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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

 

Crossing the threshold

Navigating times of significant change in our world and our lives. John 20:19-31

 

Context

Roman Catholics, people of all faiths and leaders around the world pay their respects to Pope Francis whose funeral takes place this weekend. Although his life and ministry was not without controversy and criticism from some church abuse survivors and supporters of women’s ministry, he will be mainly remembered as ‘the People’s Pope’ - a compassionate pope with a bias for the poor and marginalised. He is remembered with gratitude by Christians in Gaza, with whom he had regular contact.

Bombings continue in in that troubled land, with civilian casualties and thousands of children reported as close to starvation. Debate begins about who will be the next pope, as the Church of England still waits for a new archbishop of Canterbury.

The short ceasefire in Ukraine has ended, on day 1154 of the war, with slim hope in Putin raising the possibility of direct talks.

People on all sides of the debate are working out the implications of the Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of ‘woman’ in the Equality Act.

As the latest series of Pilgrimage ends, it draws praise for its heart-warming portrayal of a group from different faith backgrounds travelling the Jakobsweg trail together. Perhaps its popularity is reflected in the rising numbers of young Christians in the UK?

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

Pope Francis is recognised as someone who brought change in the Catholic church, and inspiration to many. As thoughts turn to the election of a new pope, and the process continues for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, these two major Christian communities are both at the threshold of a new era. What are we looking for in our faith leaders? Where do we find wisdom when on the threshold of such significant decisions? John describes this as happening through dialogue and encounter with God. How do we make space for this in our lives?

The Supreme Court ruling and the events that prompted it have caused stress and heartache for many, whatever their views. It has become a topic that is hard to talk about, with vitriol and hurtful attacks towards people of opposite views. How do we navigate such difficult and divisive issues? John describes the disciples as hiding away in fear, and that is understandable when people’s safety is at stake. Mary stayed at the scene, searching for Jesus and perhaps for answers. Jesus came to them in both spaces, offering reassurance, and the gift of the Spirit. Wherever we sit on this topic, let’s welcome Jesus' guidance and support as we try to find a way forward that cares for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

The Pilgrimage series demonstrated the appeal of spiritual conversations, and journeys, while the research into the growth of Christianity in Gen Z highlighted the importance of belonging and connection. Have a mini pilgrimage around your church building, stopping at key places to discuss their importance and relevance, e.g. the door, font, altar, pews/chairs, pulpit/lectern. Gather together at the end to share refreshments and reflect on the end of the ‘pilgrimage’ through Lent and Easter.

(Find more ideas on Pilgrimage in the Roots Discovering God series.)

 

Questions for discussion

• What do we look for in our faith leaders? How do we support them in their leadership? Do we expect too much?
• How do we find ways to navigate disagreement more safely? What guidelines can we adopt for safer dialogue and addressing difference and conflict?
• What does it mean to you to belong to your church community? How can you welcome others to join?

 

Jane Chevous is an activist, writer, sailor, and leader of Survivors Voices. She also researches and writes about abuse, survivor theology, mental health and the sea.

 

 

Check-in

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

Locking and unlocking

This week has seen the death of Pope Francis, passing on the morning of Easter Monday, after publicly celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, his death has brought into sharper focus the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with our saviour.

John 20:19-31 offers some further thoughts or comparisons we may choose to explore. My first observation was the connection between the locked and unlocked rooms. This week, the Vatican made the decision to keep the doors open, allowing more mourners to file past the coffin than would have otherwise been possible. In this passage, the doors are firmly shut, as Jesus' followers hid away in fear, but no door could hold Almighty God who bursts through in power and authority.

Many who file past will be doing so as a way of marking respect. For others, there will be an element of seeking to accept the truth of his passing. Thomas is so often judged for his doubt in the resurrection, but if we were all a bit more honest, we may acknowledge that when we first heard this story, we had our questions. Death itself brings a confusion and state of disbelief. How much more so resurrection?

The truth is, we follow a God who is so big, he truly is beyond human understanding. When we share our good news story with children and young people, do we create a space where these big questions and perfectly understandable doubts can be explored? We know that young people are exploring spirituality, now more so than ever. Our job is not to reduce the mystery of faith to bullet point facts, but rather to create spaces to discover and encounter the risen Jesus for themselves.

Becky May is Children and Family Tutor at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Founder of The Resources Cupboard.

 

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