Reflection – Don’t worry
Johannes Vermeer’s painting – Christ in the house of Martha and Mary – is in the National Gallery in Scotland. This link explains the painting beautifully; reflecting on it puts things being worried about in to perspective. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/christ-in-the-house-of-martha-and-mary/GAIiXZnhTewWIA “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him […]
Reflection – ‘When things go wrong…’
A poem from ‘Forgotten Ireland’ to reflect upon: When things go wrong as they sometimes will,When the road you’re trudging seems all up hillWhen the funds are low and the debts are highAnd you want to smile, but you have to sigh.When care is pressing you down a bit,Rest if you must, but don’t you […]
Reflection – Your prayer
I came across the book ” Rule for a new brother” by H van der Looy, on a quiet day a time ago and over the years have found it helpful. It does not prescribe, it invites. This is a piece from it: ‘Your prayer is therefore not so much a duty as a privilege; […]
Reflection – Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late,toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Reflecting on the words of Psalm 127 helps when thinking about time:
Reflection – “Epitaph”
This poem “Epitaph” is used in the Reform Jewish liturgy as an optional reading before Kaddish.It is so expressive and has become something of an anthem. Epitaph – by Merritt MalloyWhen I die,Give what’s left of me awayTo childrenAnd old men that wait to die And if you need to cryCry for your brotherWalking the […]
Reflection – Revelations 3:20
Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. William Holman Hunt’s painting ‘The Light of the World’ illustrates the message in these words. https://arthive.com/williamholmanhunt/works/275957~The_light_of_the_world Accredited to Arthive
Reflection – Mark 4:1-9
This is a well-known story that challenges an examination of conscience when it comes to listening. The Parable of the Sower Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people […]
Reflection – Listen
Anthony Gormley has described his sculptures as, “an attempt to materialise the place at the other side of appearance where we all live.” In his work can be found tranquility, spirituality and comfort. Take a look at the sculpture Sound II which can be seen in Winchester Cathedral. https://www.artandchristianity.org/antony-gormley-sound-ii Come in; let us bow and […]
Reflection – Life
Today’s reflection is a rather lovely Buddhist saying:
Reflection – The present moment
This is a summarised passage from Gerard W. Hughes’ book “Oh God, Why?” For those of who find meditation challenging: the stillness offering time to worry. It is interesting to note how our thinking mind will not allow us to concentrate on the immediate present, but rather is constantly drawing us into the future or […]
Reflection – Early Christian Prayer
This early Christian prayer seems modern and poignant for today: Look upon us, O Lord,and let all the darkness of our soulsvanish before the beams of thy brightness.Fill us with holy love,and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.All our desire is known unto thee,therefore perfect what thou hast begun,and what thy Spirit has […]
Reflection – Faith
This short film encourages thoughts and challenges an opening of the mind about faith and what it means in every day life. Why are we hear? What are we searching for and what is our purpose? Hear Christians talk about what they’re seeking in their life and how their Christian faith makes at impact in […]
Further reflection – Spirit
John 14:24-26 ‘Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind […]
Reflection – Spirit
This is a lovely story about being moved to help people in need. All of us can be torch bearers. We can carry the light through volunteering, serving and participating. https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/about-us/our-campaigns/darkness-light/torch-bearers/canon-robert-townsend-lifeboat-volunteer/ Accredited to Church In Wales.org.uk
Reflection – Praise my soul the King of Heaven.
The words of this hymn give a sense of being saved when sinking. Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;To His feet thy tribute bring!Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,Who like me His praise should sing?Praise Him! praise Him!Praise the everlasting King! Praise Him for His grace and favorTo our fathers in distress!Praise Him still the same […]
Reflection – Footprints
This poem is rather overused, and some might say trite, meditation but I’ve always found the following comforting, especially when combined with prayer: One night a man had a dream.He dreamed he was walking alongthe beach with the Lord.Across the dark sky flashed scenes from his life.For each scene, he noticedtwo sets of footprints in […]
Reflection – Peace and Serenity
The words and tune of ‘Dear Lord and Father of mankind” bring peace and serenity in difficult times The hymn is usually sung to the tune “Repton” by Hubert Parry. This recent version from St Michael and All Angels Church Mickleham, Surrey is beautiful. Reflection Psalm 103 1-111 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and […]
Reflection – Ezekiel 36:25-27
God’s promise through Ezekiel is uplifting ‘I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead’. The short film of wild swimmer Louise Mason is inspiring We should give total respect and admiration […]
Reflection – Simon The Fisherman
It is always lovely listening to a good story. This well-known story comes to life here….. https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/video/watch/simon-the-fisherman Accredited to Sanctuary First, Falkirk Presbytery, Church of Scotland.
Reflection – Reconciliation
Wonder at the greatness of Rembrandt’s painting and reflect on its portrayal of asking for forgiveness. Reading – Luke 15: 20-24 “So (the younger son who had wasted all his money] returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he […]