This is a postscript on the piece I have recently published on my 'all sorts' site about my successful treatment for cancer.
The reason why I can never be smug about my decision not to accept the surgery offered to me, which was, statistically speaking, the correct and sensible answer to my condition, is that I know that the procedure that I had instead could so easily not have been successful.
The surgeon, a lovely man and a committed Christian, was clear in explaining that the operation had not gone well, and why, and what could be the result, and I could see what he meant. This is what caused my long dark nights of the soul.
I believe, with complete certainty, that it was the prayers of my family and friends and my total trust that God knew that I needed to be completely fit to care for husband and son-at-home and to keep up with our ever-expanding and lovely family that brought me through the 'valley of the shadow of death'.
I trusted that my choice would enable me to continue to visit and spend time with very precious friends and to carry on with our church commitments, plus my greatest delight which is hymn-singing with the children at our local primary school and it has.
I was told that there was a 30% chance that the cancer could spread. The fact that, between the operation in mid-July and the test in early September, it had completely disappeared was, as far as I'm concerned, a miracle of God's love and healing. Nothing will ever shake that belief.
On the evening I came back from Good Hope Hospital, I lay in bed looking at the July sun setting in the sky and, at some time during that evening, this image came unbidden into my mind. I was sitting on a small raft in the middle of a gentle river. The raft was made of wood and was strong and secure.
Along the banks of the river were beautiful flowers and trees. I saw that the river was a river of love and that the raft was God's love and I was being carried from this life to the next in one continuous, calm and peaceful journey. From that time on, I have had no fear of dying whatsoever.
Thanks be to God, to the love and prayers of family and friends, and for love itself which is life in all its fullness.
Sunday, 27 November 2016
Saturday, 12 November 2016
A poem for the time when I am no longer here
In Love's Embrace
If you should hear that I have died
do not be sad, be glad for me.
Though love is real and joys abound,
life's pain is clear, for all to see.
The many tears that I have cried,
for grief untold and sorrows seen,
for early dawn's anxiety;
for what is and what might have been,
will fade away in love's embrace
when we behold the wondrous place
where all shall dwell in God alone,
our final and eternal home.
This is certainly not the greatest poem ever and some of the lines are not very good, no matter how I search for better expressions and rhythms. However, others of the lines have been echoing in my head for weeks and will not let go so this is the best I have come up with so far.
Also, it seemed appropriate to post them in November and particularly on the weekend of remembrance, here and maybe in other places around the world but especially in France, on the anniversary of the atrocity which took place in Paris a year ago today.
It might even be something that others might have liked to say to their loved ones who are left behind. I can only hope that in some circumstances, it might, perhaps, bring some sort of comfort and, maybe, some understanding.
If you should hear that I have died
do not be sad, be glad for me.
Though love is real and joys abound,
life's pain is clear, for all to see.
The many tears that I have cried,
for grief untold and sorrows seen,
for early dawn's anxiety;
for what is and what might have been,
will fade away in love's embrace
when we behold the wondrous place
where all shall dwell in God alone,
our final and eternal home.
This is certainly not the greatest poem ever and some of the lines are not very good, no matter how I search for better expressions and rhythms. However, others of the lines have been echoing in my head for weeks and will not let go so this is the best I have come up with so far.
Also, it seemed appropriate to post them in November and particularly on the weekend of remembrance, here and maybe in other places around the world but especially in France, on the anniversary of the atrocity which took place in Paris a year ago today.
It might even be something that others might have liked to say to their loved ones who are left behind. I can only hope that in some circumstances, it might, perhaps, bring some sort of comfort and, maybe, some understanding.
Monday, 17 October 2016
About being in a state of grace - or not
"If I be not, may God bring me to it.
If I be, may God keep me in it."
I read this quote from the play by George Bernard Shaw on Saint Joan of Arc recently and really like it; somewhat surprisingly, I have to say, not having liked those plays of his which I have seen. They came over to me as clever and witty but lacking in true feeling and heart, unlike these words.
During an interesting conversation earlier this year with one of our local priests on the subject of a 'state of grace', an expression of which I am not very fond, I found myself saying that I rarely feel myself to be in that condition, not even being very sure of its meaning. Even if I had made a true and genuine confession of my failings and failures, within 5 minutes of coming out of the confessional, my state would have relapsed!
What I can say is that I always believe myself to be in a 'state of love'; that is, my implicit trust in God's love for me despite my very poor ability to respond to that love, and my absolute knowledge of my love for my loved ones. That is one thing which I never doubt.
If I be, may God keep me in it."
I read this quote from the play by George Bernard Shaw on Saint Joan of Arc recently and really like it; somewhat surprisingly, I have to say, not having liked those plays of his which I have seen. They came over to me as clever and witty but lacking in true feeling and heart, unlike these words.
During an interesting conversation earlier this year with one of our local priests on the subject of a 'state of grace', an expression of which I am not very fond, I found myself saying that I rarely feel myself to be in that condition, not even being very sure of its meaning. Even if I had made a true and genuine confession of my failings and failures, within 5 minutes of coming out of the confessional, my state would have relapsed!
What I can say is that I always believe myself to be in a 'state of love'; that is, my implicit trust in God's love for me despite my very poor ability to respond to that love, and my absolute knowledge of my love for my loved ones. That is one thing which I never doubt.
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Monday, 29 August 2016
About the family of God
The family of God, for me, is the most important image of humanity, but what does it actually mean, I wondered? What is it in reality to me? How do we all fit into each others' lives?
Well, because, and only because, I was born and have remained a Catholic, Catholics seem to me to be like my brothers and sisters. This is similar to my biological family; just because we were born and raised in the same family doesn't make us best friends or more important to each other than anyone else; far from it. It just means that we have so many shared experiences and memories, were brought up with the same standards and values, shared the same house, same relatives, listened/watched the same programmes, etc etc, that there is a terrific familiarity.
Other Christians seem to me to be like my first cousins. As it happens, I am tremendously close to some of my cousins; we share the same wider family and have similar natures. Often we can see the family likenesses in our children and can share the same sense of humour and the like. But we weren't brought up in the same household so don't have that very particular background that individual families have.
