Jesus Bread of Life & his Claims

 Sermon preached on Sunday 20th September in Lisburn Cathedral at both 9.30 and 11am services

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

Text John 6:25-51 

This morning we are rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck into a new sermon series which will take us between now and the end of November to complete- It’s also being woven into the home group series as well.  My hope is … in the sermons I’m preaching in this series will take into account some of the questions from the home group booklet but go beyond the scope of them as well to look at the passages a bit more widely.  

I do want to encourage you to open Bibles If you have them near you - It was quite a long passage this morning - It can be found on Page [xx] or it is John Chapter 6 - if you want to look it up on devices. 

The background to this passage is the Feeding of the 5,000 + people - Jesus is attracting crowds who are following him around - he is teaching and sharing with them important truths and not only is he teaching them but also showing them amazing things which are happening in front of them. By his words and actions he is displaying the inbreaking of the Kingdom. That God is with them. 

Firstly - I want would love us to see the importance in this passage about dialogue with Jesus. Look at how many times Jesus gets asked questions by the crowd around about him. 

He doesn’t just stand there and say these in a vacuum nor as a whole sermon -… what he’s doing is in response to the crowd and the needs in the crowd. 

It goes quickly from the ordinary - how did you get here  to the very deep questions very quickly 

Then they begin wondering as we do from time to time  - who is this and what’s he offering? 

There are all sorts of things going on in this passage - but when a crowd gathers anywhere there are differing understandings and a myriad of differing views and questions depending upon where they are and what they are up to. 

I suspect its the same here this morning - Disciples - those with L plates up, those who come with questions, those who are wondering and those who maybe dispute some of the things … its great that you’re all here today. 

The questions - the wonderings the quarreling and the searching things out are part of the adventure of faith - they have been from early days. 

Secondly this morning - I want to look at the claims which Jesus makes about himself 

 I don’t know if you’ve seen the ad for the FCA - the financial conduct authority - about scams - with the seal. There are many out to scam us with all sorts of claims.  Check it out Before you seal the deal.

We're rightly taught to be skeptical about claims that are too good to be true

If anyone was to stand up and make these claims in Lisburn town square on a saturday - I hope that person might be looked upon with skepism at the very least. We should be suspect of anyone making claims such as these. Finding out who they are and what authority them have is important 

It would be extremely difficult to believe if someone making these claims someone who said they have come 

• To satisfy our deepest needs and desires v35

• To come from God the Father v38

• To raise our bodies from the dead on the last day v40

• To be the source of eternal life v51

Those are some claims to make. 

In religiously charged Israel in the 1st Century - these were enough to get you killed! On Blasphemy charges and this is relatively early on in Jesus’ ministry life but he makes them unapologetically. 

Why would we take these claim seriously? - I suppose that is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian - a follower of Christ. Its these things that we have found these claims exactly to be true ...

CS Lewis famously said in his book Mere Christianity 

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, 1996), pp. 55-56.

I want to pause on this for a moment. 

Our deepest needs - Knowing we’re loved and accepted - Knowing when the storms of life come - when the worst news comes through, when we’re faced with illness or grief - knowing that he is the one who can sustain us through the most difficult of days is important. 

The past couple of weeks I have had the privilege and opportunity to draw along side - those who have been through difficult times - Both planned visits and chance encounters with those who are ill, those facing terminal diagnosis, those overcoming operations and those undergoing tests. 

When friends have messaged to say they have had a unwanted diagnosis … or going through grief

When faced with ultimate issues and the fragility of our humanity or if we are in a state of grief for whatever reason - it is in these moments particularly that we need to hear these words. 

I once was taking a Bible study group - of seniors and they raised a question - or a sort of feeling - we’re not sure. These were people who had been coming to church all their life but they are wondering if when the time came these things are to be relied upon. 

The answer to the question can Christ be relied upon?, can these teachings be relied upon - the answer is simply yes! 

You might ask - why … how do you know? 

Quite simply because of who Jesus is - his identity in full. - we summarise it in the creeds of the church

• As the Son of God, as the one who knows the end from teh Beginning 

• The one who faced the reality  of death but was able to over come death through resurrection. 

• The one who is the Bread of life 

And also coupled with the witness and testimony of believers down through the years 

If it was anyone else saying these things then - no! 

• But because it was God’s one and only son 

• The word made flesh and who dwelt among us. 

• It’s because of Jesus that we can have confidence in what he said & What he did, what he is doing now and what he will do at the end of time! 

What’s also important to realise - Jesus said that he is bread of life … not just medicine for the sick

• This is not just a message for those who are sick or hurting - its for everyone 

• Life, meaning is for everyone, purpose, mission  - whatever we’re up to this week. 

