Weekly Green Tau

Counting on … day 78

3rd April 2024

Biofuels are fuels derived from biomass such as plant material, food waste, algae, or animal waste. There are two forms of biofuel – 

“Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermentation, mostly from carbohydrates produced in sugar or starch crops such as maize, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. Cellulosic biomass, derived from non-food sources, such as trees and grasses, is also being developed as a feedstock for ethanol production. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form (E100), but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane ratings and improve vehicle emissions.

And “Biodiesel is produced from oils or fats using transesterification. It can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form (B100), but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel-powered vehicles.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel)

Brazil is the largest producer of bioethanol and the EU is the largest producer of biodiesel. 

Both forms of biofuel differ from fossil fuels in that they are produced from organic materials being grown now as opposed to using organic materials that were decomposing millions of years ago.  

Both produce greenhouse gas emissions but less than do fossil fuels. Biofuels may be made using only waste materials, but often are made from crops that have been specifically grown for this purpose. This may have the affect of diverting land that would otherwise be used for growing food, or may involve deforestation to create new crop lands. 

Drax power station which burns timber as a biofuel to generate electricity uses wood pellets. Although wood pellets can be made from waste wood, most of the pellets that are burnt at Drax are made from whole trees that were once growing in virgin forests in South Carolina and British Columbia. These are then imported to the UK. For more information- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68381160

Counting on … day 77

2nd April 2024

Land management is key in reducing damaging emissions and improving biodiversity. This is acknowledged by the Government but not always pursued.

“Globally, around a quarter of GHGs come from land management activities, including deforestation and agriculture. However, terrestrial and marine ecosystems take up carbon dioxide equivalent to over half of the emissions caused by people.  The challenge is to reduce anthropogenic emissions and increase uptake by ecosystems, storing carbon in soils, sediments and vegetation….

“In the UK our land, coast and seas have been managed for millennia to provide food and other resources for people.  Some patterns of management were sustainable over the centuries, supporting biodiversity and storing carbon as well as providing for the needs of people.  However, there has also been habitat destruction and degradation, leading to declining biodiversity and substantial emissions of carbon to the atmosphere. 

“Repairing this damage to stop emissions and capture more carbon is an essential element of achieving net zero, alongside deep cuts in emissions from other sectors such as energy and transport. The Climate Change Committee estimates that 20% of agricultural land will need to be released before 2050 to deliver actions that reduce emissions and sequester carbon. Such a shift in land use change will require us to prioritise opportunities that also deliver wider co-benefits for climate change adaptation, biodiversity, water management, air quality and soil health.” 

Natural England publishes major new report on carbon storage and sequestration by habitat

Prayer walk for Earth Day

Today is Earth Day!
22nd April is Earth Day. I shall be leading a prayer walk to mark this, setting out from St James’s Church Piccadilly at noon. We shall be using these prayers – if you plan to come, you might print of a set using this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ISH4g3rZoU1Ya6AqrT5f4nXPHB3hbQ9M/view?usp=drivesdk

– but feel free to use them even if you are not coming in person.

If you want to print a placard to bring follow this link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1igXP5i7pAFtrzkz17q0jJ5DkMI3spd02/view?usp=drivesdk

Route – https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2563016

Start at St James’s Church

The Church 

Christians and the church have a God-given role in caring for and working with the environment. 

Genesis 2:5 “The Lord God took and put the human in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.”

This mandate is included in the Church of England’s five marks of mission – the fifth mark: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth”. 

Pope Francis has written extensively about the importance of care for creation in his encyclicals Laudate Si and Laudate Deum.

As Christians there are times when we have failed to live up to this calling and need to repent. And there are times when we have been able to celebrate the wonders of creation, acknowledging that we are brothers and sisters sharing in common with all parts of the created world.

Prayer of Pope Francis from Laudate Si: 

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, 
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognise that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.

