Helensburgh Parish Church - Meditative Reflections

When was the last time that you were stopped in your tracks by something which filled you with awe? I imagine that, around Jesus, such incidents happened fairly regularly. Of course, often the feelings aroused rather than awe (at least on the part of the authorities) were outrage and anger as Jesus defied convention and took liberties with the rules. As always, however, he has an answer for his critics and puts them firmly in their place. "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" proving that it's his power and not the form of words which give life and health. I have a four year old granddaughter who lights up my life. I am privileged to spend part of every week with her and, even more than with my own children, I am struck by the sheer miracle of her. Her personality and character – so new to this world. Her learning and development — so rapid and engaging. Her joy in life – so simple, unaffected, delighted in very...

JOHN 21: 10-14 (GNT)   10  Then Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11  Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all; even though there were so many, still the net did not tear.  12  Jesus said to them, "Come and eat." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord.  13  So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish. 14  This, then, was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.     Chapter 21 of John's Gospel is replete with imagery and echoes from the previous 20 chapters, and these few verses are perhaps the most obvious. Even here, when Jesus already has fish and bread by the charcoal fire, he invites the disciples to bring what they have caught. Jesus is not 'doing to' the disciples but 'sharing with'. It is an invitation to meet w...