Chaplain Writes

The Chaplain writes

Dear Saints,


I suppose we are all aware of the very popular sayings, groans or self-talk; when we are stuck or find ourselves robbed of our ability to change situations in complicated and sometimes painful relationships or settings, we would say to ourselves or be advised by family or friends, to “just let go” or “just move on, it is not worth it.” Or “forgive, forget and move on”. Or “try not to think about it.” We are advised that because we cannot it change the past, let us move on as it is what it is; there is nothing we can do about


My present personal favourite; “I am too old for this, … really, I am too old for this, … when are we going to learn, … never!”


Does the above contradict what is expected of us as Christians? A people who are encouraged to stand in the midst of life, a life that has a living past, a vibrant present and a life-giving future. A life full of unexpected twists and turns, a life built on a relationship with a God who is always the same yet ever-changing?


As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to remember to hold on to what is right and true to do good, as that is what God expects from us and has revealed to us in nature through God’s love for us in Jesus Christ our Lord and God’s love for the world through us loving our neighbours as ourselves.


We are particularly reminded to look at the example of those who are martyred for the sake of and because they refuse to believe that the whole created order does not belong to God and, therefore, that we all have or should have equal access to its benefits. We are to remember those who were willing in all their lives to witness God’s purpose for us, which is to live in God’s righteousness. Those who connected with God’s holiness in such a way that it became evident to all who had eyes to see. (All Saints- Sunday 3 November)


We are also encouraged to remember our loved ones. To deal with our sense of loss. To be comforted knowing that God understands our need to mourn and yet reminding us that remembering is also celebrating the lives of our deceased loved ones. (All Souls Sunday 10 November)


We are further reminded to remember the folly which has become part of our perpetual need to group ourselves over and above other people and groups and how that disconnect makes us agents of death. We are reminded that even at our worst, God calls us to choose life. (Remembrance Day Sunday, 10 November)


We are a people of The Way on the way, on a journey of discovery, change and transformation, living the life! “I came that you may have life and have it to its fullest” and “I came to save sinners”. (All Saints, All Souls and Remembrance Day).


So, in these weird and oh-so-wonderful moments, let us rejoice and give thanks to God for Nellie as she came to profess her faith in God’s life-giving grace through her Baptism into the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Let us celebrate with James Keuben and his family as he is ordained into the priesthood on the 9 November.
Last but not least, let us celebrate with Hennie and Nellie as they prepare themselves to publicly acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives through the laying on of hands and the anointing of oil by the bishop at their Confirmation on 23 November.


God is active in our midst; let us celebrate.


Yours in Christ, as always,


Revd Jacque