from the Gospels in which Christ's glory is seen and his identity revealed as the Son of God. We include in this season a celebration of the Baptism of our Lord. As Jesus was coming up out of the water a dove alighted on him and a voice from heaven proclaimed him as God's beloved Son. We also tell the story of a the first miracle of Jesus that is recorded, namely changing water into wine at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. The final story to be told is of the infant Jesus being taken to the temple by Mary and Joseph and being recognised as the long awaited Messiah by two old people, Simeon and Ann. Simeon takes the child in his arms and proclaims him as 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' (Luke 2:32 NRSV). This occasion is sometimes celebrated under the name 'Candlemas' and brings to a close the season of Epiphany.
In all these Gospel stories there is an epiphany for the people present, as God's glory is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ and there is a recognition of who he is. The first and the last of these stories are accounts of events in the life of the infant Christ and both reveal not only his identity as the Son of God, but they also show that Jesus came for all people everywhere, not just for a few. Simeon's words indicate that Jesus, born a Jew, was not only the Saviour of that race but of the whole human race. The Wise Men were the first people outside the Jewish race to worship Jesus and to acknowledge him as King. So they were the first to reveal Jesus to a wider world.
Some of us may have had our own 'epiphany moment' when something previously hidden or puzzling has been made known to us and we have seen for ourselves who Jesus is. Others may be like the Wise Men setting off on their journey, following the star with hope and expectation that it would take them to the place where they would find the new King. Whether we have had our own personal epiphany or that is yet to come, the important thing is to set off on that journey, for as someone has said, 'Wise men (and women) still seek him.'
With my love and prayers for the coming year.
Glynis Hetherington.
'January brings the snow' according to an old song. It also brings Wise Men from the east - well, not literally, but in the Church's calendar. You may be forgiven for thinking that they had already arrived. After all, weren't they there in the stable with the shepherds during all those children's nativity plays, and didn't we hear the story of their coming and sing about them on Christmas Eve, or even earlier in December? Well, yes, we do usually include them in the story of Christ's birth which we tell and sing about and celebrate at Christmas. So it may come as a surprise to some of us to discover that they probably arrived with their gifts a year or more after the shepherds, when Jesus was no longer a tiny baby, but a toddler. The Wise Men are remembered on 6th January. This date marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas and users in the season of Epiphany.
The word 'epiphany' means to show or reveal. During the Epiphany season it is traditional to include in our worship stories from the Gospels in which Christ's glory is seen and his identity revealed as the Son of God. We include in this season a celebration of the Baptism of our Lord. As Jesus was coming up out of the water a dove alighted on him and a voice from heaven proclaimed him as God's beloved Son. We also tell the story of a the first miracle of Jesus that is recorded, namely changing water into wine at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. The final story to be told is of the infant Jesus being taken to the temple by Mary and Joseph and being recognised as the long awaited Messiah by two old people, Simeon and Ann. Simeon takes the child in his arms and proclaims him as 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' (Luke 2:32 NRSV). This occasion is sometimes celebrated under the name 'Candlemas' and brings to a close the season of Epiphany.
In all these Gospel stories there is an epiphany for the people present, as God's glory is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ and there is a recognition of who he is. The first and the last of these stories are accounts of events in the life of the infant Christ and both reveal not only his identity as the Son of God, but they also show that Jesus came for all people everywhere, not just for a few. Simeon's words indicate that Jesus, born a Jew, was not only the Saviour of that race but of the whole human race. The Wise Men were the first people outside the Jewish race to worship Jesus and to acknowledge him as King. So they were the first to reveal Jesus to a wider world.
Some of us may have had our own 'epiphany moment' when something previously hidden or puzzling has been made known to us and we have seen for ourselves who Jesus is. Others may be like the Wise Men setting off on their journey, following the star with hope and expectation that it would take them to the place where they would find the new King. Whether we have had our own personal epiphany or that is yet to come, the important thing is to set off on that journey, for as someone has said, 'Wise men (and women) still seek him.'
With my love and prayers for the coming year.
Glynis Hetherington.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
A Message from the Rector
Dear Friends
Christmas is coming. At this time of year people often ask, "Are you nearly ready for Christmas?" The questions is often about Christmas shopping, getting the cards written and posted, preparing or buying all that extra food. When I am asked if I'm getting ready for Christmas I am never quite sure whether the question is about plans for Church services or preparations on the domestic front. The latter can be left a bit longer, but the Church preparations have to start early. So many people are involved. Singers, musicians and handbell ringers practise for weeks before taking part in services. People who arrange flowers and decorate churches have to start planning in plenty of time. There are numerous practical jobs that need to be done, and the more people there are involved, the more important it is to get started early.
