From the People’s Warden …
Dear Friends,
My mother, on occasion, would try to hurry us along with, “You are as slow as a wet week”. These last days have reminded me of her, and just how slow and long a wet week can be. Yet, I can give thanks for umbrellas and strong shoes, for soup and warm rooms and even hopefully, time to read a good book.
Today’s readings show us the healing generosity of God and its effect. When Elijah asked God to let the child live again, it was a gift to the widow of Zarephath who had shared her last food with him. His prayer was answered—the life of the child came back to him.
In Galatians, Paul writes of his gratitude for the grace of God that turned the destructive direction of his life to one which was active for the glory of God.
In the reading from Luke, Jesus sees the distress of the mother whose only son had died, and was being carried out of the town of Nain for burial. Jesus notices, he is not asked. He acts freely, in compassion, doing something that no-one would have imagined anyone could do. Going forward, he touches the bier and calls the young man to get up. As the young man rose at Jesus’ call, all were amazed, and could see for themselves that God was in that place. The actions of Jesus would have called forth in the observers echoes of the prophets of old. We can see in this scene the connection with Jesus’ own death, and his rising to leave death behind for ever. We see the generosity of the love of God going out where there is a need.
Our own generosity is often stifled by second thoughts—our lack of confidence, concern for the opinions of others or the personal costs which may result, and our constraints of time or circumstance. But often we can show generosity in very simple ways—the smile in the lift, the courtesy in heavy traffic on a wet day, or the quick friendly phone call. As the winter begins to have an effect on our activities and our spirits, may we always be aware of the encouraging generosity of God, and give thanks for the example and gift of his son Jesus Christ, and ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit to overcome our hesitations.
Michael Leunig writes, “We give thanks for the blessings of winter…”
May we find our own blessings and give thanks.
Claire AnsticeVestry Notes:
Quotes accepted for new church heaters.
A contract being prepared for groups holding concerts in the church.
On 27 June, the Most Revd Katherine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, to be the preacher here at a special Evensong.
29–31 October, a festival to be held to celebrate All Saints and to commemorate the centenary of Fr Burton’s arrival at S. Michael’s.
Ginger Group is planning several social events. New members welcome.
