Sunday, February 25, 2024

Sermon - Conflicts and via media

A Sermon preached in St. Peter's Church and St. Senan's Church, Carrigrohane Union of Parishes - on  25th February 2024

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be now and always acceptable in thy sight O lord our strength and our redeemer. Amen 

This is one of those difficult sermons this morning - for me to write & preach and perhaps for you to hear - depending upon your views!  So with that health warning, I’ll begin.  


As we progress through Lent - we are mindful of the messy mysteries of our world - and the tensions that exist in the turbulent times we are living through in 2024. 


In the Gospel reading, we’re reminded that it has been forever thus. 


We realise that Jesus said some unpalatable things during his time with the disciples - it wasn’t going to be plain sailing. People even argued with him! 


For our saviour Christ, the tensions that existed in the religious and political world played out in his day too. The very symbol of our faith - the cross -  brings us to the heart of such tensions.


He knew that the sin of humanity, the lies, and the power plays were part of his human existence and that the swirling hatred of the powers that be had consequences on innocence - even on the promised Messiah - God himself.  He lived and died in that environment - As well as rose again! 


Over the past few weeks, I have had numerous different conversations - and communication via email and in person around the parish about the state of the world and the problems that are affecting us in this present day. In the world through our screens we see conflicts, we hear horror stories of human’s inhumanity to fellow human beings and wonder what our response should be. 


In any conflict situation, there is obviously 2 sides or even more sides to any story - having grown up in a place where there was 2 sides to a violent conflict about land - where violence was a daily occurrence - bombings, and shootings happened - a conflict which was political but also had a somewhat religious basis - which has not yet been fully resolved but where there thankfully is enough in common to hold a peace together today. 


In a world where there is hatred and suspicion, we must remind ourselves that there are currently are around 115 armed conflicts today in our world. Each with their story - people groups, land conflicts.  


I want to focus in this morning for a few moments on the Israel-Gaza conflict … 


A few years back when I was in the Holy Land I got to know a few Palestinian Christians and their perspective on life in a divided but holy land helped me to see that there is an underlying deep complexity to the situation there. 


The reason I want to address this, this morning - As Rector, I have been asked to provide clear messages of unequivocal support on either side to this particular conflict by deeply sincere Christians here in this Union of parishes. 


I deeply respect those who have asked for this clarity and their deeply held views for their positions  - I really do. 


However,  I would very much struggle to go beyond where  Anglican Communion leaders have gone. 


Namely,  in their calls for prayer for peace and also the commending the practical support that parishioners here have been moved to complete for those suffering in the current conflict including our Bishops Appeal collection in recent months. 


Some may disagree with that stance and you are well within your rights to do so. 


But I very much see my understanding and the understanding of the Bishops and Archbishops of the church of Ireland and the wider Anglican communion in the tradition of via-media 


Let me explain 


Via Media is a Latin phrase translated as “middle way” or the “way between two extremes.” It is from the philosophy of Aristotle. In his writing, he found the virtues such as justice and courage to be the middle way between the extremes of either side. “Courage” was thus the via media between foolhardiness and cowardice. 


Via media is often misunderstood in a negative way to mean compromise or unwillingness to take a firm position. However, for Aristotle and those Anglicans who have used it, the term refers to the “golden mean” which is recognized as a more adequate expression of truth between the weaknesses of extreme positions.


Hopefully, this makes sense


This middle way is a tough place to be -  in the middle - especially when dialoguing with those on either side


 but in the middle  - is not a place where there are relative truths, where anything goes,  and unwillingness to take a firm stance on things - NOT AT ALL -  there are some of the many things that can be said with extreme Clarity  

  • murder is wrong - scripture is clear. 

  • nations obviously have a right to defend themselves

  • terrorism is not the answer 

  • Innocents need to be protected 

  • The overarching importance of The value of each human life is sacrosanct 

  • The facts of the situation - there in the Land - it is a land shared by  - Jewish, Christian, Muslim & others 

  • There is a judeo-christian understanding of the land - history and prophetic future


So what are we to do?