People of other faiths seem to be like my second cousins; we don't know each other as well, but recognise some unifying factors in our experiences, have relatives in common and the like. People of no faith are like my neighbours; we share the same environment, even if we don't know each other very well. We have the same interests in common as regards the place where we live and most of us want the best for that space for ourselves and for each other, as, ultimately, that is what is in all our best interests.
In that way, everyone matters to me in some way or another because we all share the same planet, however well or little we know each other. No-one has ever expressed this better than John Donne in that marvellous piece of prose which begins; "No man is an island", well worth anyone's reading.
Had I been born and reared in an Anglican or Methodist, Jewish, Islamic or atheistic family, the relationships would be similar but juxtaposed. It would be so marvellous, I believe, if we could all learn to see each other in this way; so many concerns and interests in common; so many reasons to work together, rather than apart, to build a better world for all.
Well, because, and only because, I was born and have remained a Catholic, Catholics seem to me to be like my brothers and sisters. This is similar to my biological family; just because we were born and raised in the same family doesn't make us best friends or more important to each other than anyone else; far from it. It just means that we have so many shared experiences and memories, were brought up with the same standards and values, shared the same house, same relatives, listened/watched the same programmes, etc etc, that there is a terrific familiarity.
Other Christians seem to me to be like my first cousins. As it happens, I am tremendously close to some of my cousins; we share the same wider family and have similar natures. Often we can see the family likenesses in our children and can share the same sense of humour and the like. But we weren't brought up in the same household so don't have that very particular background that individual families have.
People of other faiths seem to be like my second cousins; we don't know each other as well, but recognise some unifying factors in our experiences, have relatives in common and the like. People of no faith are like my neighbours; we share the same environment, even if we don't know each other very well. We have the same interests in common as regards the place where we live and most of us want the best for that space for ourselves and for each other, as, ultimately, that is what is in all our best interests.
In that way, everyone matters to me in some way or another because we all share the same planet, however well or little we know each other. No-one has ever expressed this better than John Donne in that marvellous piece of prose which begins; "No man is an island", well worth anyone's reading.
Had I been born and reared in an Anglican or Methodist, Jewish, Islamic or atheistic family, the relationships would be similar but juxtaposed. It would be so marvellous, I believe, if we could all learn to see each other in this way; so many concerns and interests in common; so many reasons to work together, rather than apart, to build a better world for all.
Saturday, 20 August 2016
About the source of love
I completely believe that the little pool of love which I feel within my heart,
must be fed from an infinite ocean of love -
and that is what I call God.
must be fed from an infinite ocean of love -
and that is what I call God.
Friday, 19 August 2016
About connections
God, you are the river of life and love which flows through us.
You connect us to the river of life and love
which flows through all your creation.
You connect us to the river of life and love
which flows through all your creation.
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Sunday, 29 May 2016
About dealing with the devil
Jesus clipped the devils' wings.
Now they can only hop impotently on the ground,
whispering naughty nothings in our ears.
Let us not listen.
Now they can only hop impotently on the ground,
whispering naughty nothings in our ears.
Let us not listen.
About Jesus and me
You are the Lord of my life
You are the Prince of my heart.
You are my Shepherd
but, best of all,
you are my Brother.
Thank you for being everything to me.
You are the Prince of my heart.
You are my Shepherd
but, best of all,
you are my Brother.
Thank you for being everything to me.
About evil and goodness
Evil is seen against the backdrop of goodness.
Our sad feelings about the darkness of life's tragedies and sorrows
are an implicit acknowledgement
that we aspire to live
in the light of happiness, goodness, beauty, joy.
The darker the night,
the brighter the stars.*
* Compare with the beautiful hymn, "Be still and know I'm with you"
Our sad feelings about the darkness of life's tragedies and sorrows
are an implicit acknowledgement
that we aspire to live
in the light of happiness, goodness, beauty, joy.
The darker the night,
the brighter the stars.*
* Compare with the beautiful hymn, "Be still and know I'm with you"
About 'speaking' our faith gently
Someone wrote recently that Jesus vented his wrath forcefully,
implying, I thought, our right to do likewise.
Some thoughts on this:
Jesus is God.
His is absolute authority,
to be wielded as a particular situation requires.
We are but God's children;
most of us, at some time or another,
failing and flailing about in ever-increasing circles.
It behoves us then, surely,
to speak to others as, in some way,
co-respondents in the ills and evils of life,
humbly looking to God to pull us up by our bootstraps,
loathe, always, to jump down the throats of others.
implying, I thought, our right to do likewise.
Some thoughts on this:
Jesus is God.
His is absolute authority,
to be wielded as a particular situation requires.
We are but God's children;
most of us, at some time or another,
failing and flailing about in ever-increasing circles.
It behoves us then, surely,
to speak to others as, in some way,
co-respondents in the ills and evils of life,
humbly looking to God to pull us up by our bootstraps,
loathe, always, to jump down the throats of others.
About images of Jesus
What is your image of Jesus?
There are many; the Good Shepherd, the Messiah, the Lord, the King; but who and what is he to those of us who have come to know and love him.
The image that means the most to me is of Jesus as my 'big brother', perhaps because I was the eldest in my own family and always seemed to feel as though I had to look out for the others. He is the older brother that we might dream of, the one who'll always watch over us, the solid secure presence.
I really feel that Jesus is always there for me; someone I can turn to, knowing that he will care and do everything he can to help me sort out the everyday ups and downs of life.
What a joy it is to have the sure and certain knowledge of his love for me personally. It would be wonderful if everyone who needs it (which is all of us really, I believe) could find the same comfort and strength that comes from knowing Jesus in whatever way each of us needs.
PS My second favourite image is of Jesus as the 'Good Shepherd'. If anyone needs a shepherd in order to be kept on the 'right path' and to be lead by restful waters, it's me!!
Of course, I always have husband to fall back on as well. He's is never very far away from 'keeping me on the right path' (or so he says; and who am I to demur or disagree!!). No wonder I need the restful waters!!
There are many; the Good Shepherd, the Messiah, the Lord, the King; but who and what is he to those of us who have come to know and love him.
The image that means the most to me is of Jesus as my 'big brother', perhaps because I was the eldest in my own family and always seemed to feel as though I had to look out for the others. He is the older brother that we might dream of, the one who'll always watch over us, the solid secure presence.