1 Vine Street

The Plastic Industry

We are outside the UK offices of LyondellBasell. This company is the largest licensor of polyethylene and polypropylene technologies. It also produces ethylene, propylene, polyolefins, and oxyfuels, in large refineries and chemical plants in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Texas, India and China.

Plastics have played an important role in improving life for many – clean water, medical aid, waterproofs – but now plays an even bigger role in polluting the earth: microplastics have now been found in on Mount Everest, in fish that live in deep ocean trenches, frozen in the Arctic ice and in human blood. Its resistance to decay means plastics will hang around in the environment causing pollution for centuries to come.

But who is to blame? Who should be held responsible for rectifying the problem? The manufacturers? The companies who use plastic for their products and packaging? The consumers who buy the products? 

Prayer

God, the creator of heaven and earth,  

You have given us the gift of inventiveness.

We created plastics with good intentions 

but failed to recognise the harm and damage they cause.

Give us the will and the determination to make good the damage we have caused, 

To recycle and remove plastics from the environment.

Inspire us to create better, safer alternatives.

We pray for the successful introduction of the Global Plastics Treaty.

Gracious God, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Regent Street

Consumerism 

Regent Street has been a prime shopping  street since 1825 and attracts many shoppers from all parts of the UK and across the world. Retail turnover in the West End totalled £8 billion in 2022 and is expected to top £10 billion by 2025.  

But consumerism drives the consumption of the world’s limited resources at the expense of the poor and at the expense of the environment. The more we shop the greater our carbon footprint and often the greater our contribution to landfill. The richest one percent of the world’s population are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution as the 3.1 billion people who made up the poorest half. The top 1% have carbon footprints that exceed 50 tonnes per person when the average is 4.7 tonnes.

As consumers we may be willing or unwilling victims of the power of advertising.  We can get sucked into a system that encourages us to buy more and more and not worry about the impact on the environment. Our current rate of consumption is now such that we need 1.7 earths to sustain our lifestyle.

Prayer

God, creator of heaven and earth,

You have given us a world full of resources 

with which to fulfil our needs,  

yet we are avaricious and always demand more.

We ignore the damage we are causing the earth 

with our greed,  

and we ignore the poverty we inflict on our fellow brethren 

through taking way more than our fair share,

and we ignore the harm we cause to ourselves 

as we constantly seek to outdo our neighbour. 

Gracious God, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

1 Eagle Place

The Arms Industry

Here we are outside the UK headquarters of Leonardo which designs, develops  and manufactures weapons, armaments and helicopters – both commercial and military. It contributes £1.9 billion to the UK’s GDP, and 45% of its sales are made to customers within the UK.

Global spending on arms rose by 9% to a record $2.2tn during 2023. Often referred to as defence equipment, the growth in arms has not brought an end to war and conflict in the world. Wars do not reconcile the injustices that lead to conflict, nor do they build peace.  

Instead armed conflict kills and maims people, destroys homes, infrastructure and communities. It pollutes the soil, the air, and water systems, destroys crops, and wrecks ecosystems.

Prayer  from the Community of Nails

Litany of Reconciliation

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,

Father forgive.

The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own,

Father, forgive.

The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,

Father, forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

Father, forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee,

Father, forgive.

The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children,

Father, forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,

Father, forgive.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Amen.

1 St James Square

The Fossil Fuel Industry 

BP is  the eighth largest oil company globally, base on revenue but faces conflict with shareholders because it has – more than other fossil fuel companies – also invested in green energy such as solar, wind and biofuels, against the time when demand for oil falls. Such ventures are expensive and do not as yet, bring in the same returns as the highly profitable returns on oil and gas. Nevertheless BP’s annual profits more than doubled to £23bn in 2022 after a sharp increase in gas prices linked to the Ukraine war. Even so, with a new CEO, BP is drawing back on green energy and expanding once its fossil fuel ventures. 

