Sharing some thoughts

As Jesus left the Temple one of his disciples commented on what large stones and buildings. It was a comment that recognised the grandeur and majesty of the surroundings, but Jesus replied, 'not one will be left; all will be thrown down'. Tough it doesn't immediately sound it the reading reflects hope - not hope in the way it is seen often in worldly terms - hope of a good job, hope of lots of money or good health, hope of winning the lottery perhaps but hope in terms of knowing that whatever happens in our lives with Jesus on our side, nothing can ever really destroy us. There’s a rather nice true story about a volunteer tutor was asked to visit a nine-year-old in a large hospital. She took the boy's name and room number and was told by the boy's teacher that they were studying nouns and adverbs in class. It wasn't until the tutor got to the boy's room that she realised the boy was a patient in the hospital's burn unit. No one had prepared her to...

Today the Sea of Galilee is an incredibly beautiful and seemingly peaceful place. It is set in the middle of wonderful countryside, with hills surrounding. It is a place where you sense little has changed from the time of Jesus. But of course, it has. The water level has dropped massively for a start as water has become such an important resource. In addition we are also reminded of the all too prominent threat of conflict. Many times the areas surrounding the Sea have become battle grounds. Today we are all aware of the problems in Syria boiling over separated from the Sea of Galilee only by the hills. In our gospel today (Mark 1:14-20) we have heard of a conflict in a different time. John the Baptist has been arrested, and Jesus has arrived in Galilee – it is time for Jesus to repeat the message of John – ‘The kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.’ And as he begins his ministry, he calls his first disciples to join in the work. Simon and Andrew wer...