I really feel that Jesus is always there for me; someone I can turn to, knowing that he will care and do everything he can to help me sort out the everyday ups and downs of life.
What a joy it is to have the sure and certain knowledge of his love for me personally. It would be wonderful if everyone who needs it (which is all of us really, I believe) could find the same comfort and strength that comes from knowing Jesus in whatever way each of us needs.
PS My second favourite image is of Jesus as the 'Good Shepherd'. If anyone needs a shepherd in order to be kept on the 'right path' and to be lead by restful waters, it's me!!
Of course, I always have husband to fall back on as well. He's is never very far away from 'keeping me on the right path' (or so he says; and who am I to demur or disagree!!). No wonder I need the restful waters!!
Friday, 27 May 2016
About giving our word - and God giving his
When we say, "I give you my word", it is an implicit 'promise' that whatever we have said is true.
God, you gave us your Word, your promise to send us a Saviour.
You kept your promise; you gave us your Son, who is your Word,
the image and embodiment of your very self.
God, you gave us your Word, your promise to send us a Saviour.
You kept your promise; you gave us your Son, who is your Word,
the image and embodiment of your very self.
About the Jewish leaders and Jesus
The Jewish leaders* did not want to listen to Jesus
because they did not want to follow anyone;
they only wanted to BE followed.
*NB I really feel that the phrase, 'the Jews', as it is generally translated in St John's Gospel, gives a very bad impression of the Jewish people of that time, when the fact was that most, if not all, of Jesus' followers were Jewish then, as indeed was Jesus himself!)
because they did not want to follow anyone;
they only wanted to BE followed.
*NB I really feel that the phrase, 'the Jews', as it is generally translated in St John's Gospel, gives a very bad impression of the Jewish people of that time, when the fact was that most, if not all, of Jesus' followers were Jewish then, as indeed was Jesus himself!)
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
About 'offending' God?
God, we cannot 'hurt your feelings'!
You are whole, entire,
on fire with love for all your creation.
Your only sorrow is for us
who choose to refuse
your ways of freedom, life and love.
You are whole, entire,
on fire with love for all your creation.
Your only sorrow is for us
who choose to refuse
your ways of freedom, life and love.
Monday, 23 May 2016
About 'God among us'
We are able to see our church from our bedroom window
God, what a special gift it is to have this view.
I am able to gaze upon your little home from my window.
I think of you all alone there,
waiting for us to come to you;
but, of course, you are never alone.
The whole company of the angels and saints of heaven are with you
as you dwell in peace and love among us.
Jesus, you are here.
You inhabit the earth, our home.
God, what a special gift it is to have this view.
I am able to gaze upon your little home from my window.
I think of you all alone there,
waiting for us to come to you;
but, of course, you are never alone.
The whole company of the angels and saints of heaven are with you
as you dwell in peace and love among us.
Jesus, you are here.
You inhabit the earth, our home.
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
About the weakness of the so-called powerful
John the Baptist and Jesus both died because of the weakness of someone in power.
In John's case, it was Herod and for Jesus, it was Pilate.
In their weakness, they were more concerned about the opinion of others
than about what was right.
Both John the Baptist and Jesus were fearless preachers of the truth.
Their 'weakness' was their strength.
For those who had the power to save or condemn
their 'power' was their weakness.
In John's case, it was Herod and for Jesus, it was Pilate.
In their weakness, they were more concerned about the opinion of others
than about what was right.
Both John the Baptist and Jesus were fearless preachers of the truth.
Their 'weakness' was their strength.
For those who had the power to save or condemn
their 'power' was their weakness.
About morning prayer
If I pray before I enter the day,
it allows the fuel of God's love to course through my veins,
to help me to live in the knowledge
of God's power in my life.
it allows the fuel of God's love to course through my veins,
to help me to live in the knowledge
of God's power in my life.
Monday, 16 May 2016
About the archaeology of the Bible
Excellent theologians throughout the centuries have trawled through the crevices and recesses of scripture and recorded their treasures.
Yet each one of us may look again and find some hidden gem or question, which has lain unearthed since first recorded and first laid down.
For example, these (and many others) have exercised my brain over the years -
Yet each one of us may look again and find some hidden gem or question, which has lain unearthed since first recorded and first laid down.
For example, these (and many others) have exercised my brain over the years -
- Why was Lazarus in the grave for 4 days? Is there some significance to 4 and not 3, as in the case of Jesus?
- Why did Jesus cause all those pigs to drown when they were the source of income for so many?
- Why did Jesus not just cast out the bad spirits? How can a bad spirit 'drown'?
- Why did Jesus curse the fig tree for having no fruit when it wasn't the season for fruit?
Saturday, 14 May 2016
About the gates of heaven (see also 13.3.16)
The mystery for me is who closed them?
What is the meaning of the saying that, by dying, Jesus 'opened' them?
Could it mean this?
God did not, would not, close the doors on us.
We walked through them and shut them behind us with our disobedient and seemingly independent ways - in fact with our pride.
The doors are not in some far-off heaven but are within us, in our hearts and minds.
Jesus has come knocking on those doors, asking us to open them to him.
He has shown us that, even though having suffered the full range of physical, mental and emotional agony, to the point of, and beyond, death,
he really is alive.
Death is not the end of life but the beginning of a new and ever-lasting adventure of life and love.
What is the meaning of the saying that, by dying, Jesus 'opened' them?
Could it mean this?
God did not, would not, close the doors on us.
We walked through them and shut them behind us with our disobedient and seemingly independent ways - in fact with our pride.
The doors are not in some far-off heaven but are within us, in our hearts and minds.
Jesus has come knocking on those doors, asking us to open them to him.
He has shown us that, even though having suffered the full range of physical, mental and emotional agony, to the point of, and beyond, death,
he really is alive.
Death is not the end of life but the beginning of a new and ever-lasting adventure of life and love.
About sin
Sin is a spiritual 'leprosy'.
We must keep away from it. It is infectious.
This is an unusual thing for me to write but it came into my head in this form
and I feel it has something to say, even if I'm not entirely happy with it.
