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June 3, 2020  

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:28, 29  

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,  

As we begin to face the daunting task of re-entry to ‘Church’ - and the rest of our life over the coming weeks and months, I am reminded; reminded of the time it takes to recover from any setback in life and particularly those that affect our freedom and particularly our health and wellbeing. I imagine many, if not all of us, have encountered some kind of ‘adversity’ in life. We might resist thinking about it. But most can remember just how long it takes to get back to where we once were, physically, mentally or spiritually.  

It doesn’t matter how that suffering came about (although in some cases forgiveness may be required). The bottom line is we have to do the work, with God’s help, to be restored and rehabilitated. It takes time, learning to trust our own body and mind, and others in the world around us. Some of us are still discovering the impact and ongoing influences that this pandemic has made to our life. And we are not done yet, I’m sorry to say.  

The wonder is that we are indeed ‘marvelously made’ by a Creator God who made us in his image. The same God who has known us since our conception and who has never let us out of his sight since then. As we approach Trinity Sunday (June 7th), we can celebrate the fullness of the Godhead made known to us – in the Father who made us, the Son who has saved us and the Holy Spirit who, by his presence, continues to remind us of all that Jesus revealed, accomplished and promised.  

I have always been intrigued and reassured by the discoveries of science – that in turn reveal the nature and purpose of our God as Creator. People of old revered the earth’s wonders and sights; were awestruck by the expanse of sea and sky; ‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses’ (Ps 8:4). Today we can get close up pictures, courtesy of National Geographic et al, of such wonders beyond our imagination. However, that belief in our Creator for many today is too simplistic, ignores evolution, denies human achievements, and would take away our control.  

I remember, when someone doubted the resurrection could happen, I invited them to consider this.     In 18 milligrams of water, about two small sips, or two desert spoonfuls, there are 6 x 10 to the power of 23 molecules of H2O. How much is that you may ask. A good computer can carry out about ten million counts per second (probably more than that now). It would take that computer two billion years to count to 6 x1023.   Look at it another way; a stack of 500 sheets of paper is approx. 2 inches high. How high would a stack of that paper be if it had 6 x1023? That stack would reach from the earth to the sun (93 million miles away), not once, but more than 1 million times. So in two small sips of water our God packed that many molecules. Some might say ’that’s evolution’, others ’chance’. I believe it’s our God’s design. And I don’t believe the resurrection was His greatest challenge. Maybe we are.  

The Psalms have always been a source of inspiration to believers. They cover so many of the conditions we encounter in this life. And it can be a comfort and rekindle trust in us when we find someone else has felt just like ‘me’. And cried out to God in torment or joy, despair or hope. Read again those words above from Isaiah 40 – and read on to those final verses:  

‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope (trust) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30,31  

We have a great and wonderful God. One who journeys with us now and for all our days. Let us continue to trust Him, to trust in the good He will bring forth from even this season of trials. And give Him thanks, praise and adoration. (And not forget to ‘ask’ in prayer for those things troubling us right now).  

God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty, You are holy, holy  

In His Service,

Tony,  
Interim priest-in-charge.    

 

A rabbi to a very precocious six year-old said: ‘So, your mother says your prayers for you every night? Very good. What does she say?’ The little boy replied: “Thank God he’s in bed!”  

The lads had decided to go fishing on Sunday morning. All turned up on time except Danny. He finally arrived ten minutes late. ‘It was a toss-up as to whether I went to church or joined you guys fishing.’ ‘Well, that shouldn’t have taken you so long!’ ‘But I had to toss up 27 times!’