THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
22nd March 2025
Greetings.
The gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent (Luke 13.1-9) raises that thorny question, why do bad things happen to good people? It's possibly the most enduring question in human history, and the lack of a definitive answer does not stop it being asked time and again in the wake of traumatic events. But, in truth, the condition of the world and the nature of human experience is such, that there is never a time when that question is not a pertinent one. It's just that very often, and thankfully so, our lives are shielded from the circumstances in which we feel compelled to ask it.
Those who crowded round Jesus following the collapse of the Tower of Siloam and Pilate's brutal execution of Galilean rebels wanted an answer. But Jesus didn't attempt an explanation. Instead, he spoke of their suffering as a metaphor for the spiritual calamity that befalls everyone who attempts to live life apart from God. I can't imagine such a response being well received had Jesus been a guest on the Today Programme! He was, I think, pointing to the danger of despair and reminding his hearers that God's peace and blessing are not contingent upon worldly events, that they are no less real in times of suffering and hardship than they are in conditions of joy and prosperity. Faith is the assurance that they are still with us even when life is such that they feel far distant. Do not therefore give way to the despair which takes you far from God.
As people of faith our calling is not to deny the reality of suffering, either our own or that of others, but to live in the assurance of God's peace and blessing in spite of it. For some that may come through a powerful and immediate sense of God's presence but for most it is mediated through encounters with other people. The gifts of time and companionship are some of the most important things we can offer, and a means by which we become channels of God's grace (and recipients of it too). Life's events are perplexing but it's manifesto remains as it was summarised by Jesus all those years ago; love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.
Every blessing,
Charles Booth
Notices
Mothering Sunday (30th March) - We look forward to welcoming the choir from Parley First School at the 10 o'clock service. The liturgy will be Morning Worship rather than a Eucharist. It will be the 5th Sunday of the month and Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8 o'clock at All Saints'. It also marks the beginning of British Summer Time so the clocks go forward one hour.
St. Luke Passion - the reading of the passion on Palm Sunday (10th April) this year will be from St. Luke. As is our custom we will be looking for different people to read the various parts. If you would like to be involved please respond to this e mail or otherwise let me know.
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