(I don't even like the word 'sin' and have my own definition for it
which is, 'An offence against love'
but that seems a bit 'wordy' to use in this context.)
We must keep away from it. It is infectious.
This is an unusual thing for me to write but it came into my head in this form
and I feel it has something to say, even if I'm not entirely happy with it.
(I don't even like the word 'sin' and have my own definition for it
which is, 'An offence against love'
but that seems a bit 'wordy' to use in this context.)
About humanity and inhumanity
Sometimes, the wickedness of which humanity is capable
has to be seen to be believed.
I don't know what I had in mind when I wrote this thought,
and it is gloomy,
but how many of us don't feel like this at times.
has to be seen to be believed.
I don't know what I had in mind when I wrote this thought,
and it is gloomy,
but how many of us don't feel like this at times.
Sunday, 8 May 2016
Quotations from Julian of Norwich - 1
Revelations of Divine Love
The Fifth Chapter
Paragraphs 1 and 2
"In this same time our Lord shewed me a .. sight of his homely loving.
I saw that he is to us everything that is good and comfortable for us. He is our clothing that for love wrappeth us, claspeth us, and all becloseth us for tender love, that he may never leave us; being to us all-thing that is good, as to mine understanding."
The whole of this chapter is incredibly beautiful (the chapters are very short).
The Thirty-Ninth Chapter
Paragraph 4
".. our courteous Lord willeth not that his servants despair, for often nor for grievous falling: for our falling letteth not him from loving us. Peace and love are ever in us, being and working; but we be not always in peace and in love. But he willeth that we take heed thus that he is Ground of all our whole life in love; and furthermore that he is our everlasting keeper ......"
These are the two quotes which have meant the most to me but the whole book is full of similar beauty.
I hope these may have given a small taste of the love and consolation which is to be found within its pages.
The Fifth Chapter
Paragraphs 1 and 2
"In this same time our Lord shewed me a .. sight of his homely loving.
I saw that he is to us everything that is good and comfortable for us. He is our clothing that for love wrappeth us, claspeth us, and all becloseth us for tender love, that he may never leave us; being to us all-thing that is good, as to mine understanding."
The whole of this chapter is incredibly beautiful (the chapters are very short).
The Thirty-Ninth Chapter
Paragraph 4
".. our courteous Lord willeth not that his servants despair, for often nor for grievous falling: for our falling letteth not him from loving us. Peace and love are ever in us, being and working; but we be not always in peace and in love. But he willeth that we take heed thus that he is Ground of all our whole life in love; and furthermore that he is our everlasting keeper ......"
These are the two quotes which have meant the most to me but the whole book is full of similar beauty.
I hope these may have given a small taste of the love and consolation which is to be found within its pages.
About Julian of Norwich
On May 8th, in the year 1373, Julian of Norwich had a series of visions which coloured her whole life thereafter and on which, she spent the rest of that life reflecting. She wrote about it in a little book called "Revelations of Divine Love".
I may have first heard of her around 1973, the six hundredth anniversary of her experience. Her book had come back into public awareness at least at the beginning of the 20th century because my copy was published in 1926. It was given to me by the housekeeper to our parish priest when he died. He had lent it to me when I asked him about her and I fell in love with it immediately.
The foreword explains that, while the spelling is modern, "the actual wording of the text has been kept considerably closer to the text than....." other editions". It is this text that I find so enchanting.
By chance, her name came up in a conversation the other evening and caused me to pick up the book which has lain in my desk for many a year. Being reminded that the date of her vision was today, this gave me the idea to share these thoughts and, perhaps, from time to time, to share my favourite passages.
I'll copy my two favourites in a new post.
I may have first heard of her around 1973, the six hundredth anniversary of her experience. Her book had come back into public awareness at least at the beginning of the 20th century because my copy was published in 1926. It was given to me by the housekeeper to our parish priest when he died. He had lent it to me when I asked him about her and I fell in love with it immediately.
The foreword explains that, while the spelling is modern, "the actual wording of the text has been kept considerably closer to the text than....." other editions". It is this text that I find so enchanting.
By chance, her name came up in a conversation the other evening and caused me to pick up the book which has lain in my desk for many a year. Being reminded that the date of her vision was today, this gave me the idea to share these thoughts and, perhaps, from time to time, to share my favourite passages.
I'll copy my two favourites in a new post.
Saturday, 7 May 2016
About God and science
Belief in and love for both,
cause me to look at the world through -
the lens of God's love,
the microscope of God's mercy
and the telescope of God's truth.
cause me to look at the world through -
the lens of God's love,
the microscope of God's mercy
and the telescope of God's truth.
Thursday, 28 April 2016
About the wounds of life
Is the price we pay
for being able to feel the wounds of others,
that of having been wounded ourselves?
Perhaps so.
If so, is it worth the price?
On balance, I would say yes.
for being able to feel the wounds of others,
that of having been wounded ourselves?
Perhaps so.
If so, is it worth the price?
On balance, I would say yes.
Monday, 25 April 2016
About the Blessed Trinity
God, in the Blessed Trinity, you are
The Father of life, the Son of love, the Spirit of truth
and
The Father of love, the Son of love, the Spirit of love.
The Father of life, the Son of love, the Spirit of truth
and
The Father of love, the Son of love, the Spirit of love.
About never losing hope
Sometimes it seems as though we can never sort out the messiness of our lives in this world.
Let us not worry or lose hope.
Let us always trust that God will sort everything out in the next life.
Let us be sure of this. Let us hold on always. God loves us, come what may.
Did a loved one take his or her own life, go to prison, disappear without a word, commit a terrible crime, turn away from us?
Did we?
Let us not despair.
All will be well, if not today, then in that last great tomorrow which is forever.
Eternal truth, justice and love will prevail.
ALL WILL BE WELL.
Let us not worry or lose hope.
Let us always trust that God will sort everything out in the next life.
Let us be sure of this. Let us hold on always. God loves us, come what may.
Did a loved one take his or her own life, go to prison, disappear without a word, commit a terrible crime, turn away from us?
Did we?
Let us not despair.
All will be well, if not today, then in that last great tomorrow which is forever.
Eternal truth, justice and love will prevail.
ALL WILL BE WELL.