Fossil fuel companies bear a heavy responsibility for the escalating climate crisis and the damage it is causing to all earth systems. Fossil fuels are – and have been for been for the last 100 plus years, the main source of CO2 emissions. In 2023 this industry produced 35 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide raising the concentration in the earth atmosphere to a high of 420 ppm (NB this is still rising). Their failure to curb output and to instead transition at speed and with fairness to renewable energy is surely criminal.  Their role in hiding the truth about carbon emissions and their misuse of their power to persuade governments not to act against the expansion of their industry, is surely criminal.

Creator God, 

source of power and might, 

you gave us the sun and the wind, 

the tides and seasons: 

we have ample means to generate energy 

without damaging the earth.

Change the hearts and minds 

of those trapped in the outdated fossil fuel world, 

to recognise the harm that has been caused 

and to embrace the change that is possible.

Give them courage to take the lead, 

to place the common good above profits.

Gracious God,

In your mercy hear our prayer.

6 St James’ Square

The Mining and Extractive Industries.

Rio Tinto is the second biggest mining and minerals corporation with projects in all parts of the world, producing iron ore, aluminium, copper, diamonds, lithium, and industrial minerals such as borates, titanium dioxide and salt. Its ethical and environmental standards have frequently been called into question at sites in Canada, Western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Guinea, provoking objections from governments, environmentalists and academics. 

Mining and other extractive industries denude the earth of valuable resources that cannot be replaced – we can only hope that these resources are being retained and recycled for  generations to come. In 2019 3.2 billion tonnes of minerals and ore were mined, of which 94% were iron ore. Australia has the largest reserves of iron ore – 58 billion tonnes. 

Methods of production often cause widespread damage to both the environment and to wellbeing of their workers and of nearby communities – as companies seek to maximise profits. The failure of companies to repair the damage they have caused, only adds to the misery they cause.

But we too as consumers must be aware of our own complicity. We have become to used to consuming things without questioning where or how they were produced,  or how the raw materials were extracted, nor how – if at all – the product can be recycled at the end of its life.

Creator God, 

you have given us a world full 

of raw materials 

with which we can make and grow 

the things we need.

Too easily we are overcome 

by apparent abundance, 

that we do not safeguard 

people and places, habitats and landscapes. 

Release from the grips of profit seeking and greed.

Teach us the ways of sufficiency and conservation, 

that we may live simply so that all may simply live. 

Gracious God,

In your mercy hear our prayer.

181 Piccadilly

The Food Industry

Fortnum and Mason was established as a grocery store in 1707. Although it has since expanded into a department store, its food hall is still its most renowned feature, with a reputation for supplying high end speciality items. In 2010 it was targeted by the animal right group PETA UK for its sale of foie gras – the production of which involves considerable animal cruelty. In 2020, Fortnum and Mason replace foie gras with foie royals which is said to be more ethical.

The farming of land and animals, the production of food and its dietary quality, the  distribution and availability of food are all crucial to the way in which the earth is cared for and its populations fed. In the name of profits, it is sadly all to easy for large corporations to ignore or overlook the damage their industry is causing the world. Deforestation, mono cultures and soil depletion are all endangering the ability of the earth to provide food for future generations.  

We too as consumers have a responsibility to consider the impact of what we eat. If we are both  to reduce carbon emissions to a safe level and ensure that enough food is produced to feed everyone, we need to reduce our consumption of meat and dairy produce.  Livestock farming takes up nearly 80% of global agricultural land, yet produces less than 20% of the world’s supply of calories, and accounts for about 14% of global emissions. 

Creator God, 

who made both animals and humans 

to tend and nourish the earth, 

we repent for the times 

we have mistreated our creaturely brethren, 

for the times we have despoiled the soil, 

and for the times we have not shared 

the earth’s bountiful harvest fairly. 

Help us once again to re-establish 

honourable relationships with all creatures, 

to nurture the soil with understanding 

and to ensure that all receive their daily bread. 

Gracious God,

In your mercy hear our prayer.

Return to St James’s Piccadilly 

Our final prayer comes from an ancient holy person called Brendanus Scotus

Come Lord Christ, king of the earth,

lead us as we walk with you

that the earth may be healed.

