Sunday 17th May | Alicia Barwick
Readings
Reflection
In today’s scriptures we see a message of hope that this is not the end. I have often reflected during the last 6-7 weeks on our mortality as humans, that during this pandemic it has been highlighted to me that we are not invincible, that at some point our lifetime will conclude in death. For me, that naturally brings up fear, and a discomfort that I cannot control my life or my body enough to stop the suffering, pain or end I will one day face. However we see in our reading of Job 19 it says ‘after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God’ There’s an assurance in this verse that even in the midst of trial, we will see God, that God would not hide himself from us forever, but not just that, we see an assurance of this in Christ’s resurrection and ascension, as he defeated death forever.
In our reading of the Psalms today we see an acknowledgment of our weakness and God’s strength. That our flesh and hearts may fail but that God is the strength of the heart. We also see that throughout our lives, in both the joy and grief, God is always with us and always guiding us, giving us his peace and his grace. It amazes me that the God we are in relationship with, created us, walks with us, knows us completely, forgives us and loves us, and that this God is the God that after death, we will live with forever. It’s never an easy thing to comprehend but this is the truth we hold on to, that on the other side of what may sometimes look like destruction and deterioration, is an eternal life with God himself.
Prayers
Father we thank you that in you, all things hold together, and that we can look to your creation and see your goodness. Thank you for the assurance we have in knowing that once this world passes away, we will be with you in Glory.
Amen.
Collect
God our redeemer,
You have delivered us from the power of darkness
And brought us into the kingdom of your Son:
Grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life,
So by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy;
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
