to know, grow and show the love of God
For the Vicar of Dibley heaven meant being surrounded by mountains of chocolate. And many think of heaven in terms of food and drink: heavenly food, heavenly wine.
For others heaven equals being physically pampered. Perhaps soaking in a hot bath with plenty of foam and unguents, surrounded by aromatic candles.
For yet others, heaven is being in a beautiful countryside with lovely views or lying on a beach soaking up the sun or listening to the music of J S Bach.
Our reading from Acts tells us that if you’re looking for a quiet life then the very last thing you want to do is to go to a prayer meeting.
Luke puts on the style with this story, showing his flair for the dramatic. It’s like he was auditioning to be a writer for a TV soap and throws every possible plot-line in. He knows how to keep his audience entertained.
So, let’s take a peek at Luke’s screenplay…
At our last Sunday@Seven I was given a two minute slot to say something about Psalm 19. Think of it as a speed sermon!
The intention is to have an ‘open mic’ section in future Sunday@Seven services for anyone who feels led to share a word or two, either prepared or off the cuff.
Sunday@Seven services are normally on the last Sunday of the month. We’d love to see you. Check out the calendar for the location or look out for the posts.
Seeing is believing – or is it? Do we believe everything we read in the newspapers or see on television or on film? Not always and rightly so.
You only have to see what can be done to a digital photograph using the latest computer technology to know that the old adage “What can’t speak can’t lie” is no longer true.
Why was Thomas slower than the other disciples to believe? Initially, he was not with the other disciples in the upper room. Perhaps he had taken himself off after the crucifixion, fearful, his expectations shattered, experiencing guilt that Jesus had died alone?
Fragrance has deep significance for us. It’s supposed to be one of the best memory triggers. Even years on, a certain aroma can take us back to a particular time and place.
Our Gospel reading tells us about Mary, washing the feet of Jesus with a pint of pure nard – or spikenard in some translations.
I’ll use the word spikenard otherwise I know I’ll end up saying ‘lard’ instead of ‘nard’. A pint of lard on Jesus brings an entirely different picture – and smell – to mind…
God uses that amazing visual aid. He says to Abram “Look up at the sky and count the stars – if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be”.
Abram had said look at me…
God said look up, look out, look beyond. I’m going to wildly exceed your expectations.