Weekly Thoughts (March 2022)
Lent Thoughts #5 (Monday 28th March)
Luke 15 The Lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son
The stakes rise with each example of the return of something or someone lost, in this reading for the 4th Sunday in Lent. The instances includes possibly one of the best known parables, usually called the Prodigal Son.
At first, to look for an animal makes sense to us. And to see ourselves as the rescuer or even the lost sheep is not difficult. We can join in the rejoicing.
Then, to look for something valuable, something worth money makes sense to us. Again, to see ourselves as the searcher or a celebrating onlooker is not difficult and we can join in the rejoicing.
But finally, to look for someone, and rejoice over the return of a family member, who has gone against family protocol, who by implication has insulted the family, who has wasted family money and broken every law in the family book, does not make sense to us. We are more likely to identify with other family members and share their angry, bewildered resentment. Joining in the rejoicing is more problematic.
However, the reading contains a message for us: God loves us and the love of God is beyond our deserving - and understanding. It looks forward to Holy Week, when Jesus can say “Father forgive“ with almost his last breath.To use a modern term, despite all our faults and failings, to God,we are “worth it”.
Nancy Gilmartin
Lent Thoughts #4 (Monday 21st March)
Lent 4: Luke 13 v 1-9
Lent is a time for thinking about the way we live out our lives as Christians. This parable of the fig tree is one of the readings for the third Sunday in Lent, so when you read it, who do think you are… in this parable? Are you fig trees? Are you owners? Are you carers? Each answer gives us something to think about.
Are you the fig tree, an image perhaps for followers of Jesus? Are you a “productive” Christian? Would others know by what you say and do that you live out your beliefs?
Don’t feel too bad if your answer is No, for in the parable Jesus gives everyone another chance to change for the better. You, the fig tree is spared, and given time to flourish.
Are you the owner of the fig tree, an image perhaps of people who expect so much of others and cannot see the value of those who are not useful and productive? Don’t feel too bad if the answer is Yes, but perhaps you should think again…for in the parable Jesus advises giving another chance for what might seem impossible to happen, for people might flourish yet.
Are you a carer of the fig tree, an image perhaps of those who work to nurture and support others? Then don’t feel too good or too bad if your answer is Yes or No. Jesus in the parable suggests even if you are heading in the right direction, you must keep up your efforts, for everyone to flourish.
Two thousand years on, the parable of the fig tree still makes us think. Amen
Nancy Gilmartin
Lent Thoughts #3 (Tuesday 15th March)
Lent is traditionally a time for fasting, praying, and giving.
Luke 10: 25-37: Who is my neighbour?
A country was attacked by another, intent on robbing it of its resources and many of its people were injured and left with nothing…
Some people said…the cost of living here is going up: the price of pasta and fuel is ridiculous…I will have that huge heating bill in the autumn, thanks to all the world unrest…I have my holiday postponed by Covid, to pay for; I can’t do without that. I deserve a bit of fun and pampering…what about the homeless here…charity begins at home you know! I can’t help.
Others said…it’s fake news, just like Covid, like global warming…it’s a scam: all those charities just pay their executives a fortune and all the money in the world won’t solve those problems anyway…these people on the news look too well fed and prosperous to be refugees…if you give to them, then Syria, Afghanistan, Burundi will want their share too…now if they put out a charity song, or put on a special football or tennis match, I might give a donation…I like something in return …I can’t help.
And some gave generously to their neighbours…without thought of reward or return.
Nancy Gilmartin
Lent Thoughts #2 (Monday 7th March)
Reading: Luke 13 v 31-34
Two images jump out of this reading for the second Sunday in Lent, and they show two sides of Jesus.
First of all, Jesus is brave. To describe Herod in verse 32, as a “fox” is probably accurate, possibly provocative, and personally courageous! Herod is a powerful, prominent ruler and politician. But he is also a ruthless killer and has already had John the Baptist beheaded for speaking out against him. Many members of his close family have been murdered on his orders.
Knowing this, Jesus still refuses to change his ways and message, which are the opposite of Herod’s cruelty. He refuses to turn back and almost challenges him to a final showdown in Jerusalem. This is fighting talk.
Secondly Jesus is full of compassion. To say of Jerusalem in verse 34, “ I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” is a surprising image, at the same time feminine and fierce. It is also in its way challenging, suggesting that the people need protection from danger.
Reading this passage, at this time, I doubt if anyone can NOT think of the conflict in the Ukraine, there are so many parallels. We cannot be silent or simply watch what is unfolding there.
Now, as two thousand years ago, Jesus teaches us to oppose and resist evil actions, and evil people, and do what is right, whatever the cost.
Now, as two thousand years ago, Jesus teaches we must feel compassion for, and protect the vulnerable victims of evil, and protect them. Amen.
Nancy Gilmartin
Lent Thoughts #1 (Wednesday 2nd March)
Reading: Luke 4: 1-13
The title given to this chapter of Luke, is “Jesus is tested.”
The word “test” doesn’t bring happy memories at all to most of us! Memories of tests at school; the Driving Test; having to check the sound system before speaking in public: “Testing, testing 1,2,3.” And now of course, COVID testing!
But every test can be seen as having a positive aspect.
Testing at school checks if you have understood what you need to progress. The Driving Test makes sure you have the same skills and knowledge as everyone else, enabling you to negotiate roads safely. The microphone needs to work, or no one will hear what you have to say, and you might have to do it all again! And Covid testing tries to limit the damage that might be done if people spread the virus unawares.
And the positive aspect of Jesus being tested? Right at the beginning of his ministry he sets out a basic aim for his would-be followers: resist the temptation to only live for pleasure, for power, for possessions.
And these verses are echoed in another great statement of our faith, the Our Father. There we pray for enough food for our daily needs, no more; there we pray for the strength to resist the evils of everyday living; there we pray for the kingdom of God to prevail.
At the beginning of this Lent, a time perhaps of testing of a different kind in our world, for so many people, we need this timely reminder more than ever. Amen.
We also have a set of Lent Devotional Materials for 2022 supplied by The Church of Scotland.
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