Come, Holy Spirit hovering over the water

and guide us as we sail to you,

that the waters may flow with life.

Come, you angels of the fire and light

and show us how to dance with you,

that in the light may be born

the flame of love.

Come, you breath of the air,

and inspire us with the breath of you,

that the air may reverberate with

the sound of the word.

Come, Lady Mary and the saints of heaven

and help us to pray with you,

that the earth may be redeemed through

the love of Christ. Amen.

Easter Day

31st March 2024

Reflection, with readings below

Why were the women going to the tomb that Sunday morning? To express their love for Jesus and their grief for his death? The gospel tells us that they were taking spices to anoint his body and yet as they approach they are still puzzling how they will move the stone so that they can get to his body. They are setting out on a task which they don’t think they can complete! Maybe they are of the thinking that it is better to at least try than  to give up straight away. Maybe they have an optimist approach that says something might turn up. Maybe they have a faith that says, go and God will provide.

I wonder what obstacles we imagine that we think will stop us doing what Jesus would want? Are they truly impossible obstacles? Are they sufficiently obstructive to warrant not having a go anyway? Maybe we need to ask God for a little more faith, a bit more confidence?

In John’s gospel narrative, Jesus tells his disciples 

“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.”

Seeds are at vulnerable things. Some never germinate – perhaps they don’t fall into the right soil; perhaps they lack a supportive environment. Did Jesus deliberately choose something small and insignificant to tell this parable? Is he reminding us that even if we think our lives are small and insignificant, they are actually the means of great potential – if we use them aright. Is Jesus reminding us that in life we have to take risks – even the risk of forgoing life as we know it – that we have to take a step of faith into the unknown, that we have to be confident that God will be with us all the way – through the trials as well as the good times? Is that not the challenge of Easter Day? That today we are being invited to step in to a new life, into a world where things will need to be done differently, that we are being invited to follow Jesus into new territories, to meet new situations, to form new relationships?

An article in the Guardian this weekend told the story of Vivienne Sansour, who since 2016 has been collecting seeds from farms, gardens and wild patches in the West Bank to form the Palestinian Heirloom Seed Library. The seeds represent both the traditional farming and food practices of the Palestinian people, and their intimate relationship with the local environment. As their access to land is being curtailed by the Israeli authorities and settlers, so this Library becomes more and more important. These seeds could re-establish Palestinian culture in a future when peace and justice have been re-established. Equally these seeds could provide food solutions for other cultures in the wider region as farming has necessarily to adapt to the accelerating climate crisis. 

A Palestinian proverb “They planted so we may eat, we plant so they may eat” outlines  the importance of each generation thinking not only of themselves. The proverb explains the motivation behind the charity Trees for Live which provides Palestinians with olive tree saplings, as well as other seedlings such as  almonds, figs, grapes, apricots and pomegranate. These projects may seem to surrounded by obstacles – not least the threat that these plants will be uprooted and destroyed by Israeli forces – but persisting shows a confidence in a fruitful future – a hope that there will be a resurrection for all the people and communities of this region.

This Easter maybe we are being called to to support or take on projects that express a faith in a better, peaceable future. 

Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.

And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.

Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.

It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
“His mercy endures for ever.”

14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.

15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:

16 “The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”

17 I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.

20 “This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter.”

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing, *
and it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you–unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them–though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Good Friday 

29th March 2024

“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly” Luke 1:52

A reading from Mark 8: 3, 34 -36  He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Lord Jesus, you resisted prejudice and discrimination; 

you stood up for the poor and the marginalised. 

Strengthen our hands and hearts to do likewise.

Lord Jesus, you opposed the abuse and misuse of power, 

disrupting trade practices and worship.

Strengthen our hands and hearts to do likewise.

Lord Jesus, you gave us the example of nonviolent opposition,

confronting your opponents with truth and steadfast calm.

Strengthen our hands and hearts to do likewise.