So with all this going on it takes the pressure off when the tasks are shared. One task that is now being shared among the clergy in the South Notts Cluster is the monthly letter for the magazine. It makes quite a difference not having to compose a letter every month. I know some people are not so keen on the clergy taking it in turns, whilst others appreciate the fresh viewpoint that a different member of the Cluster team can offer. Personally, I enjoy reading the letters written by my clergy colleagues. This month Glenn has given us some food for thought, so do read his letter and ponder its message.
As for me, while the various preparations for Christmas are in progress, I am aware once again that long, long before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, God had been preparing the world for the coming of his Son. We think about that in Advent as we remember the Patriarchs, the Prophets, John the Baptist and Mary the Mother of Jesus. These are key characters in the Bible, people who had a special part to play in God's plans and preparations. During Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we also think of God's plan that one day Christ will return to judge the world and to establish his perfect rule of justice and peace.
In the midst of your plans and preparations, as you get ready to celebrate Christmas, may you ponder the deeper meaning of the season.
I wish you love, joy and peace this Christmas and always.
Glynis Hetherington.
Christmas is coming. At this time of year people often ask, "Are you nearly ready for Christmas?" The questions is often about Christmas shopping, getting the cards written and posted, preparing or buying all that extra food. When I am asked if I'm getting ready for Christmas I am never quite sure whether the question is about plans for Church services or preparations on the domestic front. The latter can be left a bit longer, but the Church preparations have to start early. So many people are involved. Singers, musicians and handbell ringers practise for weeks before taking part in services. People who arrange flowers and decorate churches have to start planning in plenty of time. There are numerous practical jobs that need to be done, and the more people there are involved, the more important it is to get started early.
So with all this going on it takes the pressure off when the tasks are shared. One task that is now being shared among the clergy in the South Notts Cluster is the monthly letter for the magazine. It makes quite a difference not having to compose a letter every month. I know some people are not so keen on the clergy taking it in turns, whilst others appreciate the fresh viewpoint that a different member of the Cluster team can offer. Personally, I enjoy reading the letters written by my clergy colleagues. This month Glenn has given us some food for thought, so do read his letter and ponder its message.
As for me, while the various preparations for Christmas are in progress, I am aware once again that long, long before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, God had been preparing the world for the coming of his Son. We think about that in Advent as we remember the Patriarchs, the Prophets, John the Baptist and Mary the Mother of Jesus. These are key characters in the Bible, people who had a special part to play in God's plans and preparations. During Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we also think of God's plan that one day Christ will return to judge the world and to establish his perfect rule of justice and peace.
In the midst of your plans and preparations, as you get ready to celebrate Christmas, may you ponder the deeper meaning of the season.
I wish you love, joy and peace this Christmas and always.
Glynis Hetherington.
December 2009 Vol. 31 No. 12
The Reverend Glenn Martin writes:
Dear Friends
Christmas is always a great time of the year especially for children, and at least for most people!!
However, for some Christmas is a sad and lonely time. Perhaps bereavement, loneliness, financial insecurity, ill health, immobility, can all play a part in making Christmas a tough time for some.
Of course Christmas is glamorised on the television, in shops, etc. and many who don't feel that glamour feel isolated, remote and dispirited by the season.
We perhaps have to remember the origins of the Christmas story. Nothing glamorous about the a baby born in a stable, on straw and seemingly accompanied by cows, sheep and the like. A distressed mother and probably somewhat anxious father; this is the way Jesus arrived in the world according to the gospels.
Yes over two thousand years later Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate this birth at Christmas thinking again about the story of Jesus and the journey and birth in Bethlehem. A seemingly timeless story with a timeless theme. God arrives and lives not in glamour but in the very ordinariness of life and being human.
Perhaps when we get some time to reflect, and if we feel negative about this time of the year and the season, then becoming aware that God is in all things and comes in the very simplicity of my life, then just maybe the season might become more significant, real and personal.
The story says God enters into human life in a very real, powerful, intimate but humble way and we are reminded He does the same today for us all.
May the true spirit of Christmas be with you and whatever your circumstances may you find peace and love in your heart and life this Christmas time. Remember Emmanuel God is with us... maybe this Christmas you may have a time and opportunity to spend time in church or in quiet reflection and find afresh the Lord who dwells in the very ordinariness of your soul, being and life, and find a very deep and real way to celebrate.
Every Christmas Blessing,
Revd Glenn Martin
Dear Friends
Christmas is always a great time of the year especially for children, and at least for most people!!
However, for some Christmas is a sad and lonely time. Perhaps bereavement, loneliness, financial insecurity, ill health, immobility, can all play a part in making Christmas a tough time for some.
