A Reflection from Reverend Rebecca

A FINAL REFLECTION FOR SUNDAY JULY 12TH 

FROM REVEREND REBECCA CLARKE

Bible Readings: Psalm 65:8 to the end, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-918-23.

As we begin to reopen St Cuthbert on 26th July at 11am for our first service in church for many months, it will be so good for those who are able to gather again in our ancient and beloved church. But, perhaps, as we begin to look forward, we will have a sense of trepidation as to how things will be for us in church.

The one area which will, I am sure, give us a sense of familiarity are the readings from the Bible. For many of us, the Psalms in particular hold a special place in our hearts and the Psalm for this Sunday is Psalm 65. It is a Psalm about God the creator, reminding us that the earth and all that is in it, belongs to the Lord and we are merely its stewards. The Psalm is full of hope for a bright future for the whole of creation.

Sadly, we know we have not been good stewards of all God has entrusted into our care. We have not cared for the earth in all its beauty and diversity, nor for the creatures and birds of this world.  It has taken a generation of children and young people, who have shamed us with their knowledge about climate change, to say to us, ‘enough is enough.’

But, just think for a moment what we could do if we began to work together, young and old, to nurture the world around us. And just think how wonderful it would be if we did this in unison with our God. God the great creator.

Yes, Psalm 65 is full of hope for the future. It is quite beautiful in many ways, but  its promises for a flourishing earth can only come to fruition if we are prepared to do what it takes to work with God to bring such things to pass. If we do, then every part of all creation will, as the Psalmist puts it, ‘sing and shout for joy.’ What a glorious moment that will be.

So, in the days to come let us continue to pray for each other, to pray for those who are still on the front line, tired and weary with the continuing battle against coronavirus, and let us commit  to making this world a better place for one and all, for the whole of creation. 

Amen.

A prayer and a blessing

by David Adam:

Lord our God, you renew the face of the earth

and bring newness to our world:

Restore the waters,

Revive the land,

Breathe new life into your creation,

and begin with us.

The Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth,

bless and guide you in all you do,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life which is eternal

Amen