- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 17,520
1 March 2008
Word on the Web
John 17 v 20-23
"I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. I have given these people the glory that you gave me so that they can be one, just as you and I are one. I will be in them and you will be in me so that they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as much as you loved me.
Happy St David's Day to all our readers! In my Collins Gem book of Saints (Glasgow, 2001) it says David founded 12 abbeys, and "his monasticism placed a high value on everyday acts of kindness and on alcoholic abstention" (p60). In our reading Jesus says that if the world is to know that he was really the one God sent, his followers have to be united. Throughout the centuries the Church has found many excuses to disobey this instruction. There have been splits resulting from arguments about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, baptism, styles of worship, and whether women should be priests. Currently, splits are threatened over homosexuality. Christians could start a theological argument in a phone box. I guess that shows, to put a positive light on it, how seriously we take our faith. Theology is clearly not going to lead us to unity, though. What is? Perhaps St David can help us. "Everyday acts of kindness" sounds promising. That little gift, the helping hand, the thank you letter, the "how are you?" phone call - all of these promote unity, especially with those with whom we disagree. How about it? David has another challenge, about unity in Christian families. Does your drinking of alcohol cause unhappiness, debt, division, even divorce? Stop today. If you can't, get help.
Dear God, thank you that you are a Trinity: three persons united in nature and purpose. Help us to remain united in your Church, especially with those with whom we disagree. May there be nothing in my life that causes splits from my brothers and sisters. In the name of Jesus the healer, Amen.
Written by Richard Martin
Word on the Web
John 17 v 20-23
"I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. I have given these people the glory that you gave me so that they can be one, just as you and I are one. I will be in them and you will be in me so that they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as much as you loved me.
Happy St David's Day to all our readers! In my Collins Gem book of Saints (Glasgow, 2001) it says David founded 12 abbeys, and "his monasticism placed a high value on everyday acts of kindness and on alcoholic abstention" (p60). In our reading Jesus says that if the world is to know that he was really the one God sent, his followers have to be united. Throughout the centuries the Church has found many excuses to disobey this instruction. There have been splits resulting from arguments about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, baptism, styles of worship, and whether women should be priests. Currently, splits are threatened over homosexuality. Christians could start a theological argument in a phone box. I guess that shows, to put a positive light on it, how seriously we take our faith. Theology is clearly not going to lead us to unity, though. What is? Perhaps St David can help us. "Everyday acts of kindness" sounds promising. That little gift, the helping hand, the thank you letter, the "how are you?" phone call - all of these promote unity, especially with those with whom we disagree. How about it? David has another challenge, about unity in Christian families. Does your drinking of alcohol cause unhappiness, debt, division, even divorce? Stop today. If you can't, get help.
Dear God, thank you that you are a Trinity: three persons united in nature and purpose. Help us to remain united in your Church, especially with those with whom we disagree. May there be nothing in my life that causes splits from my brothers and sisters. In the name of Jesus the healer, Amen.
Written by Richard Martin