At the beginning of the current round of conflict in the Autumn, Within the Church of Ireland, the Archbishops  have asked all members of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Holy Land, 


They said .. 

The rapidly escalating and degenerating situation in Israel and Palestine awakens within us our deep compassion for our brothers and sisters of all faiths in the Land of the Holy One.  Where lives are lost through military attack and response, humanity in its entirety is diminished.  We all grieve.

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have called for peace and justice amidst unfolding violence.  They have unequivocally condemned any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or faith.  They have called on the international community to redouble its efforts to mediate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.

The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development is releasing €10,000 (equivalent to £8,650) in emergency funds to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.  The Diocese includes 7,000 Anglicans worshipping within 28 congregations in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.  It is responsible for more than 30 institutions, including hospitals, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centres, guesthouses, and retirement homes.  The Diocese runs Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza which provides medical care and support to all people, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.

We urge the people of the Church of Ireland to pray for peace in the Land of the Holy One and pray for wisdom for those in positions of authority to work towards an end to all violence.  

We uphold to God in prayer all who are affected by the current conflict.  All human life is the gift of God.  The Church of Ireland, in its daily prayers, prays for people suffering in conflict, those who seek to bring care and relief, and the peace of the world.


The Church of England House of Bishops  some of whom sit in Parliament - in the house of Lords said … 

Recognising the troubled history, we nevertheless cling to the longstanding vision of a peaceful region where the peoples of Israel and Palestine can live in security, justice, peace and harmony in their own lands, we therefore appeal:

  • For Hamas to release all hostages unconditionally and unharmed.

  • For immediate humanitarian pauses that will enable the wounded and the most vulnerable to be evacuated under ICRC or UN supervision, holding out hope for a ceasefire in the longer term.

  • For safe areas to be established across Gaza with communications, food, water and medical support, under international supervision.

  • For the Israeli Government to protect the population of the Occupied Territories and arrest anyone threatening them, without fear or favour.

  • For all parties to this conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and to take all necessary steps to minimise harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

In light of all of this … as Christians and as citizens of this country - we may have views on this and as citizens of Ireland - a democratic country -  we have the option to petition our elected representatives in the Dail on this and any matter of which you desire. This is especially important as this conflict is only going to be resolved through political means and Ireland is involved at various levels in the international debate on this issue. 

So my message this morning is very simple - when faced with the conflict Gaza and Israel is to pray for peace - an end to hostilities. 

To pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are suffering with those in Gaza - those ministering to the injured and all who grieve for the loss of loved ones. 

Those who have nowhere to call home this day- all who are refugees. 

And those who are defending the innocents in this present conflict. 

And those striving to be peacemakers in the corridors of power.  


A Prayer for the Peace of the World – from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed; Kindle, we pray thee, in every heart the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.




Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Blogette - Sermon as part of the 10 Commandments Series - How to find contentment

 On sunday past, I was preaching in the Carraig Centre, Ballincollig as part of the 10 Commandment's series and we were looking at the tenth commandment - 


“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”


We are using the book by J.John  Just 10 to look though these commandments. The theme of the sermon was How to find contentment. 


What we said was Coveting is “The uncontrollable desire to acquire” 

Where would advertisers be today if we didn’t have the desire to covet 

Of getting the bigger, the newer … the better 

All of us have this – as I thought about this – its ingrained in me 

Are there things which we need to keep in check 

There is an inbuilt sense of looking over and seeing the better and wanting it 


There are all sorts of great desires such as ...
  • Pleasure
  • Joy 
  • Belonging 
  • Security 
  • Comfort 
  • Safety 
  • Excitement 
  • Adventure 

But when some desires go beyond certain boundaries they become problematic and even dangerous
When they become the main thing … 

DOING WHATEVER YOU CAN FOR … WITHOUT RECOGNITION OF THE OTHER THINGS IN THE COMMANDMENTS 

IT’S THE HEART - THE SEAT OF OUR DESIRES … THERE IS SOMETHING IN US 


Watering the good stuff … Taking time to guard your heart 

Physically – we know we should eat well – and exercise 
Spiritually – taking time to do the basics well – cutting out stuff we know will lead – thoughts which will lead to dark places 
- How are our relationships 
- How are our thought patterns 
- our Friendships 
- Do we have people we can be honest with – completely honest with 
- People who ask us – how are things really 


Rejoicing in what we have 

Being alive 
Beautiful world 
God’s love 
Freedom 
Security 

Being a wise steward

Relationships
How are they? 
How are they affected by covetness ? 
People matter! 

