Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that as a child I disliked see-saws, roundabouts, and swings. Roundabouts are the least offensive to me as they have the advantage of not constantly delivering shocks and changing direction. To this day I cannot lose the memory of having to take the children on rides at Legoland and being in a state of permanent alarm.
This week is a little like the fulcrum upon which the see-saw pivots; the fixed point when either side is all movement and directional change.
Last Sunday we remembered great sacrifice in human terms and called to mind the pit of human failure, which is war. The pursuit of disruption, destruction, and devastation; an activity centred on imposing a will or a way of life by whatever means are necessary to succeed. We are glad for heroic bravery but wish the circumstances in which the bravery was seen, could have been avoided.
Next Sunday is the celebration of Christ the King. The liturgical year ends with a great blast of praise, thanksgiving and rejoicing as we recall the path through misery and hell to victory and recognise that the ‘Lamb of God’ who has taken away the sins of the world is on his throne, reigning eternally with God and doing it peaceably and never by imposing his will on anyone who is not interested.
The two Sundays are so different and yet there are similarities of low points and high points. We may feel as though we are on an ecclesiastical see-saw. Today’s reading [Deuteronomy 10:12-22] contains the calm invitation to love God, walk with God, take to heart the ways of God and not be so brittle about it – ‘stiff-necked’ as my translation renders the phrase. The love of God is the fixed point in the ups and downs and changes of direction in all parts of our lives whether in the Church or the World. Love is why we re forgiven, even for war; love is why Jesus came among us and died for us; love is why Jesus reigns eternally as King of kings and Lord of lords; God above all gods.
A Prayer
Almighty God, we thank you for your Son who gained so much for us and who is with us in all that happens in life. Holy Spirit, help us to express our praise and adoration in words and in the way we live.
Give God the glory and glad adoration,
From whom and through whom and in whom, creation
Comes into being, with us to inherit
Joy in the Father, the Son and the Spirit. Amen.
Peter Abelard (1079-1142)
Tr. Alan Gaunt (1935- )
Rejoice and Sing no 659 v7