The lesson the disciples missed is that eternal life is not only about following Jesus (even the Rich Young Ruler wants to do that) but also about leaving things behind.
The Gospel is not about receiving – what’s in it for me?
But about leaving the past in dust and ashes – which is a reward in itself.
God is a God of love and welcome and we need to set aside the lies about condemnation which our early faith may have taught us
Surely there can be no ‘yeah but, no but, yeah’ if we dare to proclaim that we are Open to God, Open to All? After all isn’t the only response God makes to us ‘Yes and Amen’ ? (2 Cor.1v19-21). Can we offer any less? Can we, dare we, bear all this calumny and abuse and remain un-defended? Not biting back, refusing to turn away those who abuse us and others, and instead learn only to love and then love again?
Our Beloved in leaving us does not leave us desolate but leaves reminders of his presence. Perhaps not in an enchanted place but in ordinary things
surrounded by the dead and in fear of being killed themselves that they heard the news of the hope that was born in a cave in Bethlehem and escaped from a tomb in Jerusalem.
To be able to provide a home for another is a precious gift, to know that our Beloved provides a home for us makes all our challenges, whether they involve squatting bishops or not, melt away.
Christians can only be salt and light to the world if we allow ourselves to be poured out of the saltshaker. Salt that is not used is as worthless as tasteless salt!
To be a part of the flock of God is not always about staying at home ‘safe’ in the sheepfold. We are only ever safe when we listen to the call of The Good Shepherd who leads us out of the comfort of the sheepfold into the green pastures of God’s provision and care.
when Jesus says to the women at the empty tomb, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell’ He speaks to us as well. We are the ones who must learn to conquer our fears, in whatever form they come to us, and ‘go and tell’ our brothers and sisters and others about the Good News of God’s love for them.
Hand in Hand (Sermon at St John the Baptist, Felixstowe – 8 May 2023 – Easter 4) Text: I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the… Continue reading Hand in Hand
Suffolk Vicar 