|
Bible Reading: John Chapter 17, Verses 1-11
 Being a Christian can be costly. I don’t mean only in
monetary terms but also in our whole lives. I am sure that
the role of the Church is to be the conscious of the nation
and it is good at times for our Church leaders to question
those in authority. If the Government of the day and the
Church authorities were always in an agreement I would be
very concerned.
When the Gospels began to be written the Church was
beginning to come under severe opposition, and those reading
the gospels would wonder what the future would hold for
them. Would they suffer as well?
On this Sunday after the Ascension, the Gospel from St John
gives the reader the warning that the Holy Spirit will come
open them to help and encourage them but at the same time
those who believe in Jesus would suffer.
For those being baptised this afternoon the occasion may be
one of thanksgiving and joy as a baby is brought into the
Church through this special sacrament. (Thankfully our
baptisms numbers are steadily rising which is very good news
for the Church). However, should we not warn family and
children that being a Christian can be a costly exercise? We
may not be thrown out of synagogues or threatened with death
but many are around the world, and as we prepare to begin
Christian Aid next week, many Christian Churches are under
threat, especially in African and Middle East Countries.
In a multi cultural and multi faith society it is difficult
to understand that persecution against the Christian Church
is real and rising in some areas. The tension between the
Moslem and the Christian faith is of great concern.
However, we know that Jesus is the Lord and Saviour of the
world, and that we have been given the special gift of the
Holy Spirit to guide us to proclaim this message. If we feel
at times a little uneasy with the world, or out of line with
society, may be that is as it should be. We should be the
Church that questions and guides, supports and encourages,
sets a good example and creates parameters. Churches that do
so are effectual and do have real influence on their
communities. I hope that we are one of them. |