Generousity 

Priorities 
What do you think  & talk most about?
What about your time & energy?
Spending ? (your bank account is your theology in numbers!) 



Sunday, January 14, 2024

A Blogette - apres Sunday - The Call of God

 


On Sunday Morning in both St. Peter's Carrigrohane and Blarney I was preaching on the Call of God and challenging myself and those within the parish to think about God's call. Readings

1 Samuel 3: 1-10, (11-20)John 1: 43-51

Sometimes we hear directly from Jesus ... like our Gospel reading
Sometimes it is in dreams / visions 
Sometimes it’s a friend / family member who presents a God-inspired invitation  ...again like the gospel reading
Sometimes its through the pages of scripture 
Sometimes it's in a Bible message / sermon / thought 
Sometimes it's through reading the Bible ourselves 
Sometimes it is through prayer 
Sometimes its something completely different 


I mentioned ways that sometimes help to hear God's voice 

Bible reading notes, apps, retreats, walks etc... 

On a recent retreat – the sheet which greeted us in the room said this 

When God’s voice is drowned out by incessant clamour, whether inner or outer, in whatever shape or form, then constant dialogue with God becomes impossible.

An inner monologue with myself,
constant chatter with others,
the invasion of the spoken word through the press and television

are all the ever-present realities in my daily life over which I need to exercise come sort of discipline if I am to keep any inner space in which to listen to the Word

May we be able to exercise some sort of discipline in our inner space to listen intently to the Word – to God’s voice and his love for us





Monday, October 16, 2023

Apres Sunday - A quick blogette! - on Phil 4

In a world where there is much said on a sunday - many sermons preached and pondered over one more blog might be enough to have a think about the passage from this week. 


On Sunday I was preaching on Paul's letter to the Philippians - a passage that was challenging our identity, the things that we do and worry about, and counteracting the pessimism that so often grips our minds. 

In the 4th Chapter, in light of our identity as Citizens of heaven - there are responsibilities we have 

- to sort out our interpersonal conflicts 

- to pray with thanksgiving 

- to fill our minds with the good stuff rather than the trash that so often swirls around 




Sunday, June 11, 2023

What can we do?

A Sermon preached in St. Senan's on Sunday 11th June 2023 in St. Senan's Church, Inniscarra 


May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be now and always acceptable in thy sight O Lord our strength and our redeemer. Amen 

 


Text Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26




What can I/we do? 

 

That’s a question that I’ve been asking this week quite a lot 

 

In light of world, national and local events – It’s a question which I think will take us on a journey over the weeks, months, and years ahead. 

 

< our work with the Ukrainian community> 

 

It comes back to a very simple thing – What would Jesus do – WWJD ?

 

We see Jesus here in this gospel – Call Matthew, Heal the woman, Interacting with all sorts of people,  challenge the settled and eat with those seen as outsiders 

 

That’s quite a lot for one Sunday’s readings. 

 

We can’t be expected to do everything but we can do something – what is God calling us to do? 

 

In the past we have been great at listening to our stories of faith – highlighted in “Ordinary People” but what about those outside 

 

As a Church, we have begun to listen to stories – stories of individuals who are on the fringes of our society – and they are voices that need to be heard – I want to thank our Associate Minister Abigail for her leadership in this area- not just here in Cork but for many years during her time in Dublin. 

 

On Sunday 25th June we are going to hear from one of our own parishioners – Naomi Kagari who has been working with Cork Migrant Centre based at Nano Nagle place we have also been working with young people who have been seeking asylum here in Ireland at an event. 

