PostScript: Upside-down values
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5.1-12), Jesus turns the values of the world upside down.
Jesus declares that the poor in spirit and those who mourn, the meek and the merciful, are blessed. Paul proclaims a similarly counter-cultural message; saying that the power and the wisdom of God are demonstrated by Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1.18-31).
This week's news
At the time of writing, the Syrian peace talks, mediated by Lakhdar Brahimi, are faltering, but have not yet stalled.
Ahead of the talks, top humanitarian leaders penned an open letter urging the protection of Syrian children. Britain will take in about 500 of the most vulnerable refugees.
Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga and Imam Oumar Kobine Layama are touring Europe together, saying that the situation in the Central African Republic comes from the collapse of state institutions, not inter-religious conflict.
Sister Megan Rice, 83, faces up to 30 years in prison for breaking into a nuclear weapons facility.
The flooding of the Somerset Levels has been declared a major incident, and locals are furious at the environment agency.
Former footballer Stan Collymore accuses Twitter of not doing enough to combat abusive messages.
The Diocese of Baths and Wells issues guidelines for clergy and others using social media.
US folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, whose songs included 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' and 'If I Had A Hammer', has died at the age of 94.
Reflection
The news brings us face to face with the reality of powerlessness, ensuring that we do not read either the Beatitudes or Paul’s message with rose-tinted spectacles. As we think of the poor in spirit, we remember the plight of children living in impossible and heart-breaking situations.
Nearer to home, floods are wrecking people’s lives. As Bryony Sadler, who lives in Moorland, Somerset, says, ‘Mentally, I don't think people can stand it. Everyday life is upside down. When is it going to stop?’
How do we understand ‘blessed’ in these situations?
Peacemaking requires determination and endless patience. As the Syrian peace talks began, Rev Joel Edwards, on Thought for the Day, spoke of difficult diplomacy accompanied by tenacious hope. What peace making opportunities do we have?
It is very easy to get caught up in rhetoric of hate and blame. Talk of Christians being persecuted, for example, is not always helpful. Muslim and Christian leaders in the Central African Republic are working together, resisting those who say that the conflict in their country is inter-religious.
Abusive tweets are another example of hate speech. The instinctive brakes which prevent us from venting our feelings when we meet face to face seem to be much less effective online. How do we learn to speak to each other with gentleness and compassion, whether via social media or in person?
Rather than letting the world set the agenda, how do we think out of the box? Sister Megan’s stand may cost her dear. Bill Clinton has hailed Pete Seeger as ‘an inconvenient artist who dared to sing things as he saw them’. Faced with the problem of food waste, 27-year-old Jenny Dawson set up a commercial kitchen at New Spitalfields wholesale market, making chutneys and jam from fruit and veg which would otherwise have rotted.
Prayer
A suggestion for intercessions based on the epistle reading: 1 Corinthians 1.18-31
Write bidding prayers under the following headings:
O God, whose power is the power of Christ crucified,
we pray for those with political and economic power in this world ...
O God, whose foolishness is wiser than human wisdom,
we pray for all institutions of learning ...
O God, before whom no-one can boast,
we pray for your church ...
O God, whose weakness is stronger than human strength,
we pray for those who feel themselves to be weak, low or despised ...
O God, who has called us and saved us,
we remember those who have died ...
After each bidding prayer, the intercessor says, ‘In our foolishness’, and the congregation responds: Grant us your wisdom.
A prayer for Candlemas
As Mary held her precious baby in her arms,
before handing him over to Simeon,
and learning that her life would never be the same again,
so we present to you
that which is most precious to us.
Gather up our hopes and fears,
speak to us words of wisdom,
and grant us peace.
Amen.
Questions
- Read through the Beatitudes Matthew 5.1-12. Who in today’s world would you consider to be the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake?
- When is foolishness wise, and when is it just plain silly?
Action
Find an opportunity for peace making in your life. Maybe have the humility to apologise to someone who is annoyed with you. Or find a gentle way to challenge a racist or homophobic remark.
Young People
Split into pairs. Each pair improvises a situation of conflict. The rest of the group brainstorms ways to resolve the conflict and make peace.
Ann Conway-Jones preaches at Old Church, Smethwick.
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