Reflection from Eryl and intercessions for Lent 2

 

Once again, just like the events of the past year, today’s readings bring us to the edge – the knife edge.  On one side, lie suffering and destruction. And on the other – strangely and wonderfully – life and salvation.

Anticipating contemporary fears for our planet, Isaiah describes the heavens vanishing away like smoke and the earth wearing out like a piece of clothing.  People will die like gnats – all chilling comparisons.  And in Chapter 8, Mark’s Gospel has reached its pivotal point. The knife twists and Jesus’ life turns irrevocably away from that of teacher and healer towards the suffering, rejection and self-giving of his death on the cross.  Confronted, as we have been for so many months, with the fragility of human existence and so very conscious of present-day loss and suffering, our first impulse might have been to respond like Peter by berating Jesus for a defeatist and morbid assessment of the way his life will end.

Both passages rest on startling paradoxes and both offer us challenging perspectives.  And perhaps this Lent, more than any before, we are ready to engage with the challenge of hearing it as it is.  Is the faith, we thought we were so sure of, enough to carry us through present realities? Did we underestimate what would be demanded of us?  Do we want to turn away from the difficult challenges? Can we bring ourselves to level with God, to open ourselves to his saving love? These are questions which are asked every  Lent but this time with double the anxiety and urgency.

Isaiah speaks to people who know their need – for protection, for hope, for enlightenment and guidance.  They need salvation for they are people, inhabiting a worn-out world set to vanish along with the heavens above.  Salvation, for a people whose lives seem as dispensable as they are insignificant.  Salvation, for a people who are on the edge and who call out in desperation. And to them, God, himself, promises deliverance, coming quickly and lasting for ever – the “divine” things of which Jesus speaks in the Gospel.

Bold and purposeful, Peter does not yet recognise or acknowledge his own spiritual need.  Crunch time is coming but for the moment, he is too caught up in saving the world, alongside Jesus, too busy engaging with the clamouring crowds and being one of the Rabbi’s inner circle.  He has just answered Jesus’ question about who the disciples think Jesus is – the others hesitate but confidently Peter asserts that Jesus is the Messiah.  The answer is technically correct, but Peter’s interpretation of Messiah is very  different from Jesus’ description of the “Son of Man” a couple of verses later. Jesus’ description is startlingly honest – the only response Jesus, the Son of Man, can possibly make to God’s love is own, complete, self- giving love.  Jesus is clear, there will be suffering, loss, rejection, death but there will also be resurrection and new life.  And the honesty  is shown again, when Jesus admits that he, Jesus, is being tempted to push the challenges aside.

In the wilderness, Jesus had fought off three human temptations by opposing them with God’s perspective, found in prayer and scripture. Now he tells the crowd of friends and followers that God’s perspective, the “divine” perspective is that of self- giving and self-emptying love. It will be hard but if they really want to follow Jesus, then this is how it is going to be for them, too. If they opt for the selfish path of accumulating power and wealth, they will lose their soul.  If like Jesus, they open themselves to the divine perspective of God’s faithful and self-giving love they will be born again into new, authentic life.

 

Intercessions for Lent 2

 

Gracious God, fountain of all wisdom, we pray for all Christian people as we continue in the season of lent; for our Bishops Viv and Lee; for James in Uganda, for the province of Congo and Archbishop Zachary and for those who teach and guard the faith. May the word of Christ dwell richly in our hearts, and knit us together in the bond of your love.

Lord, hear us.

 Lord, graciously hear us

 

We pray for the leaders of the nations; for our own government at this time of particular concern.
Give them the gift of wisdom, a right discernment in all things and the will to put aside their differences and work together for the good of all. Speak your word of peace in our midst, that truth and justice may flourish and overcome hatred and division.

Lord, hear us.
 Lord, graciously hear us

 

Gracious God, in your mercy, pour your blessing on our parish, our town, our families; on those who live alone and all who care for others, on all who make their livelihood in this community. For all suffering financially and emotionally in the current crisis. We ask for your blessing on our children returning soon to their schools and colleges, and on all celebrating birthdays this week … Speak your word of peace in our midst, and help us to serve one another as Christ has served us.

Lord, hear us.
 Lord, graciously hear us

 

Gracious God, we pray for those who are seeking for faith and long to know you, the Word of life. For our journey together through this season of lent, our study groups and all the brings us closer to you.
Open our ears to hear your voice, and our hearts to the knowledge of your love in Christ.

Lord, hear us.
 Lord, graciously hear us

 

We pray for those bowed down with pain, fear or sickness; for refugees, for those who live under the threat of violence and for those in prison especially today we pray for….  With our visitors we pray for…. May your living Word bring comfort and healing to all those in need.

Lord, hear us.
 Lord, graciously hear us

 

We remember before you all those who have died in the faith of Christ [especially…   and at their Year’s Mind …] Give faith and hope to the dying and bereaved and help us to trust in the promise of your word fulfilled.
Merciful Father           Accept these prayers……