Thursday, 21 April 2016
About compassionate eyes
Those eyes have looked
on the face of sorrow
and have wept.
May we all learn to see through compassionate eyes.
on the face of sorrow
and have wept.
May we all learn to see through compassionate eyes.
About life, love and loving
Life is the gift of the Father.
Love is the gift of the Son.
Loving is the gift of the Spirit.
Love is the gift of the Son.
Loving is the gift of the Spirit.
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
About being rescued when we are in desperate need
There was a man, the dregs of humanity,
lying by the roadside.
People scurried past, afraid to look,
averting their eyes.
A man, a stranger, came past
and took him in his arms
and tended and cared for him.
So is God to us.
lying by the roadside.
People scurried past, afraid to look,
averting their eyes.
A man, a stranger, came past
and took him in his arms
and tended and cared for him.
So is God to us.
A way of looking at the Trinity
The Father represents the Mind of God,
wherein is held all truth.
The Son represents the Heart of God,
wherein is held all love.
The Spirit represents the Life of God,
wherein is held all Creation.
All Three are One.
Each One is All.
wherein is held all truth.
The Son represents the Heart of God,
wherein is held all love.
The Spirit represents the Life of God,
wherein is held all Creation.
All Three are One.
Each One is All.
About seeking and finding Jesus
If we could only read the Gospels with an open mind and heart, then Jesus would come walking - bounding, leaping, striding, even, off the pages and into our lives.
What a man, what a mixture; amazing; strong, brave, wise, funny, gentle, caring. He had an answer for everything; he had authority, compassion. He encouraged the weak and challenged the proud. He was scared of no-one, loving to all. He healed, taught, told stories; had time for the sick, the down and outs, for women and children, (rare in those days) and so much more!
If we could just see that, we would fall at his feet, crying, "My Lord and my God", and he would clasp us in his arms and hold us to his heart, whispering, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest", (and which of us does not feel like that at times, even if we don't admit it).
These could be the most beautiful words we will ever hear; and if we only listened, we would hear them. What joy, what solace, what comfort they would bring, something to help and last us throughout our whole lives.
It really is worth the search.
What a man, what a mixture; amazing; strong, brave, wise, funny, gentle, caring. He had an answer for everything; he had authority, compassion. He encouraged the weak and challenged the proud. He was scared of no-one, loving to all. He healed, taught, told stories; had time for the sick, the down and outs, for women and children, (rare in those days) and so much more!
If we could just see that, we would fall at his feet, crying, "My Lord and my God", and he would clasp us in his arms and hold us to his heart, whispering, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest", (and which of us does not feel like that at times, even if we don't admit it).
These could be the most beautiful words we will ever hear; and if we only listened, we would hear them. What joy, what solace, what comfort they would bring, something to help and last us throughout our whole lives.
It really is worth the search.
Saturday, 2 April 2016
About who killed Jesus
Did the Jewish leaders alone condemn Jesus?
Did Pilate?
Did the Roman soldiers alone crucify him?
No, WE condemn Jesus
every time we condemn, criticise
or harbour ill-will, jealousy or envy
against another.
WE crucify Jesus
every time we hammer down the nails
of hatred of any kind
into the outstretched wrists and feet
of one another -
or even ourselves.
Did Pilate?
Did the Roman soldiers alone crucify him?
No, WE condemn Jesus
every time we condemn, criticise
or harbour ill-will, jealousy or envy
against another.
WE crucify Jesus
every time we hammer down the nails
of hatred of any kind
into the outstretched wrists and feet
of one another -
or even ourselves.
About endings and beginnings
Be at peace.
Forget all the mistakes
and shortcomings of yesterday.
Forget the tragedies and disasters of life.
Jesus was dead but now
HE IS ALIVE.
Yesterday, we thought it was the end but
TODAY IT IS THE BEGINNING.
Forget all the mistakes
and shortcomings of yesterday.
Forget the tragedies and disasters of life.
Jesus was dead but now
HE IS ALIVE.
Yesterday, we thought it was the end but
TODAY IT IS THE BEGINNING.
About compassion for all
We must learn to look
at every human being
with compassion -
including ourselves.
at every human being
with compassion -
including ourselves.
About Jesus and his opponents
Jesus came to save the scribes and Pharisees too.
That's why he told them off.
That's why he told them off.
About the need for humility and gratitude
Dear God,
All that I am
and all that I have
is from you.
May I learn gratitude
for what I have
and humility
for what I am.
All that I am
and all that I have
is from you.
May I learn gratitude
for what I have
and humility
for what I am.
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Jesus / the Good Samaritan
Jesus is
The Good Samaritan.
He binds up our wounds.
He pays for our needs at the inn of life
and will make up what is owed when he returns.
The Good Samaritan.
He binds up our wounds.
He pays for our needs at the inn of life
and will make up what is owed when he returns.
About God, Jesus and the world
God is. God creates. God gives life.
God gives me the opportunity to receive Jesus.
God asks me to give Jesus to the world.
God gives me the opportunity to receive Jesus.
God asks me to give Jesus to the world.
Sunday, 27 March 2016
To Jesus
Jesus, you are
the breath of my life
and the heartbeat of my love.
Jesus, I am your sister.
How amazing and beautiful is that.
the breath of my life
and the heartbeat of my love.
Jesus, I am your sister.
How amazing and beautiful is that.
About Jesus, creation and us
How amazing that you gave creation
into our hands.
What have we done to it?
How much more amazing
that you gave your Son
into our hands.
What have we done to him?
into our hands.
What have we done to it?
How much more amazing
that you gave your Son
into our hands.
What have we done to him?
About the wedding garment
The wedding garment is sorrow, repentance, recompense;
forgiveness, freedom, faith, hope, love.
forgiveness, freedom, faith, hope, love.
Friday, 25 March 2016
About the wounds of Jesus, our brother, our friend, our Saviour
Fearful friends who fell asleep -
and ran away,
a kiss of betrayal from a chosen follower,
spittle, sleeplessness,
poisonous words,
injustice,
every strand of the scourge,
every prickle of every thorn,
bruises, cuts and grazes from carrying a heavy cross -
and falling;
the grief of his loved ones,
the indifference of bystanders,
the hatred of those who wished him dead.
