Introduction
Events in Spain have once again challenged faith, hope and love. They have caused pain in the present and fear for the future. Yet expressions of solidarity bring comfort and hope. The chimes of Big Ben may have been silenced for now but they will chime again.
Jesus’ vision for his church is clearly described in Matthew 16.18-19 when he tells Peter that it will never be conquered. Isaiah gives to the people exiled in Babylon hope for the future. He encourages them to look around. Even when things are bad God is at work exercising his saving power.
Context
The terrorist attacks in Spain have horrified people once again and they are still trying to process their feelings. For many the horror and pain has been personified in the death of Julian Cadman, the cheeky funny boy.
People in Barcelona have expressed their feelings and solidarity by writing messages on the plane trees which line Las Ramblas. Here our pain and humanity is shared.
In the midst of all this the chimes of Big Ben have fallen silent. For some this is deeply significant; for others it is of little importance. Yet asking questions of why it matters and what it symbolises can help us to see what is important to people today.
Reflection
A rock is solid. It stands firm. Often we do not know how long it has been where it is or what it has witnessed. It is secure. Jesus describes Simon as the Rock on which he will build his church. Simon has showed characteristics of holiness (this was revealed to you by my Father in heaven); courage (it is Simon who answers Jesus’ direct question) and insight (‘You are the Messiah.’). Jesus sees these as qualities that his church needs, and with these qualities, it will never be conquered. These are the qualities which are needed to withstand the challenges of terrible world events.
Holiness is about turning towards God rather than turning away when things do not go as we would like. Isaiah encourages the exiles to look up as if they are looking towards God in the heavens. It is from this holiness that courage comes. On one of the plane trees of Las Ramblas the following has been written in Catalan. ‘We will never be afraid to live. Peace and freedom are a human right and we will not stop remembering it. We’re not afraid.’ It is the faithful relationship with God which will enable this.
It is through insight that we are enabled to hope. Our insight allows us to look back and to see the activity of God throughout the generations. It brings together the statements of Jesus about the church which is to be built upon Simon Peter and the promises found in Isaiah 51.6 that salvation will be forever and deliverance never ended. Just as the chimes of Big Ben will sound again whether it be in 2021 or sooner, so there will be peace and freedom and an end to the slaughter of innocent people.
Prayer
When our faith is challenged by tragedy and death,
help us to remember
your salvation is forever.
When the behaviour of others makes them difficult to love,
help us to remember
your salvation is forever.
When we look to the future with trepidation,
help us to remember
your salvation is forever.
Loving Lord,
may your saving grace rest with all people
especially those injured or traumatised by recent terrorist attacks.
And may the hope of your kingdom
bring comfort to all who have lost loved ones.
Help us to remember
your salvation is forever.
In the name of the Trinity of love,
Amen.
Questions
- What are the rocks on which your church is built? How do they help you when challenged by terrible events in the world?
- What would you write on the trees of Las Ramblas at this time?
Action
Cut out a tree shape from an A4 sheet of paper. Write the days of the week on it with about a centimetre between each day. Every evening spend a few moments thinking about the day and write a note about how you have experienced God at work or you have seen a sign of hope. If possible, bring your trees back next Sunday and create your own ‘avenue of hope’.
Young people
Along the street on which the Barcelona attack occurred, people have written messages on trees overlooking spots where the van ran people down. Cut out paper trees and write messages on them either describing your feelings or seeking to bring comfort and hope to others. Offer your trees and their messages to God in prayer.
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist Minister in the Farnworth and Worsley Circuit.
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