Saint Patrick - the courage to turn back and forgive

For those who know the wonderful story of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, the 17th of March is a day to remember him. The legend of his life seems to grow more and more with time, but there is enough fact in his testimony that teaches us some powerful insights. 

In reading a sonnet by Malcolm Guite, I was struck by the thought of Patrick's courage. When he returned back to the land of his captors, Patrick displayed remarkable courage. We could argue that it must have taken a miracle for him to go back to the very people who had kept him prisoner for 6 years.

 In doing this Patrick displayed his Christlikeness, because it was Jesus who taught us to 'love our enemies'. Patrick could have gone back to Ireland with a deep desire for revenge and retribution, but he chose the path of forgiveness and mercy. In doing so, he allowed the people of Ireland to see the true presence of Christ.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." - Matthew 5:43-45

Thought: How our world needs more people like Patrick today? When everyone seems hellbent on revenge and anger, we are challenged to choose the path of love.

Please listen to the beautiful sonnet by Malcolm Guite here.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Saint Benedict - words of wisdom and a prayer

Saint Benedict was an Italian monk who had a profound influence on the Christian faith in the 5th Century, and his legacy lives on through the 'Rule of St. Benedict' and the monasteries founded in his name. 

Two of his famous quotes give us some insight into his soul. 

"He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands."

"Prefer nothing, absolutely nothing, to the love of Christ."

In reflecting on his feast day, Malcolm Guite, wrote a beautiful poem/prayer to remember the life and work of this godly man. Here is part of his writing.

"You call us all to live, and see good days,

Centre in Christ and enter in his peace,
To seek his Way amidst our many ways,
Find blessedness in blessing, peace in praise,
To clear and keep for Love a sacred space
That we might be beginners in God's grace." - Malcolm Guite

Living in grace

D3LM3

A time to Remember

Armistice Day will always be a time where the world should pause and remember the great cost of war and violence. As we pause for a minute of silence at 11am on the 11th November I believe we should reflect on all tragedies and ask how we can learn from the past. In our posture of gratitude, for those who have paid the ultimate price, we should also prepare ourselves to tread gently into the future. If we can't learn from history we will be doomed to repeat all the mistak
es of the past. 

I came across this beautiful piece of writing from Malcolm Guite today. His moving words struck a chord with me.

November pierces with its bleak remembrance
Of all the bitterness and waste of war.
Our silence tries but fails to make a semblance
Of that lost peace they thought worth fighting for.
Our silence seethes instead with wraiths and whispers,
And all the restless rumour of new wars,
The shells are falling all around our vespers,
No moment is unscarred, there is no pause,
In every instant bloodied innocence
Falls to the weary earth ,and whilst we stand
Quiescence ends again in acquiescence,
And Abel's blood still cries in every land
One silence only might redeem that blood
Only the silence of a dying God. 

If you like Malcolm's writing please click onto his home page and enjoy his gift.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Break my resistance

Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, which traditionally allows us to reflect on the last days of Jesus's earthly life. The following poem is extremely helpful in bringing us to a place of remembrance and spiritual stock-taking. I offer it to you and pray that the words would help all of us prepare for the greatest weekend of our Christian experience. 

"Now to the gate of my Jerusalem,
The seething holy city of my heart,
The Saviour comes. But will I welcome him?
Oh crowds of easy feelings make a start;
They raise their hands, get caught up in the singing,
And think the battle won. Too soon they’ll find
The challenge, the reversal he is bringing
Changes their tune. I know what lies behind
The surface flourish that so quickly fades;
Self-interest, and fearful guardedness,
The hardness of the heart, its barricades,
And at the core, the dreadful emptiness
Of a perverted temple. Jesus come
Break my resistance and make me your home." - Malcolm Guite 

What things are causing resistance in my heart today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3