Dear Friends, I don’t know if you, like me, sometimes find it hard to watch or listen to our rolling news coverage. These days we have 24 hours news and with such detail and analysis it can be painful to always keep abreast. I am reminded of the quote by TS Elliot who said ‘humankind cannot bear very much reality’ and I feel I have to be careful to balance news intake which can often be sad and graphic alongside some life affirming news. It is easy for us to switch off the television or radio but for many people caught up in struggles in places like the Ukraine and the Middle East, there’s no button to press. Rather the worry and constant threat on the doorstep lives with you each moment of every day and night. We remember the people caught up in these wars in our prayers of course but sometimes you feel helpless against such powerful forces moulding countries and people’s lives.
When one reads the Bible you find it really brings home to us the reality of the world we live in. Along with wonderful examples of people supporting and caring for one another, we also read about the darker side of humanity and how it can destroy lives and communities.
During Lent we continue our own journey of repentance and self examination and are challenged to look deep into our hearts and lives about how we can help build a better world for all. In many ways it starts with us, and sin at its root cause is alienation from God and each other. As we journey towards the events of Holy Week which begin on Palm Sunday, 24th March, we shall then listen and reflect on those events that shaped the world. We shall eavesdrop on the events of the Last Supper, sit at the foot of the cross on Good Friday and then come to Easter Day to celebrate and rejoice that Jesus has risen. What an amazing God who comes and shares our lives in Jesus and in doing so invites us into a relationship with him.
Perhaps as preparation for our journey through Holy Week, I would encourage you to spend some time reading one of the Gospel accounts of the events of Jesus’ last week and ask God to speak to you in a deep and meaningful way.
Also whilst writing please continue to pray for the post of associate priest which is now being advertised. The interviews will take place on Tuesday 23rd April and we pray that this time we shall be able to appoint a new team member. Again a big thanks to all who continue to help and support the work and ministry across the benefice.
Take care and God Bless and hope to see you over the Easter period and consider joining us at various services and events.
Glenn
Rev Glenn Coggins, Vicar of the United Benefice of North Wakefield