From the vicar’s pen July 2022

A parishioner I knew was recovering from an operation. They were not an easy patient, being not much used to incapacity. To help pass the time, a few of us took an afternoon tea round. One brought sandwiches, another, scones and so on. Tea and conversation flowed. At one point the ‘patient’ picked up the jar of homemade jam and read the label which said, ‘Made with damsons and love’. This patient, certainly not known for his sentimentality, paused and said, ‘you can taste the love’.

God in Jesus chose the context of a meal, a breakfast to call Peter. That call restored Peter and he was given the charge to build the church and to care for God’s people. Generous extravagance seems not uncommon where Jesus was present. Perhaps the moving example is this. The day before Jesus died, He took bread and gave it to them. ‘You can taste the love’. Jesus could have chosen any context to call Peter. He chose a meal, on a lake shore. God’s sufficiency, restoration and recommissioning.

I end with some words from George Herbert.

LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lack’d anything. ‘A guest,’ I answer’d, ‘worthy to be here:’ Love said, ‘You shall be he.’ ‘I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on Thee.’ Love took my hand and smiling did reply, ‘Who made the eyes but I?’

‘Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve.’ ‘And know you not,’ says Love, ‘Who bore the blame?’ ‘My dear, then I will serve.’ ‘You must sit down,’ says Love, ‘and taste my meat.’ So I did sit and eat.

As we come to the close of another busy academic year, I hope you will get some time-off for rest, recreation and restoration. I also hope that you will have opportunities to enjoy some good food under the sun. Here is the point. Listen carefully to what God is telling you. Why? Because often with food for the body He also offers spiritual food for the soul. Is he calling you to build His church? His people? His parish? His creation? His world? Is He calling you for a new start?

Until next time, with prayers and all good wishes,

Godfrey