If you are male and approaching the former statutory age of retirement, you may receive an invitation to have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurism scan. I went for mine recently and was asked whether I had a family history of the condition. I do; fifty per cent of my grandfathers died of an AAA. I was relieved to find that my aorta is in good shape.
Why tell you this? Several friends are grappling with health conditions and finding the truth that the NHS is stretched almost to breaking. The reasons for that are public and arguable, but not the point. My point is that I was quietly impressed by the arrival of my unexpected scan invitation, as I have been when other precautionary checks are offered. I always accept with gratitude. This unheralded background work is worthy of support and celebration, especially when so much commentary is negative.
There is something perverse in us that likes to make the most of opportunities for grumbling.
The reading for today is Matthew 8:14-17 in which Jesus responds to a question about fasting. The question was, ‘why dot he Pharisees fast but your disciples do not fast.’ The simple response was that there would be time enough for mourning, but not while the bridegroom, Jesus, was still at the party.
If you find you are grumbling a lot, find something to be glad about and make the most of it while you can. Personal things or more general things and where you can, keep making the most of signs of God in your life; the antidote to mourning.
A Prayer
Ever present God, show yourself among us so we have reasons to be glad and a focus outside ourselves for gratitude about life. We pray for all those people around us who have little to celebrate and who suffer much that they too may see glimpses of you, even in their suffering, to give them hope. Grant to us all the faith to walk with you in the testing times we remember in Lent so we may be better prepared to appreciate the achievement of you liberating resurrection in our lives. Amen.