Lord Jesus, you transfigured the character of authority, 

giving us the example of service and self sacrifice.

Strengthen our hands and hearts to do likewise.

Lord Jesus, you remodelled kingship, 

giving is the example of humility and vulnerability.

Strengthen our hands and hearts to do likewise.

Lord Jesus, you gave us a new covenant, 

a new relationship with God and with each other – 

based on love and companionship.

Strengthen our hands and hearts to do likewise.

Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12: 31-32

As we look on a world full of woe, 

we see the evils that cause famine 

and plea for help.  

Lord Jesus, 

rooted in earth, lift us up to heaven.

As we look on a world full of woe, 

we see the evils that cause war and terror 

and plea for help.  

Lord Jesus, 

rooted in earth, lift us up to heaven.

As we look on a world full of woe, 

we see the evils that cause injustice and persecution 

and plea for help.  

Lord Jesus, 

rooted in earth, lift us up to heaven.

As we look on a world full of woe, 

we see the evils that cause environmental destruction

and plea for help.  

Lord Jesus, 

rooted in earth, lift us up to heaven.

As we look on a world full of woe, 

we see the evils that cause enmity  between neighbours 

and plea for help.  

Lord Jesus, 

rooted in earth, lift us up to heaven.

As we look on a world full of woe, 

we see the evils that cause apathy and despair 

and plea for help.  

Lord Jesus, 

rooted in earth, lift us up to heaven.

Lord Jesus have mercy on us, 

revive in us your Spirit 

that we may look towards the day of resurrection 

with eager anticipation.

Amen.

Counting on … day 76

28th March 2024

Biodiversity is “the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is a measure of variation at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Biodiversity is not distributed evenly on Earth; it is usually greater in the tropics as a result of the warm climate and high primary productivity in the region near the equator. Tropical forest ecosystems cover less than 10% of Earth’s terrestrial surface and contain about 50% of the world’s species.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversity)

Biodiversity is linked to climate change. When the climate is changing, ecosystems change and with them species must also adapt and change. If the climate change is rapid, some species may not be able to change at a sufficient pace and their numbers will decline rapidly. Conversely biodiversity is often boosted by practices designed to reduce climate change – eg planting more natural woodland, restoring natural habitats such as peat bogs and wet lands, etc benefits and therefore boosts biodiversity. 

Counting on … day 75

27th March 2024

Agroforestry offers another approach to farming that enables the long term increased sequestration of carbon dioxide. Agroforestry has two main forms: 

“Silvo-pastoral agroforestry: which means the grazing of animals under trees. The animals enrich the soil while the trees provide shelter and fodder for the animals.

Silvo-arable agroforestry: where crops are grown beneath trees, often in rows which are large enough for a tractor to tend to the crops without damaging the trees. This is farming in 3D, the trees and the crops occupy different levels above ground, and also below ground where the tree roots will reach down deeper than the crops.”(1)

The additions of trees in the farm enhances the amount of carbon dioxide that is being . At the same time the practice also benefits the condition of the soil. “Tree roots reach deep into the ground, releasing much-needed carbon into the soil. They cycle nutrients and bind the soil together, preventing it from being eroded by the wind or the rain.”(1)

(1) https://www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/agroforestry/what-is-agroforestry/

Counting on … day 74

26th March 2024

Regenerative farming is one way in which carbon dioxide levels can be reduced. Regenerative farming aims both to increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil and the plants it sustains, and by lowering livestock numbers, reducing emissions. Livestock account for about 14% of greenhouse gas emissions. 

For further reading – https://greentau.org/2023/12/15/windows-of-opportunity-16/

Counting on … day 73

25th March 2024

Carbon offsetting is akin to an accounting exercise where the carbon emissions released by one activity are offset – rebalanced – by another activity that sequesters – takes in – carbon dioxide. Typically this might be offsetting the carbon emissions from an air flight by as many planting trees as would absorb that quantity of carbon dioxide. The catch there is one of timing. The air flight produces emissions now but the tree will only absorb the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide over a number – tens of not hundreds – of years and a young sapling may in fact release more carbon dioxide than it absorbs. Another option it to offset the carbon emissions by not felling trees so allowing them to continue to absorb carbon dioxide – but that questions why the trees might have been felled in the first place. 