• Bread - is eaten at all sorts of times in my house - particularly at lunch for sandwiches 

Whether we retired, student, pupil, working, not working - whatever we’re going through right now 

In another part of Johns Gospel we read - I have come so that you may have life to the full. 

Give us today our daily bread we pray in the Lord’s prayer

Thirdly this morning - I want to pick up on one of the claims this thing about Jesus being able to satisfy our deepest needs and desires 

I want to lean into this this morning 

When I go into Tescos or Greens or Lidl or wherever - there are all sorts of options when it comes to bread - I was amazed … In the supermarket you can find roughly 114 - I’ve done the research! - from my desk rather than going around the shop counting them! 

Some of the many ...

• Tesco White Toastie Bread Thick Sliced 800g

• Tesco Medium Sliced White Bread 800g

• Tesco Lightly Seeded White Bread Loaf 800g

• Tesco Multiseed Batch Medium Sliced White Loaf 800g

• Tesco Hi Fibre Seed Loaf 800g Sliced

• Tesco Hi Fibre Seed Loaf 400g Sliced

• Tesco Finest Wholemeal Loaf 800g

• Tesco Finest Wholemeal Seeds & Grains Loaf 800g

• Tesco Finest Super Seeded Sliced Farmhouse Loaf 800g

• Kingsmill 50/50 

• KIngsmill White 

• Ormea

• Veda 

• Brendans 

• Gluten Free 

• Many more 

There are all sorts of options that lie before us on a daily basis  so many choices we have - for our physical hunger to be satisfied 

But we do have another hunger - the one that Jesus is talking about - down through the years there always have been ways people have tried to satisfy and search for something that will satisfy - to try and fill our spiritual hunger - people try all sorts of things. 

As someone who found at a young age the Christian Gospel - I’ve not found anything that surpasses the teaching, the truth of the Gospel - and the truth is simply - I never will.  

That is a dangerous claim to make but it is the claim that Christians down through the centuries have found to be solid ground. Many have come into conflict because of it. 

For our physical hunger - yes we satisfy that with both good food and not so good junk food from whatever source tickles our fancy

But we will grow hungry again - thats natural 

For our spiritual hunger - some have described it as a God Shaped hole inside of us - however we describe it. Whatever ultimate questions we may be asking. 

The uniqueness of Christ - his actions, his teaching, the relationship we have with him - is able to quench our thirst and satisfy our desire - if we would turn to him. 

His actions - have made a way for us to find meaning and purpose, he has opened the gate of life to all. 

Sam writing in the Harvest Magazine this month has helpfully reminded us that we are called to be faithful followers of the Lord 

1.by being closer to the Lord.

2.by digging deeper into his word.

3.by building our lives on the Rock of salvation.

This is so important 

As I conclude this morning - bread - our everyday staple food - whatever bread you eat the 114 varieties which satisfy our physical needs - Whatever we have for breakfast, lunch and dinner  today and everyday this week - We need to eat healthly - in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle - Doctors & Health professionals will tell us that. It’s important! 

Tescos aparently have 4,622 products in “Fresh Food” and 8,489 products in “Food Cupboard. To satisfy our physical hunger 

Let’s remember that a key part of life is our spiritual hunger as well -  we’ve a need to satisfy our spiritual hunger and questions by meeting with the one who said and is the bread of life - there are all sorts of options presented by all sorts of people - BUT there is only one name under heaven that can fully satisfy   - Jesus Christ our lord and saviour.  The one and only. Nothing else satisfies.  - Come to him this morning. 

Let’s Pray

God isn't finished Yet ...

 God Isn’t Finished Yet

Acts 25:1–22

A Sermon preached at Sunday AM on sunday 12th July 2026  in the Carraig Centre 

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.

In books and films there are moments when everything feels uncertain. We wonder, Where is this going? How will the hero escape? How can this possibly end well? Sometimes the story reaches a point where all we can see is confusion, and we are left waiting for the next chapter.

That is exactly where we find the Apostle Paul in today’s reading.

Earlier in Acts, in chapter 23, verse 11, the Lord stood beside Paul and said:

“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

God had given Paul a promise. Rome was his destination.

But by chapter 25, he isn’t in Rome.

He isn’t even on the road.

He’s sitting in prison in Caesarea.

The Jewish leaders still want him dead. The Roman authorities are holding him. Humanly speaking, the future could go either way. The story is caught between the promise and its fulfilment. There is uncertainty, frustration, fear and waiting. Paul simply does not know how God is going to accomplish what he has promised.

A number of years ago, while on pilgrimage in the Holy Land, I had the opportunity to visit Caesarea Maritima, this magnificent Roman city on the Mediterranean coast where Paul was imprisoned. Standing there, you realise this is neither Jerusalem nor Rome. It is an in-between place.

