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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

Two truths are told

When presented with seemingly conflicting truths, the Church must dig deeper
(John 14:17).

Context

To many of its readers, the front page of last Tuesday’s Daily Mirror was a masterpiece of editing, reflecting two contrasting truths about modern Britain. The upper two-thirds displayed a large photograph of King Charles III, robed, enthroned, crowned, and holding an orb and sceptre, and a caption citing the King’s message, ‘Thank you to you all’. The lower one-third bore the banner headline ‘BILLS AGONY’ and the strapline ‘Two million households unable to pay at least one last month’, together with a small photograph of a couple poring over a household bill.

The truths expressed in these images and words stand in stark contrast to each other, although they by no means reflect the extremes. In the UK, there are people even wealthier than the king, and there are people even poorer than those struggling with household bills.

Last weekend’s coronation was an unashamedly Christian event. The crown, orb and both sceptres all bear the cross of Christ, symbolising the beliefs formally declared by Henry VIII and James VI (of Scotland) and I (of England) that the King is the Head of the Church of England and that his authority derives from God. The Church of England itself, its hierarchy dressed in their finest robes, was very much on display to the global viewing public. There was less formal drama outside Westminster Abbey as huge, excited – if rather damp – crowds waved flags and cheered the processions, while 64 people were detained by police for up to 18 hours before being released, 46 on bail and six Republic protestors, three Night Stars volunteers and one journalist without bail.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

The day after the coronation, it was business as usual for the Church (albeit with an abundance of leftover bunting) as local clergy and lay ministers led their congregations in Sunday worship, just as they had the previous week and will do again this Sunday and every Sunday for the foreseeable future. This last week has seen a return to routine, as Christians have taken their places alongside colleagues of other faith traditions and none, in paid or voluntary roles, to continue making the world a better place, especially for the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers.

This is the heart of Christianity: the celebration of the life and continuing ministry of a Saviour born, not in a king’s palace (as the Wise Men seemingly expected) but in the poorest of surroundings, and the continuation of his ministry to bring hope to people in despair. Those addressing people’s immediate needs on the frontline are resourced and supported by those who undertake research to uncover and address the human causes of suffering. Together, the frontline workers and researchers fulfil both aspects of our Saviour’s teachings, bringing his promised blessings to the poor and issuing his challenges to the wealthy.

Whether we are monarchists, republicans or just not very interested, we must ensure that the rituals of our faith, from the once-in-a-generation coronation to weekly Sunday worship, are made practical in our daily lives.

 

Questions for discussion

• Are there sacred or secular symbols around our churches or communities which are forgotten or ignored?
• What are the positive or negative meanings of particular symbols?
• What Christian symbols do we hold dear, and what are their practical meanings?
• What one action might we take to restore appropriate positive action to a neglected symbol?

Robert Beard is an NHS worker, freelance writer and Church of England priest.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Last weekend, I went to watch some of the Seniors Snooker at the Crucible, with a friend. As we walked back to the car afterwards, we commented on how little bunting and coronation-themed decoration there was around Sheffield City Centre (or at least, we didn’t spot any…).

Whatever you celebrated last weekend or not, King Charles III is the new Head of the Church of England. And yet, I’m sure King Charles would be prepared to admit that he’s just as flawed as the rest of us. Just as Queen Elizabeth spoke openly about her relationship with Christ, and her reliance upon his Spirit to guide her throughout her life, there’s a sense that those in power need to know the Spirit of Truth at least as much as the rest of us, if not more so, in order to keep them focused on Godly truth rather than on the wealth and power and other distractions that the world has to offer.

The Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth – is there to guide and strengthen us, irrespective of wealth, status or social class…if we want to let him. But the Holy Spirit won’t force us. As we share that truth with our children and young people this weekend, may we know that God’s Holy Spirit is there knocking at the door, ready to guide us into relationship with God.

Jonathan Buckley is Youth Coordinator for Sheffield Methodist Circuit

 

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