Nails,
hanging,
every breath a torment,
every drop of blood drawn from his body,
freely shed for us,
to show his forgiveness
for the infliction of those wounds -
and his grief for all of ours.
and ran away,
a kiss of betrayal from a chosen follower,
spittle, sleeplessness,
poisonous words,
injustice,
every strand of the scourge,
every prickle of every thorn,
bruises, cuts and grazes from carrying a heavy cross -
and falling;
the grief of his loved ones,
the indifference of bystanders,
the hatred of those who wished him dead.
Nails,
hanging,
every breath a torment,
every drop of blood drawn from his body,
freely shed for us,
to show his forgiveness
for the infliction of those wounds -
and his grief for all of ours.
Thursday, 24 March 2016
An afterthought about Pilate and us
Perhaps Pilate is 'Everyman' and his guilt represents the guilt of us all as we 'stand on the sidelines', 'sit on the fences', 'keep our heads below the parapets' and 'hide beneath the radar' of life. (Look how many metaphors we have for everything that those phrases represent.)
How many of us can put our hands up and say, "Not I, surely, Lord"; certainly I can't.
It is Jesus who struggles up the hill of hatred, carrying the weight of our guilt and bearing the full punishment for it, and yet, even as he dies, is still able to find the strength to show his unshakeable love for us all and to forgive us and all humanity, then, down through all the ages and for all time.
PS I remember reading, quite some years ago now, a poem by John Dunne, which began "Spit in my face, ye Jews" which might be of interest to some people.
It is Jesus who struggles up the hill of hatred, carrying the weight of our guilt and bearing the full punishment for it, and yet, even as he dies, is still able to find the strength to show his unshakeable love for us all and to forgive us and all humanity, then, down through all the ages and for all time.
PS I remember reading, quite some years ago now, a poem by John Dunne, which began "Spit in my face, ye Jews" which might be of interest to some people.
A postscript to a Holy Week poem
In April 2014, I posted a poem that had come to me some years ago. I re-posted it in March last year. This is the postscript.
A postscript on Pilate
I feel dissatisfied and annoyed with myself for the postscript I added to my last post, and yet I wanted to add something. It did, however, set me thinking again about that scenario. Why was it that Jesus didn't speak to Herod and why did he speak to Pilate?
I'm sure, in the first case, it was because he knew it would have been a complete waste of time. There would have been nothing he could have said to Herod that would have had any effect on his closed mind.
It is, perhaps, more intriguing to consider why he spoke to Pilate and why he answered his questions. It must have been because he saw in him something real - something that could be reached and Jesus would never fail to respond to that in any human being.
We know that it had no outcome on the final fate of Jesus but I wonder how it affected Pilate in his life thereafter. His wife had tried to to warn him against condemning Jesus but he was trapped by his own weakness and all the water in the world could never wash away that guilt from his hands.
Maybe the interplay between them, Jesus, the victim, apparently powerless, yet wholly innocent, strong, dignified, unafraid; Pilate, seemingly powerful and yet powerless to follow his conscience and free Jesus, was enough to eventually produce a redemptive change in his life.
One thing we can say is that , as I once heard someone comment, Pilate is the only other human being, apart from Mary, the mother of Jesus, to be mentioned in the Christian Creed because, by his actions, he became an instrument in the Redemption of all Humanity.
I'm sure, in the first case, it was because he knew it would have been a complete waste of time. There would have been nothing he could have said to Herod that would have had any effect on his closed mind.
It is, perhaps, more intriguing to consider why he spoke to Pilate and why he answered his questions. It must have been because he saw in him something real - something that could be reached and Jesus would never fail to respond to that in any human being.
We know that it had no outcome on the final fate of Jesus but I wonder how it affected Pilate in his life thereafter. His wife had tried to to warn him against condemning Jesus but he was trapped by his own weakness and all the water in the world could never wash away that guilt from his hands.
Maybe the interplay between them, Jesus, the victim, apparently powerless, yet wholly innocent, strong, dignified, unafraid; Pilate, seemingly powerful and yet powerless to follow his conscience and free Jesus, was enough to eventually produce a redemptive change in his life.
One thing we can say is that , as I once heard someone comment, Pilate is the only other human being, apart from Mary, the mother of Jesus, to be mentioned in the Christian Creed because, by his actions, he became an instrument in the Redemption of all Humanity.
My second-ever post, from Thursday 2nd January 2014
I have decided to re-site my 'God' thoughts here, where they all belong together.
This thought is as true for me now as it was then.
I woke early this morning and this thought came, unbidden and fully formed, into my mind.
Belief in God is the peg on which I hang my life.
This thought is as true for me now as it was then.
I woke early this morning and this thought came, unbidden and fully formed, into my mind.
Belief in God is the peg on which I hang my life.
Re-posts
SUNDAY, 26 JANUARY 2014
On the next life.
The only thing which makes sense of this world, for me, is belief in the next.
Otherwise, there is too much unresolved grief and pain.
The next world is where
all truth is told,
all injustice righted,
all love requited.
If it is so, as I believe it is, then
...so be it.
Otherwise, there is too much unresolved grief and pain.
The next world is where
all truth is told,
all injustice righted,
all love requited.
If it is so, as I believe it is, then
...so be it.
Sunday, 13 March 2016
About 'the gates of heaven'
The gates of heaven have never been closed.
God stands by them with open arms
waiting for us to return.
The closed gates are within ourselves.
We have shut them from the inside.
God will never force them open.
Only we can open them
and step outside
to feel
the freedom
of the ever-lasting love of God
which awaits us as we enter through those gates.
God stands by them with open arms
waiting for us to return.
The closed gates are within ourselves.
We have shut them from the inside.
God will never force them open.
Only we can open them
and step outside
to feel
the freedom
of the ever-lasting love of God
which awaits us as we enter through those gates.
Saturday, 12 March 2016
About "earthenware vessels"
We don't need to waste time
worrying about our imperfections,
as long as we remember
that we are all "earthenware vessels".
We have this on the unsurpassable authority of St. Paul. (2 Cor 4:7)
How very consoling and encouraging.
worrying about our imperfections,
as long as we remember
that we are all "earthenware vessels".