Further reading – https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/04/what-is-carbon-offsetting-and-how-does-it-work?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

– https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/30/quality-standards-hold-carbon-offsetting-industry-account?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Palm Sunday 

24th March 2024

Reflection with readings below.

Palm Sunday often has two sequential services, one out of doors with palm crosses and probably a donkey, the one inside during which the whole passion narrative from one of the gospels is read out or enacted. In both services the invitation is for people to entered into the drama of Holy Week both spiritually and physically. Later in the week, some may have their feet washed, and some may walk the streets with a cross or walk  the stations of the cross. And of course many will participate in the drama of the Eucharist. 

But the week begins with Jesus’s dramatic entry into Jerusalem. This entry was clearly pre planned and designed to set the tone for Jesus’s participation in the Passover festival. The Passover was – and still is – the key festival for the Jewish faith celebrating God’s intervention in rescuing the people from slavery and suffering, and bringing them out into a new life lived in union with God. For Jesus – for God – this was the ultimate Passover celebration. 

Jesus deliberately draws attention to himself and his entry into Jerusalem, bringing with him his disciples but also drawing in crowds of other pilgrims who had come to celebrate the Passover. Jesus’s entry and the response of the crowds, brings him into conflict with the temple authorities. Jesus will not be overawed by their claim to authority – he knows his authority has the backing of the creator God such that even the stones will cry out in support. The Passover is a festival about people and God with no barriers.

The following day (in the synoptic gospels) Jesus returns to the temple and tips over the tables of the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. It is a nonviolent action in that it does not physically hurt or injure anyone, but it is clearly an action challenging the status quo that cannot be ignored. Who here holds true authority – the priests or God? 

Jesus follows up his challenge with teaching including the parable of the tenants and the vineyard – again who truly holds authority over the vineyard and its produce? And who is truly meant to benefit from its abundant harvest?

Arrested, imprisoned, brought before the various authorities- of priests, of Herod, of Rome -Jesus confronts their presumption of authority with an inner reserve that is both humble and absolute. True authority remains only and solely with God. 

In between Jesus gathers together with his disciples to demonstrate to them what leadership and earthly authority look like: humility combined with self awareness, selfless giving, courage, constant awareness of the need of others, love, an a prayerful relationship with God. And ultimately the willingness to accept suffering and to make sacrifices for the common good. 

It is these qualities that accompanied Jesus as he walked through the streets of Jerusalem to the place of execution. It would be with the same qualities that Jesus would walk through the streets of Gaza, showing compassion and love for the people there, sharing what he has and emploring us to do likewise, commending those who help their neighbours, who show love and empathy, who console the bereaved and comfort the frightened. 

It would be with the same qualities that Jesus would stand – on the streets, outside the palaces and temples, the arms  factories and the finance houses –  confronting the powers that be – the UK government, the US government, the Israeli government, the United Nations, the Hamaz leadership, Barclays, BAE, and Elbit Systems – and demand an immediate cease fire, demand immediate humanitarian aid, demand the enactment of justice and the establishment of peace.

As we walk on from Palm Sunday through Holy Week to the foot of the cross on Good Friday, let our words, our prayers and our actions (for our’s is not meant to be a passive faith) be used to shape a better future – a holy future – for all. The Good News is salvation!

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,

that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens–
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.

I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.

Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?

The Psalm

Psalm 31:9-16

In te, Domine, speravi

9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with sorrow,
and also my throat and my belly.

10 For my life is wasted with grief,
and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction,
and my bones are consumed.

11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me.

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot.

13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me;
they plot to take my life.

14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *
I have said, “You are my God.

15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.”

The Epistle

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,

but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death–
even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

The Gospel

Mark 14:1-15:47

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.