“Stripped Bare”
While sitting in the church at St George’s to say my prayers, I could not help but admire this years Advent and Christmas decorations. They were really great. Sincere thanks to those who work so hard to get this done. This is also so true for St Wilfrid’s. Then suddenly the churches are stripped bare; and all their work is gone. As this is a reality in the life of the church, so it is in life. We are always in need of renewal, and be a fresh work in progress.
With the help of God we begin a new year in our life of faith. We join others who continue to develop and grow the work that has begun. This week we have received a very good report from St George’s and last week from St Wilfrid’s. The work that is done for the children’s liturgies, and the work in progress in response to the Synod provide a good framework. As in nature; the seasons of the year, Spring will follow winter, so for us Lent will follow the Christmas season. So please God, we will develop and grow.
For many the institution of the church receives most attention, with the death of Pope Benedict there is a focus upon the politics of power, and who will be the next one to replace Pope Francis. While this is understandable, it is often very far from the life of Christ, and the reality of the cross. The words of Christ to His disciples is to encourage them to take up their cross every day in order to follow him. In following him there are key moments; like on the night he was betrayed, he took bread, blessed and broke it and said, “do this in remembrance of me”.