We have this on the unsurpassable authority of St. Paul. (2 Cor 4:7)
How very consoling and encouraging.
Thursday, 10 March 2016
About the Trinity - plant - flower - seed
Father, you are the plant of love,
Son, you are the flower of love,
Spirit, you are the seed of love.
May the seed of your love
be planted in our hearts
and blossom into flowers of love,
made manifest in our lives.
Son, you are the flower of love,
Spirit, you are the seed of love.
May the seed of your love
be planted in our hearts
and blossom into flowers of love,
made manifest in our lives.
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
About the Lord, my Shepherd
My errant mind is like the lost sheep,
constantly wandering off in all directions.
Bring me back, Lord,
Shepherd of my soul.
constantly wandering off in all directions.
Bring me back, Lord,
Shepherd of my soul.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
About Jesus, the carpenter
You took wood and planed and sanded and smoothed it into beauty.
Whether driftwood or fresh young cedar, all can be transformed by the Master Craftsman.
Take me, Lord.
Sand away my roughness and my tough outer layers.
Without you, I cannot be shaped into wholeness.
Only you can bring out the uniqueness and beauty
of the inner being you created me to be.
Whether driftwood or fresh young cedar, all can be transformed by the Master Craftsman.
Take me, Lord.
Sand away my roughness and my tough outer layers.
Without you, I cannot be shaped into wholeness.
Only you can bring out the uniqueness and beauty
of the inner being you created me to be.
Monday, 22 February 2016
About painting the colours of our lives
We must remember that we are all flawed,
that we have all been given a certain palette
within which to paint the colours of our world.
This should help us not to be too down-hearted
about our failings and inadequacies;
to rejoice in the colours which God,
through our lives and experiences,
has given us
Thinking of the 'Hunger' and 'Jarrow' marches'
Heaven will be a place or state of being
which we will reach at the end of all our lives
where there will be no more pain,
no more injustice, cruelty or suffering
but only joy, peace, love and reconciliation.
I once heard Alan Price sing an incredibly moving unaccompanied song about the Jarrow March.
It made me cry.
My father grew up amid the poverty of the North West during these times.
He felt very deeply about such things.
Perhaps this is why I feel the same.
which we will reach at the end of all our lives
where there will be no more pain,
no more injustice, cruelty or suffering
but only joy, peace, love and reconciliation.
I once heard Alan Price sing an incredibly moving unaccompanied song about the Jarrow March.
It made me cry.
My father grew up amid the poverty of the North West during these times.
He felt very deeply about such things.
Perhaps this is why I feel the same.
More God thoughts
God, you are the parent of us all,
including all your prodigal sons and daughters.
God, from your love
comes our life.
The universe is powered
by the heartbeat of God.
In order to remain truly human,
we must stay connected to the loving heart of God.
including all your prodigal sons and daughters.
God, from your love
comes our life.
The universe is powered
by the heartbeat of God.
In order to remain truly human,
we must stay connected to the loving heart of God.
About God and us and the purpose of life
God has made us. Everything we are is from God.
God knows, loves and understands us, therefore we are ok.
All that matters is that we should try to do God's will every instant of our lives but what exactly does that mean; what is God's will for us?
It is to be what we should be, which is to be ourselves, to be natural (easier said than done for many of us), and to do what we should do; and that is to fulfil our roles in life, wherever it has placed us, as well as we are able to - to remember that we are serving and working for God.
Now some people may be thinking that sounds a pretty dull or unsatisfying prospect but how wrong they are. God knows that the only true source of happiness and joy in this world is to be found in loving and serving others. Otherwise, we could end up chasing the rainbow of happiness which is always on the horizon but can never be reached or touched.
God knows, loves and understands us, therefore we are ok.
All that matters is that we should try to do God's will every instant of our lives but what exactly does that mean; what is God's will for us?
It is to be what we should be, which is to be ourselves, to be natural (easier said than done for many of us), and to do what we should do; and that is to fulfil our roles in life, wherever it has placed us, as well as we are able to - to remember that we are serving and working for God.
Now some people may be thinking that sounds a pretty dull or unsatisfying prospect but how wrong they are. God knows that the only true source of happiness and joy in this world is to be found in loving and serving others. Otherwise, we could end up chasing the rainbow of happiness which is always on the horizon but can never be reached or touched.
Saturday, 20 February 2016
God thoughts from the last notebook
My life is your life in me.
God has shared with us
the three divine attributes;
Truth, Love and Creativity.
From the well-spring of God's life
must come creativity.
God's spirit
is the oxygen
of our souls.
God has shared with us
the three divine attributes;
Truth, Love and Creativity.
From the well-spring of God's life
must come creativity.
God's spirit
is the oxygen
of our souls.
Three small prayers for the beginning of the day
Help us, this day,
to see the light of truth
and feel the warmth of love.
Allow me, aid me
to be afloat
in the slipstream
of your love.
Inhabit my heart
and mend my mind,
O God.
to see the light of truth
and feel the warmth of love.
Allow me, aid me
to be afloat
in the slipstream
of your love.
Inhabit my heart
and mend my mind,
O God.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
The last God-thoughts in this notebook
We should look at the world
through the lens of God's love.
God wants us to be good
because it is the only way to be happy.
Love is the lubricant of life.
through the lens of God's love.
God wants us to be good
because it is the only way to be happy.
Love is the lubricant of life.
About God's will for us
The will of God for us
is that we should seek and find
whatever is best for us;
that we should make the right decisions,
find the right path;
and if we stray from it,
that we should find our way back.
It is God's will to be the shepherd at our sides
as we make our way along this path
and to be there to guide us back
when we lose our way.
is that we should seek and find
whatever is best for us;
that we should make the right decisions,
find the right path;
and if we stray from it,
that we should find our way back.
It is God's will to be the shepherd at our sides
as we make our way along this path
and to be there to guide us back
when we lose our way.
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
About the patchwork of life
Is it because we are all imperfect
that we need each other?
Together, we form a great patchwork quilt,
or maybe even crazy-paving,
jumbled and fitted together
through God's amazing handiwork.
that we need each other?
Together, we form a great patchwork quilt,
or maybe even crazy-paving,
jumbled and fitted together
through God's amazing handiwork.
