Tag: strength

In times of fear

25th October 2025

The earth is the Lord’s and all that fills it, the compass of the world and all who dwell therein. Ps 24:1

You Lord, are the source of all good things: 

We praise you.

You call us to tend and care for your creation: 

May we strive to do your will.

You have made us as brothers and sisters with all that lives: 

May we live together in peace.

A reading from Mark 4: 35-40

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’

A response

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you:

When the waters catch us by surprise, 

when the rain is heavy and the floods rise up,

Give us courage not to panic, 

Give us compassions to help others,

Prompt us to change how we live 

And grant us wisdom to avoid further crises.

When you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you: 

When we are caught out by wld fires, 

when we are overwhelmed by heatwaves,

Give us courage not to panic, 

Give us compassions to help others,

Prompt us to change how we live 

And grant us wisdom to avoid further crises.

When you hear of wars far away, 

when you hear the sound of explosions close at hand, 

know that God’s will is for peace:

Give us courage not to panic, 

Give us compassions to help others,

Urge us to seek peace and justice

And grant us wisdom to avoid further crises.

As we look for your coming among us this day,

open our eyes to behold your presence

and strengthen our hands to do your will.

Ever remind us that the earth is yours and all that fills it.

Amen. 

Lent Reflection

12th April 2022

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pistacia_palaestina.JPG

The terebinth tree – pistacia terebinthus – is also known as the turpentine tree. It grows to a height of 10m and is a tree of the Mediterranean region. It can love for up to 1000 years, if not disturbed. It is a deciduous tree with glossy leaves, purplish-red flowers and brownish-red pea-like fruits. The whole plant emits a strong odour variously described as bitter or medicinal. It certain,y has many medicinal uses including treating coughs and asthma. It is used to flavour spirits, oils, and bread. It’s leaves are edible and its fruits can be roasted like coffee beans. Turpentine can be produced from its resin, whilst a sweet gum can be made from its bark.

In Hebrew it is named ‘elah’ and ‘elot’ in the plural as opposed to the oak which is named ‘alon’. Often in English translations both words are translated as oak. Although the two types of tree are in many respects very different, the terebinth is, like the oak, said to symbolise strength and endurance. 

So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the terebinths of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD. Genesis 13:18 

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great terebinths that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3