30th November 2025
Reflection with readings below
The passage from Isaiah sounds like system change – a radical transition from an economy of warfare to one of agriculture. Looking back over recent history, we and previous generations have experienced the transition from canal to rail transport, from horse to car, from coal power stations to gas power stations, from UK based cotton mills to imported cotton, from UK built engines to imported ones, from the UK beach holidays to Mediterranean package deals. Each transition from one dominant industry or medium to another has come with feelings of fear and feelings of optimism, of job losses and job gains, of resistance and of advancement.
Would similar feelings be experienced by those who were traditionally makers of swords and spears who see their skills being devalued? And what of those in ancillary trades – the makers of shields and helmets for example? What about the bankers who financed the wars and took their cut of the spoils? What of the young men who has been taught that manliness was exemplified by bring a warrior? Conversely would there be feelings of optimism and excitement amongst those who make ploughing shares and pruning hooks, or ploughs and grape presses? Amongst those skilled in cultivating the land, in turning wheat into bread and grapes into wine? And amongst the wives and mothers?
On Thursday I attended the National Emergency Briefing where we heard from ten speakers with scientific and similarly qualified backgrounds, talking about the current and future situation vis a vis the impact on us of climate change and biodiversity loss. The morning was both sobering as we heard of the enormity of the risks we face, but equally encouraging when we also heard about the transition that could be made to a healthier, safer (but not cooler – the current increase in temperature and its impacts is already built in) future. But to get to that future will need radical transformation of the way we live, a radical change in the way the government legislates mandatory restrictions on the use and exit from fossil fuels, a radical change in the way resources are distributed – and a radical change in the way the public are informed about the risks and opportunities that lie ahead.
Change and transition can be feel scary and daunting. Has our Christian faith any insights and support to offer? Have we stories to tell that will enable people to hear and understand the truth of our current situation and the potential ways forwards?
The message that runs through all the Bible is one of hope, that destruction will not be the end of all things, that evil snd hatred will not win, that God will be there for us, that the gift of love will never be powerless. From the story of the Garden of Eden to the story of Noah’s Ark, from the Exodus from Egypt to the Exile into Babylon, despite whatever sins have been committed and mistakes made, each story reminds us that God always remains faithful. From a homeless birth to a life on the road, from the mocking of religious leaders to the misuse of power by those in authority, Jesus lived through the now all to common experiences of many of the vulnerable in our world, yet remained true to his calling. And in the strength that came from the power of his resurrection, which he shared through the Holy Spirit, we too have the strength and power to remain true to our calling to be at one with all of creation.
I think our faith tells us of the importance of loving our neighbour – whoever or whatever or where ever they are. It tells us of the importance of listening to others, hearing their pain and anger, understanding how they have experienced life thus far. It tells us of the importance of discerning the truth. It tells us of the need to be humble and generous and sacrificial. And it rejoices in all that is good. It rejoices in the joy of fellowship and friendship. It rejoices in the beauty of creation. It rejoices in the peace that comes from God.
Can we bring these gifts to the conversations about climate change, about biodiversity loss, about social injustice? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about changing our lifestyles – eating less meat and dairy, opting for active travel, insulating our homes, buying what is needful rather than wasteful? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about making a just transition from fossil to renewable energy? Can we bring these gifts about a just transition that enables everyone’s Ila needs to be met? And about how our banking and investments can shape that future? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about how we can prepare for the emergencies that lie ahead – the potential of flash floods, of heatwaves, of power outages – and how we can support each other as resilient communities? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about creating and maintaining green and blue spaces from which we can all benefit?
Yes I think we can and we should – both as individuals and as churches.
NB Franciscans International and the Lutheran World Federation produced a report this autumn about making a Just Transition.
“Just Transition is a transition towards a sustainable economic system where the wellbeing of people and the planet is central. It requires reimagining the dominant capitalist mode., which drives relentless extraction and exploitation. This system must give way to an economy rooted in ecological sustainability, social equity and collective care. Climate action must be embedded within a framework that values human dignity, community resilience and the rights of nature, rather than its commodification.
“Just Transition isa transformation and a shift that calls for systemic change…
“Just Transition is a transition towards climate actions that must be rooted in a robust ethical framework that prioritises justice, fairness and equity for all …”
Isaiah 2:1-5
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!
Psalm 122
1 I was glad when they said to me, *
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;
4 To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the Lord.
5 For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, *
I will seek to do you good.”
Romans 13:11-14
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Matthew 24:36-44
Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
The Green Tau 