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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

Wholehearted peacemakers

In a complex world of many tears, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding is needed more than ever (Philippians 4:7).

Context

• This week’s biblical passages are a mixture of the shockingly violent (Matthew 22:1-14), the restorative (Isaiah 25:1-9) and the reassuringly peaceful (Psalm 23 and Philippians 4:1-9). Sometimes it is helpful to acknowledge that, like shocking events in the world, some biblical material is difficult to deal with and to recognise the value of placing texts alongside each other to find a helpful way forward.
• Last Sunday the world awoke to news of a shocking wave of attacks upon Israel and devastating attacks upon Palestine in response. Since then, the situation has escalated. All reputable news websites are carrying regular updates on the situation. Churches too are beginning to offer prayers and reflections that you may find helpful.
• When situations like this flare up there is the consequential effect of attention and resources being diverted away from other urgent responsive needs, e.g. the earthquakes in Afghanistan and Morocco and the flooding in Libya.
• And then, in the UK, we have a variety of unresolved industrial disputes that have been going on for a long time, in the NHS, higher education and the railways, to name just three. Without taking sides in any of these disputes, it is important to note that the longer they remain unresolved, the more damage they do to people’s wellbeing and peace in a variety of ways.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

In the light of events such as those noted above it is important in any talk or sermon to:

• Affirm God’s desire for humanity and creation to dwell in peace. Psalm 23 is very helpful here.
• Honestly recognise the complexity of the issues, the extent of suffering and the questions this raises.
• Realise that while we can’t understand or do everything, we can do something and seek God’s help in doing this.
• Offer a word or prayer of hope that peace will be restored (Philippians 4:9).
• The relationship between Israel and Palestine is extremely complex and difficult to understand. So too, if we are honest, is our Gospel passage. This week’s material in the Roots' resources is entitled ‘A wholehearted response to God’s invitation’. An important part of that wholehearted response is a willingness to engage with the difficult, whether that be challenging biblical passages, world events or things in our own personal lives.
• In a troubled world, is it any wonder that Paul describes the peace of God as surpassing all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? To be a peacemaker is a blessed thing (Matthew 5:9). It is not only places of war that need peacemakers. So too do our local communities, places of work, and homes and families. Sharing real life stories of peacemakers is always helpful.

 

Questions for discussion

• What are you finding difficult today in relation to either the Gospel passage or world events?
• How might we be able to respond better to the complex situation in Israel and Palestine?
• Have you known a time in your life when God’s peace has surpassed your understanding?
• Which peacemakers have inspired you? What was it about them that was inspiring?
• In what context may you need to be a wholehearted peacemaker today? At home? At church? At work?

Andrew Roberts is a husband, father, Methodist minister and the author of Holy Habits. He was once the lead model in ‘Clergy on the Catwalk’ and won the ‘Faster Pastor’ stock car race for members of the clergy.

 

 

Check-in

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

The news from Israel this week has been horrifying. Over a thousand Israeli people have been killed and dozens have been taken hostage. Over a thousand Palestinian people have been killed in the air-strikes and attacks on Gaza which have made up the retaliation of the Israeli army.

This hasn’t come out of nowhere. Since the state of Israel was created by British leaders in the 1940s there has been conflict between Jewish people moving into the area and those Muslim and Christian people who had been living there before. You’ll hear a lot of angry voices online blaming this group or that government, but our priority as God’s people must be sorrow for those who have died and prayers for peace going forwards.

Both sides have legitimate reasons to be angry and for wanting to lash out – and maybe we feel more comfortable when we can take a side and just blame one group. Our faith is in a God who knows that all humanity makes mistakes and who chose to take the consequences in place of us by letting humankind nail him to the cross.

Let’s try to understand what’s happening, let’s pray comfort for those who have lost family and forgiveness for those who are choosing violence. Let’s also give ourselves time to deal with our own feelings faced with the pain and suffering people are inflicting on each other. God is with us, and with everyone who calls on him for help.

Steve Taylor is joint-vicar of St James Alperton with his wife, Ali. They live with two children, two cats and a dwindling number of fish.

 

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