Of course Christmas is glamorised on the television, in shops, etc. and many who don't feel that glamour feel isolated, remote and dispirited by the season.
We perhaps have to remember the origins of the Christmas story. Nothing glamorous about the a baby born in a stable, on straw and seemingly accompanied by cows, sheep and the like. A distressed mother and probably somewhat anxious father; this is the way Jesus arrived in the world according to the gospels.
Yes over two thousand years later Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate this birth at Christmas thinking again about the story of Jesus and the journey and birth in Bethlehem. A seemingly timeless story with a timeless theme. God arrives and lives not in glamour but in the very ordinariness of life and being human.
Perhaps when we get some time to reflect, and if we feel negative about this time of the year and the season, then becoming aware that God is in all things and comes in the very simplicity of my life, then just maybe the season might become more significant, real and personal.
The story says God enters into human life in a very real, powerful, intimate but humble way and we are reminded He does the same today for us all.
May the true spirit of Christmas be with you and whatever your circumstances may you find peace and love in your heart and life this Christmas time. Remember Emmanuel God is with us... maybe this Christmas you may have a time and opportunity to spend time in church or in quiet reflection and find afresh the Lord who dwells in the very ordinariness of your soul, being and life, and find a very deep and real way to celebrate.
Every Christmas Blessing,
Revd Glenn Martin
November 2009 Vol. 31 No. 11
Dear Friends
We have 'done' Harvest and we are just about to 'do' Remembrance. This is the time of year when the church's seasonal calendar offers us a clear framework of thought; as we move from thanksgiving (for Harvest) through remembering to the waiting (in Advent) in readiness for the joy of the Incarnation. I am aware that in rural communities the reality of the harvest is much more visible with locally produced potatoes, garden-grown apples, and homemade jams. It makes the thanksgiving more immediate and more relevant.
We are now entering the 'Kingdom' season of the church's year. This is time when we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us. All Saints Sunday gives us an opportunity to remember those who have died, as we ponder on the mystery of the 'Communion of Saints'. We hold special services for those who wish to remember their own departed loved ones, and light candles in their memories. We take part in Remembrance Sunday observances as we acknowledge the part played by those men and women who offered their lives in the service of their country during times of war.
This is the official remembering. But often, those memories that are treasured the most are the private ones. Those thoughts that remember small acts of kindness, often unasked for, but given as a gift. Many people sent me cards, both before and after I had major surgery, but the one I treasure is a tiny red card with a heart on it, which read inside 'remember you are loved'. In the Bible, Jesus was aware of this. There is a story in the gospels of a woman breaking an expensive jar of perfume and pouring it over Jesus. His disciples were horrified at the apparent waste. She had poured out the equivalent of a year's wages for 'nothing'. But Jesus saw beyond the act to the love in that woman's heart and said that her act would be remembered. And it has been. You can find the story in Mark's gospel (Chapter 14: 3-10). We do not know her name - some have hazarded guesses at who she was. But we know what she did, and it has been remembered.
And we do well to remember. 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it'.* We can and do learn from our mistakes. But let us also remember with gratitude those lessons learned from the past both from our own experience and the experience of other. Let us remember with gratitude those who died in the service of others. Let us remember with grateful thanks the lives of those known to us that we have loved. And as we remember and give thanks let us look forward to what lies ahead. We wait for the coming of the Christ child - God's greatest gift to us. Let us look forward in joyful antici[pation to God's goodness to us.
With my love and prayers.
Claire
* from 'Life of Reason, Reason in Common Sense, Scribner's, 1905, page 284.
We have 'done' Harvest and we are just about to 'do' Remembrance. This is the time of year when the church's seasonal calendar offers us a clear framework of thought; as we move from thanksgiving (for Harvest) through remembering to the waiting (in Advent) in readiness for the joy of the Incarnation. I am aware that in rural communities the reality of the harvest is much more visible with locally produced potatoes, garden-grown apples, and homemade jams. It makes the thanksgiving more immediate and more relevant.
We are now entering the 'Kingdom' season of the church's year. This is time when we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us. All Saints Sunday gives us an opportunity to remember those who have died, as we ponder on the mystery of the 'Communion of Saints'. We hold special services for those who wish to remember their own departed loved ones, and light candles in their memories. We take part in Remembrance Sunday observances as we acknowledge the part played by those men and women who offered their lives in the service of their country during times of war.