Throughout the book of Acts, Paul has travelled from city to city, crossing seas and continents, always moving. But here he is stuck.

As I reflected on this passage, it struck me that this is quite an appropriate sermon for my last Sunday here at the Carraig Centre.

• Because this isn’t the end of Paul’s story.

• Nor is it the end of yours.

• Nor is it the end of mine.

Acts 25 doesn’t resolve anything. There is no verdict. There is no dramatic rescue. There is no happy ending.

God has told Paul that he will preach in Rome, but he isn’t there yet. There are still a few chapters to come.

This morning I could say many things, but because it’s summer—and because I promised myself I would keep this sermon a little shorter—I simply want to leave you with three thoughts.

The first is this:

God isn’t finished with you yet.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned through life’s joys and difficulties is that God is still writing the story.

• Sometimes we only see one chapter.

• Sometimes we only see one page.

• Sometimes we only see one sentence.

• But God sees the whole story.

Many of us know what it is to wonder what God is doing. We pray. We wait. We struggle to make sense of circumstances. Yet over and over again, I have discovered that even when I could not see God’s hand, he was quietly at work behind the scenes. And sometimes I don’t  and I wonder God where are you! 

The story was still unfolding.

The second thing is this:

We still have choices to make.

In this passage, Paul doesn’t simply sit back and say, “Well, whatever happens, happens.”

He knows God’s promise.

He knows his calling.

And so, when Festus suggests sending him back to Jerusalem, Paul refuses. He knows that is not where God is leading him. Instead, as a Roman citizen from Tarsus, he exercises his legal right and appeals to Caesar.

Paul trusts God’s sovereignty, but he also acts wisely.

Faith is never passive.

Trusting God doesn’t mean doing nothing.

It means prayerfully making the decisions that are ours to make while trusting God with those things that are beyond our control.

Which brings me to my final point.

Some things happen that are outside our control.

As a rector, one of the great privileges of pastoral ministry has been walking alongside people through every stage of life.

I know that here this morning—and indeed in churches throughout the world—there are people who find themselves in places they never imagined they would be.

• Some are living with grief.

• Some with illness.

• Some with uncertainty.

• Some with broken relationships.

• Some with anxiety about the future.

• Some are simply wondering what comes next.

• I’ve discovered a word for these seasons.

They are called liminal seasons.

• Places of transition.

• Not where we once were.

• Not yet where we will be.

• Simply where we are today.

And if we’re honest, they are often uncomfortable places to be.

I know something of that myself.

Since making the difficult decision to leave here and move north, I too have been living in one of those liminal places—a season between what has been and what will be.

• There has been excitement.

• There has been sadness.

• There has been anticipation.

• There has also been uncertainty.

Yet through it all, I have been reminded again and again that God is present in the in-between places.

This morning I simply want to encourage you with that truth.

God is still at work.

Sometimes we lose sight of the bigger picture.

We’ve spent a long time together journeying through the book of Acts.

Think where it all began.

A frightened little group of disciples gathered in Jerusalem.

• Then the Holy Spirit came.

• The gospel spread across Judea.

• Into Samaria.

• Across Asia Minor.

• Into Greece.

• Towards Rome.

• Across Europe.

• Across continents.

• Across centuries.

Until, by God’s grace, the ripple effects of the witness of people like Paul have reached us here today.

Just think about that.

A man sitting in a prison cell nearly two thousand years ago is still speaking to us this morning.

God certainly wasn’t finished with Paul.

I came across an illustration recently that I found really helpful.

When we look at the back of a piece of embroidery or tapestry, sometimes it looks like a complete mess.

Knots.

Loose threads.

Colours going in every direction.

There seems to be no pattern whatsoever.

(Show images.)

But turn it over…

…and suddenly you see the beautiful picture the artist was creating all along.

• Perhaps that’s how our lives often look.

• We see the tangled threads.

• God sees the finished masterpiece.

• Or think of a jigsaw puzzle.

• One piece tells you almost nothing.

It is only when all the pieces come together that you begin to see the whole picture.

Again and again throughout Scripture we meet people whose lives appeared confusing in the moment.

• Joseph in prison.

• Moses in the wilderness.

• David hiding in caves.

• The disciples after the crucifixion.

• Paul in Caesarea.

Yet time after time we discover that God had never left them.

He was already preparing what came next.

As I come towards the end of this sermon, let me finish with something more personal.

Over these past fourteen years, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve in this place.

• Together we have faced difficult seasons.

• We have made courageous decisions.

• We have seen God grow his Church.

• We have grieved the loss of people we dearly loved.

• We have welcomed many new faces.

• We have celebrated answered prayers.

• We have also carried prayers that remain unanswered.

Through every season, we have known God’s faithfulness.

Some of my most treasured memories won’t be the big events.

• They will be the quiet conversations over coffee.

