At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. These famous lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem, ‘For the Fallen’, conjure powerful images of poppies and old soldiers and people standing in silence. But for many – most – of us, the events about which they were written have faded into … More Sunset / Sunrise
Have you ever noticed something odd about The Lord’s Prayer? Like, it’s not the Lord’s prayer? No, really. Check it out in Matthew 6 or Luke 11 (this week’s gospel reading) and you will notice a lot of things different from the versions we say in church. There’s that whole chunk at the end missing … More The Lord’s Prayer (plus Colin Firth in *that* shirt)
For when we are faced with beautiful creatures, plants, or minerals it causes a response from the deeper part of our being. … More Hunter- Look, See, Pray
I’ll be back. Not as Arnie’s Terminator, but as a thirsty soul drinking… Richard’s Restorer. … More The Joy of Discovering- Look, See, Pray
In my earnest and callow youth, I went on a student Christian conference which was tri-lingual: French, German and English. One of the praise songs was a rendering of Psalm 150 which contained the wonderous phrase ‘wohlklingenden Zimbeln’. Sadly, I didn’t speak German, so the band was on the next song by the time I … More Clanging cymbals and Corrie ten Boom- 1 Cor 13:1
The one undeniably good thing about snow is that it covers up all the eyesores and mess that surround us every day. … More Snowtime! Look, See, Pray
Job 42:1-6, 10-17 What do we say when things go wrong? When, despite all the fervent prayers, the diagnosis is cancer, your son does not come home, the baby doesn’t make it? “God works out everything for good,” some say. Really? Try telling that to the folks in Ukraine or Gaza, or that entire family … More When words are too much.
Sometimes, things really stink – no, that’s not a commentary on the recent UK elections (I’m writing this at five-to-close-of-polls on election night). No, it’s a reflection on the beheading of John in Mark 6:14-29. (Click link above for reflection and an activity to think about cleansing.) Whether you are jumping with joy at the … More Mark 6 – When Tragedy Strikes (&Ephesians 1)
For just a short time this climbing rose is beautiful. Most of the year it is either leafy or bald! But in Spring these magnificent roses cry out to be photographed. Timing is everything- too soon and the roses are tight buds. Too late and the petals are imitating confetti all over the ground. At … More Timing- Look, See, Pray
After a wonderful two weeks of no lessons, daughters home from uni and my own body-weight in chocolate, it’s back to normality today. But let’s not be like the disciples who returned to fishing after the resurrection, or the un-named pair on the road to Emmaus who thought the wonderful dream was all over. Sure … More Wassup? Lk 24
The Reflectionary 