Dear Church Family,
This Sunday, 6th June 2021, marks the 77th anniversary of the D-Day landing. It is significant in history for the role it played in World War II. It marked the turn of the tide for the control maintained by Nazi Germany; less than a year after the invasion, the Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's surrender.
For many of us the two world wars are significant historical events, for some who lived through the second world war they are experiences the like of which they never want to see again.
Photo by Duncan Kidd on Unsplash
Wherever there is conflict in the world, whether brought about by war amongst nations, old sectarian divisions, power struggles fuelled by poverty and injustice there you will find suffering, usually inflicted on the most vulnerable. But in and amongst the hurt survivors often talk of rays of hope, chinks of light in the darkness. Faith often plays a part in the action of those who dedicate themselves to helping those in most need, people of faith are often found bearing the light that shines in the dark.
Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash
This Sunday's gospel reading is all about Faith and Action. In Mark's account of the event's, Jesus' ministry is leading him into more and more conflict with the authorities, those in positions of religious power, and now it appears his actions, or at least the response to his actions, are bringing him into conflict with his own family.
Mark 3. 31 - 35. - The True Kindred of Jesus
31 Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” 33 And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
But Jesus isn't rejecting his family, he is extending his family.
35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Faith which leads to Action brings us closer to our Brothers and Sisters and in doing so brings us closer to God. The light that we carry into a world that sometimes feels dark and threatening is not a light that shines on us but is the light of Christ, reflected by us through our Faith and Action in the world.
John Patterson
John’s last services as a Licensed Lay Minister will be Sunday 27th June. He will preach at both morning Holy Communion services, before we gather for a parish lunch at St Peter’s from 1pm. All are welcome, but please phone or email the Parish Office to confirm your attendance.
If you would like to donate towards a gift for John, please send cash or cheques to the Parish Office by Sunday 20thJune. Bank transfers referenced “John Patterson Gift” are also welcome.
This week's pew-sheet can be downloaded here:
With every blessing,
Fr Tony