 

Those who are on the fringe – those who are being looked down upon in our society -we need to hear their voice and we are being encouraged to get to know them.  As a church, we are being to explore what it means to reach out beyond – to be known as a place of care, place of sanctuary, community, and love beyond who were are right now. 

 

My message this morning as we step out into Ordinary Time – the time of growth, the time of discipleship – the “green” season of the Church year is – asking – who in our community needs to be listened to, who needs to know of the care, the love, the embrace of community. 

 

When I look at the ministry of Jesus – he didn’t sit in his synagogue and wait for people to come to him. 

 

He sent people out – with invitations, he responded to invitations, he dealt with issues as they arose, he took opportunities. 

 

As a church – a church that is growing – it is my hope that we do the same – Let's take opportunities, lets do what we can – to love, to hear, to respond when we can, to be a community in all sorts of ways – there's a lot to do – what might God be saying to you,  to us. 

 

I would love us all to begin to hear from those – not those who are tax collectors but those who are on the fringes of our society today. We just need to look around and see those whose experience of our society is like those – who are looked down upon those who are being called names other than their own, whose experience is different to ours. 

 

Abigail has organized an event on Tuesday 22nd June at the Carraig Centre – can you help out? Can you come along? 

 

Why does Jesus eat with those who …. Are different?

 

This is an opportunity to hear from voices we don’t usually get a chance to hear from – to show the love, the care and also to simply share table with those we haven’t had a chance to until now.  

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

10 Years ... Where has the time gone?

 A couple of days ago I realised that 10 years have passed since I arrived in Carrigrohane Union - they seem to have floated by in an instant! 

Maybe now is the time to get back into blogging - its been a while. 

Look back and looking forward is something I've encouraged others to do quite a bit as part of sermons but its something when we live in the present that I know I don't do all that often but well ... here goes. 

In the past 10 years ... my word has seen so much change - so many mountain-top experiences and some deep valley lows as well 

From arriving here in Blarney and building up a whole new set of friends, parishioners, colleagues, and acquaintances & obviously meeting my beloved Noelle. 

There have also been so many developments - in the parish down through the years there's been lots - from simple things to grand projects 

Then there are obviously those difficult, dark days of sorrow on the death of loved one's both family and friends. The challenging days of Covid and other things 

10 years is quite a while to reflect upon 

10 years of sermons, Bible Studies, conversations, emails, coffee cups, staff meetings, vision groups, phone calls, keeping in touch, walks, car journeys, shopping trips, Facebook posts, meals ... 

It's incredible to think about what has been accomplished but also the amount that still needs to be done. 

All in all - I'm so thankful to God for his call to be in this place - with all its highlights and also the people I get to call family and friends

I'm thankful for the times he has brought/carried me through. 

What a privilege .... and looking forward so much to the years ahead 

Loads of stuff to do. 



Friday, August 19, 2022

Let's begin blogging again - Family Ministry (if that's even the right term)

 The past few years haven't seen this blog do very much other than sit here.

It's not that nothing has been happening - by no means - there seems to have been too much! and too little time but maybe now is the time to get started again. 

This week in our wee corner of the world - I've had the privilege of being part of various meetings & conversations looking at the topic of what we are doing for families of all sorts in the Parish. 

Toddlers, youth stuff, our ukrianian friends and a few other things thrown in. 

I love meeting people with the creativity, insight, faith and time to devote energy, enthusiasm and heart into current and new ministries. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what comes from these encounters over the next few months and even years. 

How the church welcomes families, kids and others is vitally important. 

Earlier today, coming from a meeting about this I was struck by something I heard on the radio about kids and church and how people were saying that they shouldn't be in funerals and wedding and when it came to other church services they just don't know if they should be there at all. 

I'm glad I was driving or I might have been tempted to ring into the station and give a bit of my mind 

I very much want to say in this parish - Children are very welcome! 

Jesus himself said - Let the Children come to me - for such belongs the Kingdom of God. 

Yes, parents need support to be able to feel they can come and go but they do need to feel welcome and supported in church. 

I love this image I came across a few years ago: 




A little bit of a rant but all are welcome in any of our services in the union of parishes. 

As are any age of people!




RF