The first week of Eastertide: Christians celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. Sorrow and desolation at a brutal crucifixion are replaced with hope and joy. An inextinguishable light of love breaks through the darkness, reaching out to each of us personally, eternally, regardless of our history or circumstances. In this reflection we ask, what is the hope I am offered?
Read MoreReflections
Updates from Whirlow
Holy Saturday: Waiting and Grieving
Please download a liturgy for Holy Saturday here.
His Dying Words: 7 - Into Your Hands
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘Into Your Hands…..’
Read MoreHis Dying Words: 6 - It Is Finished
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘It Is Finished.’
Read MoreHis Dying Words: 5 - I Am Thirsty
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘I Am Thirsty.’
Read MoreHis Dying Words: 4 - Why Have You Forsaken Me?
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘My God, My God, Why have You Forsaken Me?’
Read MoreHis Dying Words: 3 - Here is Your Mother
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘Here is Your Son…. Here Is Your Mother.’
Read MoreHis Dying Words: 2 - With Me In Paradise
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘Today, You Will Be With Me in Paradise…..’
Read MoreHis Dying Words: 1 - Father Forgive
A reflection on Jesus’ words, ‘Father, Forgive…..’
Read MorePower Games
As we approach Holy Week, there is a sense of irresistible, looming darkness in the Gospel chapters. What do Jesus’ responses to his situation teach us?
Read MoreRediscovering the World of Dreams this Lent
A homicidal ruler and a last-minute escape from the jaws of death are featured in today’s scripture - but it is in the realm of dreams, beneath those surface events, that we wander for inspiration. Could that landscape feature on your Lenten journey?
Read MoreUproar..... Stillness.
During this past year, much of the news we have received is about chaos, violence and struggle.
And … there have been images of quiet city centres and motorways; of people enjoying a spacious walk.It has been a time of contrasts.
A sacred song from the Hebrew bible mirrors those and, along with a poem by D.H. Lawrence, gives us food for thought.
Read MoreCome As You Are
Today we are invited to bring the truth of ourselves into our spiritual and religious practices - and the all-too-common hypocrisy practiced in those arenas is condemned. It is easier said than done to bring our full selves into a place of public encounter and worship.
Read MoreDreaming of a Healing Season - for all.
February’s changing temperatures and scriptural references to weather and prayer inspire today’s reflection, which considers the disabled and their place in this new season.
Read MorePancakes and Missed Points
An amusing conversation about yeast, between Jesus and his friends, is our source of inspiration today. It fits happily with Shrove Tuesday next week!
Read MoreHave we had enough? Clues to contentment.
What, if anything, do you believe would make you happy? Complete release from lockdown? A simple hug from a loved one? Neither of these are likely for some weeks, if not months. We might long for them but perhaps we might also ask for the ability to experience contentment in the here and now, as it were a gift in itself.
Read MoreWords as Waymarkers
In these times of enforced distance, it is particularly difficult to relate to people as whole beings. Even before the pandemic, divisions created by an over-reliance on engaging only with what someone else says were strikingly evident. In this reflection, we look at scriptures and try to develop a wiser way forward…..
Read MoreAn Anchor in the Storm
However things are going for you right now, the Sacred Song for today reminds us that we are always accepted and always belong.
Read MoreVillains, Clowns, Heroes and the slow work of the heart
Religious and political leaders can be viewed as pantomime baddies in our interpretations of the New Testament. Today’s reflection issues an invitation to enter imaginatively into the hearts of several characters, including those we find offputting. Perhaps we see ourselves in them all?
Read MoreRemembering our Heritage
How understandable to be downhearted and despairing at the moment. But can our very humanity, so prone to destructive action, become a source of hope?
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