About beauty, God's beauty
Written in February 2016
which spreads its bountiful branches across my bedroom window.
They were a wondrous display of flashes of dancing and hopping colours.
Oh, beauty, God's beauty.
Oh, beauty, God's beauty.
About God, Pythagoras, the square root of 2, pi and the golden ratio
On such, has God designed and fashioned the universe.
Saturday, 13 February 2016
About justice in heaven
This is how I see justice in the next world:
When we die,
all who have suffered,
will be comforted beyond their wildest dreams.
All who have caused suffering
will be discomforted beyond their worst nightmares.
Our senses, hearts, souls, minds,
all consciousness,
will be opened,
fully aware.
Every grief we have caused,
unintentionally or otherwise,
we will feel.
My picture is that that recognition will bring us to true sorrow
and will open the door to a desire to put right everything which we have done wrongly;
and that, in its turn, will lead us to repentance, healing and, ultimately, to God,
the one and only source of true and eternal happiness, joy, love and peace.
Of course, most of us will have a foot in both camps, won't we?
When we die,
all who have suffered,
will be comforted beyond their wildest dreams.
All who have caused suffering
will be discomforted beyond their worst nightmares.
Our senses, hearts, souls, minds,
all consciousness,
will be opened,
fully aware.
Every grief we have caused,
unintentionally or otherwise,
we will feel.
My picture is that that recognition will bring us to true sorrow
and will open the door to a desire to put right everything which we have done wrongly;
and that, in its turn, will lead us to repentance, healing and, ultimately, to God,
the one and only source of true and eternal happiness, joy, love and peace.
Of course, most of us will have a foot in both camps, won't we?
Thursday, 11 February 2016
About God's book of love
The love of God is the book,
on every page of which is written
the story of life.
on every page of which is written
the story of life.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
An early morning thought
In this early morning, O God,
you are the bed that holds me
the sheet that enfolds me.
O, how comforting and strengthening is that.
How it helps me to face the day.
About what the good news actualy is
It is that God is not fierce or fearful.
God is like a warm, comforting fire,
inviting us to come,
take off our shoes,
warm our hands and hearts,
cast off our fears
and be comforted, comfortable,
secure and at peace;
forever in the presence
of endless love,
a fire which will
never go out.
God thoughts
We live within the pulse of Your being.
Your being is an infinite pool
of knowing and being known,
of loving and being loved,
and of giving and receiving.
We are afloat on the life-raft
of your love.
Dear God, help me to walk
in holiness and humility
all the days of my life.
We are afloat on the life-raft
of your love.
Dear God, help me to walk
in holiness and humility
all the days of my life.
The yeast of bread and life
Yeast is to flour and water,
that which transforms it
from a lumpy, doughy, sticky mess
into bread
which is the staff and stuff of life.
And so is love to us.
About the protection of God's goodness
God's goodness is stronger than any badness,
and we can pull it, like a blanket, around ourselves,
to keep out the cold of the hatred and horror
which may surround us.
and we can pull it, like a blanket, around ourselves,
to keep out the cold of the hatred and horror
which may surround us.
Saturday, 6 February 2016
Thoughts on God
God is the origin and source of all goodness.
God, each of us is a part of your whole.
Help ME to disappear.
We human beings have within ourselves
the impulse of creativity.
We are held in existence
in the mind and heart of God.
We are wrapped in the blanket of your love.
What God wants is for each of us
to be born from and through love
and to be cradled and nurtured in love.
God, each of us is a part of your whole.
Help ME to disappear.
We human beings have within ourselves
the impulse of creativity.
We are held in existence
in the mind and heart of God.
We are wrapped in the blanket of your love.
What God wants is for each of us
to be born from and through love
and to be cradled and nurtured in love.
Friday, 5 February 2016
About failure
Maybe we only come to God through the gateway of failure,
the acknowledgement of the impossibility
of 'getting things right' by ourselves;
learning to live with the dynamics
of the messiness of our lives.
the acknowledgement of the impossibility
of 'getting things right' by ourselves;
learning to live with the dynamics
of the messiness of our lives.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
About the shortfalls of love
No matter how much we love someone,
that love will always fall short and can never be perfect.
Only God can make up that shortfall -
and does, if we but avail ourselves of it.
that love will always fall short and can never be perfect.
Only God can make up that shortfall -
and does, if we but avail ourselves of it.
Tuesday, 26 January 2016
God-thoughts from another notebook
I read through the various jottings in this book and thought, 'they seem the same as some I've already recorded from the other books', and some of them probably are!! I used to worry about that, especially when chatting, in fact one of my regular lines is, "I've probably told you/said this before but.......!"
I give talks on the Gospels at one of our local churches periodically and, over the years, have learned to say to myself that, even though I probably repeat myself regularly, everyone has their own style and will say things in a certain way and that's ok.
So apologies for repetition and here goes:
One world, Lord; one world - your world.
God says, "I am the pulse of the universe, the breath of life, the heartbeat of love."
God wants us to be true to ourselves and loving to others.
You have re-clothed me in the armour of innocence.
God is powerful love and loving power.
God is truth and God is love.
Truth, like a tinder-box, ignites love
which explodes and flowers into life.
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Thoughts on God, nature and caring
These are the last two 'God thoughts' in this particular notebook.
The world of nature is God's Cathedral.
It seems to me that the more you have to care for,
the more caring you become.
If so, having people and things to care about and for
is a blessing.
The world of nature is God's Cathedral.
It seems to me that the more you have to care for,
the more caring you become.
If so, having people and things to care about and for
is a blessing.
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
More note-book thoughts on God
God is one and God is three,
God is all, Infinity.
I long and desire to pour out my mind and heart to you.
Every thought I have is held in the consciousness of God.
If my faith is a gift,
then my treasuring it is also a gift;
Praise and thanks be to God.
My mind is a tiny flicker in your mind
and my heart is a tiny flutter in your heart, O God.
God is all, Infinity.
I long and desire to pour out my mind and heart to you.
Every thought I have is held in the consciousness of God.
If my faith is a gift,
then my treasuring it is also a gift;
Praise and thanks be to God.
My mind is a tiny flicker in your mind
and my heart is a tiny flutter in your heart, O God.
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