• The unexpected phone call.

• The arm around a shoulder.

• The person who noticed someone struggling.

• The gentle word of encouragement.

When I found myself in places of uncertainty – I think particularly of those who supported me through the time when Dad died, it was often those quiet acts of kindness that reminded me that Christ was present through his people.

So keep doing that.

Dream big dreams for the future.

Seek God’s vision.

But never underestimate the ministry of quiet encouragement.

Churches, and this church particularly is built as much through cups of coffee, faithful friendships and gentle words as they are through programmes and plans.

• God isn’t finished with you yet.

• Keep allowing the Holy Spirit to shape you.

• Keep close to Jesus.

• Keep encouraging one another.

And let me finish with Paul’s words to the Christians in Philippi written as it was when he was in prision —words that I can honestly pray for each one of you today:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Prayer Ministry is important – At the end of the service – if you are going through one of those seasons – of waiting, of pain, of uncertainty – take time to get someone to pray with you.  

Amen.

Keeping it Simple!

A Sermon preached on Sunday 6th July 2025 in St. Peter's Church Carrigrohane  

This morning is my  pre-holiday sermon

When lists are being made and ticked,  bags are getting packed and when I’m realising that there is so much to do – Work Stuff that needs left on the desk – That won’t be accomplished in next 48 hours. 

When we turn to pages of scripture this morning – we see the importance of simplicity – of the simple things of faith – No great schemes simply doing the bits that God says and things work out. 

The Disciples – no great plan other that to follow what Jesus told them – Don’t bother packing a Big suitcase … just go – yes it might not work out if it doesn’t move on 

Paul – the Apostle – encourages the believers to care for one another gently and humbly. When someone falls into sin, those who live by the Spirit should help restore them — but with caution and humility, remembering we all carry our own responsibility. Believers are to bear one another’s burdens and test their own actions honestly, not comparing themselves to others.

Naaman - Here is a mighty man — commander of the army of Aram. He’s powerful, respected, and yet… he’s helpless in the face of leprosy. No amount of rank or money can fix it.

When Naaman comes to Elisha, the prophet doesn’t even come out to meet him. He sends word: “Go wash in the Jordan River seven times and you will be clean.

Can you picture Naaman’s pride? “What? That’s it? No dramatic ceremony? No waving of the prophet’s hand? Just a muddy river?”

Naaman nearly storms off. But his servants — who see things more clearly — gently persuade him. “If the prophet had asked for something difficult, you would’ve done it. Why not do the simple thing?”

So Naaman humbles himself. He washes in the Jordan. And his skin becomes like that of a young boy — he’s restored.

Simplicity – We tend towards complexity sometimes when God reminds us – simply and humbly this life is about relationship one with another. 

• Gentle and humble restoration 
• Dust off and move on if we’re not welcome
• Healing not in a dramatic way 

I just wonder this morning do we complicate things too much sometimes in the pursuit of the kingdom of God.  I know a lot about complication! 

• In an age of insurance and legality 

• Doing the simple things of going and sharing the Gospel 

• Speaking words of reconciliation and hope 

• Keeping the main thing the main thing 

A design principle in the 1960 – K.I.S.S. – Keep It Super Simple where there was lots of techie complication. 

This principle is important. 

Keeping things simple is really important – As we go out into a complex world – That seems to be getting more and more complex day by day. Keeping the main thing the main thing. 

I come back to a very simple principle – it was the mission statement for my home church when I was growing up - Growing in God’s love and sharing it with others

This morning The facets of God’s love are all around about us 

I have No props today! – simply a message of – God’s Love which is sufficient to meet our needs – asking ourselves what he might be saying to us – and having the courage to do what he says. Having the conversations with people we encounter along the way. 

• What do we need to lay down 
• What do we need to pick up 
• Where might be he be calling us to go to 

Let’s Pray 

Pictures that speak a thousand words - Leadership

 I have really got out of the way of blogging for many reasons but one is time. And that's not good!

In the summer life should have a different rhythm and it hasn't been the case this year - I am hoping that this is the start of it.  

I'm reflecting on stuff from Facebook that I've saved in a folder for so long but which I havent really know grappled with in any meaningful way - when I looked in the "Saved" items There are things which are really quite important. 

Shared by a friend on facebook - source 

Having spent a bit of time thinking about leadership recently and being reminded about it this afternoon its really important in all of these things. It's really challenging in terms of someone who is entrusted with leadership to reflect upon each of these things. 

Leadership - no matter in which field we're leading in this that we understand the mix of these things. 

Looking around at organisations around the place - and politics and the rest is incedible that in whatever sphere of influence Leadership is fundamentally the same - sports, politics, business, non-profits, church, friendship groups  ... 

It's not telling people what to do. 

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.

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!)