This is the official remembering. But often, those memories that are treasured the most are the private ones. Those thoughts that remember small acts of kindness, often unasked for, but given as a gift. Many people sent me cards, both before and after I had major surgery, but the one I treasure is a tiny red card with a heart on it, which read inside 'remember you are loved'. In the Bible, Jesus was aware of this. There is a story in the gospels of a woman breaking an expensive jar of perfume and pouring it over Jesus. His disciples were horrified at the apparent waste. She had poured out the equivalent of a year's wages for 'nothing'. But Jesus saw beyond the act to the love in that woman's heart and said that her act would be remembered. And it has been. You can find the story in Mark's gospel (Chapter 14: 3-10). We do not know her name - some have hazarded guesses at who she was. But we know what she did, and it has been remembered.
And we do well to remember. 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it'.* We can and do learn from our mistakes. But let us also remember with gratitude those lessons learned from the past both from our own experience and the experience of other. Let us remember with gratitude those who died in the service of others. Let us remember with grateful thanks the lives of those known to us that we have loved. And as we remember and give thanks let us look forward to what lies ahead. We wait for the coming of the Christ child - God's greatest gift to us. Let us look forward in joyful antici[pation to God's goodness to us.
With my love and prayers.
Claire
* from 'Life of Reason, Reason in Common Sense, Scribner's, 1905, page 284.
Monday, 21 September 2009
October 2009 Vol. 31 No. 10
Dear Friends
It’s often said we live in a compensation culture. Anyone working in any of the Public Services has to be very careful to fill in the right paperwork to ensure that any court case has all the evidence. We seem to be quick to want to blame someone.
Poor old Gordon Brown is being blamed for everything – Lockerbie prisoner release/Afghanistan/Credit Crunch/Swine Flu. I guess he realises this comes with the turf – maybe that’s why we have politicians – someone to blame. Car drivers will know that if you’re in an accident you should never admit blame – it’s always someone else’s fault.
Of course, God’s always getting it in the neck. The doctor tells you you have cancer, an earthquake kills thousands, a child dies. That all must be God’s fault, who else is there? What puzzles me is how quickly those who don’t give God a nod or a wink most of the time accuse him of any bad news. I guess that’s easier than the atheist who has no-one to blame – it’s all a matter of chance.
What worries me about all this is that we are losing sight of personal responsibility. We are so quick looking to blame others that we cannot see our own part. Jesus had something to say about this – something about a speck in someone else’s eye and a plank in your own. From the Christian viewpoint we are all responsible for our own behaviour and decisions. There will always be outside circumstances influencing us, but in the end we have to be responsible for ourselves.
There is also the aspect of collective responsibility. A child is killed by its carers – let’s blame the Social Workers or the Police. What about the neighbours? Who was keeping an eye out for that family? I know that’s not easy, particularly in the cities, but I think Jesus had something to say about neighbours as well.
Most of our church services begin with an act of Confession: “Almighty God… we have sinned against you and against our neighbour...” Notice the communal aspect of this. It’s not just me who has messed up – we’re in it together. I pray that we will rediscover that sense of personal responsibility and realise that we are also in community, looking out for each other in good and bad times. That for me, is a lot of what church is about.
Steve Osman
It’s often said we live in a compensation culture. Anyone working in any of the Public Services has to be very careful to fill in the right paperwork to ensure that any court case has all the evidence. We seem to be quick to want to blame someone.
Poor old Gordon Brown is being blamed for everything – Lockerbie prisoner release/Afghanistan/Credit Crunch/Swine Flu. I guess he realises this comes with the turf – maybe that’s why we have politicians – someone to blame. Car drivers will know that if you’re in an accident you should never admit blame – it’s always someone else’s fault.
Of course, God’s always getting it in the neck. The doctor tells you you have cancer, an earthquake kills thousands, a child dies. That all must be God’s fault, who else is there? What puzzles me is how quickly those who don’t give God a nod or a wink most of the time accuse him of any bad news. I guess that’s easier than the atheist who has no-one to blame – it’s all a matter of chance.
What worries me about all this is that we are losing sight of personal responsibility. We are so quick looking to blame others that we cannot see our own part. Jesus had something to say about this – something about a speck in someone else’s eye and a plank in your own. From the Christian viewpoint we are all responsible for our own behaviour and decisions. There will always be outside circumstances influencing us, but in the end we have to be responsible for ourselves.
There is also the aspect of collective responsibility. A child is killed by its carers – let’s blame the Social Workers or the Police. What about the neighbours? Who was keeping an eye out for that family? I know that’s not easy, particularly in the cities, but I think Jesus had something to say about neighbours as well.
Most of our church services begin with an act of Confession: “Almighty God… we have sinned against you and against our neighbour...” Notice the communal aspect of this. It’s not just me who has messed up – we’re in it together. I pray that we will rediscover that sense of personal responsibility and realise that we are also in community, looking out for each other in good and bad times. That for me, is a lot of what church is about.
Steve Osman
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