Dear friends,
Having just returned from two weeks leave, I was filled with joy to see the ministries of this church in good shape.
Thank you everyone for your efforts in caring for our own, plus the wider community, through pastoral care , worship and the provision of frozen meals made with love. “The capacity for caring illuminates any relationship. The more people you care about, and the more intensely you care, the more alive you are “ .
I’m sure many of you have noticed the changes to your lives because of the Covid 19 . Every change in life brings some confusion, adaptation, advantages and challenges. Every change brings some grief and loss no matter the benefits. When we recognise our feelings and acknowledge them – we adapt much better to find acceptance.
What are the challenges and what are the positives from this time?
Perhaps you’ve noticed nature more -the beautiful autumn leaves – or the warble of the magpies? I’ve noticed there have been more families out walking and riding their bikes. Some people have enjoyed reading more and getting odd jobs done . I’ve enjoyed sorting through boxes in the garage and rediscovered treasured books, poems and cards.
There is so much to be thankful for .
Last Saturday April 25th, we commemorated Anzac Day. A day to be thankful for the freedom, peace, democracy and justice we live with. Instead of congregating at the War Memorials , people stood at the end of their driveways with a candle and listened to the buglers play the Last Post. It was a creative way to give honour to men and women who have served and serve , in the Defence Forces of Australia. I especially pray for Peace-Keeping Forces and pray we will continue to find peaceful ways to resolve conflict. Jesus taught us the importance of making peace.
He showed us how making Peace usually involves forgiveness .Much of Jesus’ teachings is about forgiveness.
Richard Rohr ( a theologian ) wrote “ Amongst the most powerful of human experiences is to give, or to receive forgiveness”.
Much of Jesus’ teaching is directly or indirectly about this mystery of forgiveness. Did you realise that Forgiveness involves three goodnesses all at once!
1 When we forgive, we choose the goodness of the other over their faults ;
2 We experience God’s goodness flowing through ourselves
3 We experience our own goodness in a way that almost surprises us !
Richard continues “ If you don’t get forgiveness, you’re missing the whole mystery of God! Forgiveness is the great thawing of all logic, reason and worthiness and the primary way we move from the economy of merit to the economy of grace. It is the final surrender to the humility and power of a Divine Love and a Divine Lover.”
Wow ! Where in your life would you like some forgiveness today?
In our bible reading this week , we can see how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Always moving towards finding the lost sheep and carrying them back home again. That’s forgiveness – always moving towards love .
Shalom my friends
Rev. Frances