Reflection: “Second Sunday in Lent”
Provided this week by Peter Andrews I was sitting in a coffee shop waiting for my granddaughter when I noticed a sign on the wall – as follows Community is much more than belonging to something. It’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter. The quote was attributed to Brian Solis, a world renown futurist and his observation really resonated with me from a number of perspectives. Saltbush is a unique part of the Uniting Church in Australia that is supported financially by the Lane Cove Congregation. Saltbush – Uniting the Scattered Community, seeks to encourage and connect Uniting Christian communities, irrespective of size or location. Saltbush seeks to enable us all to embrace the reality of being in Christian community in the 21st century and to affirm diverse ways for people across the land to gather and be in mission together. Saltbush seeks to work with both individuals and Christian communities who are willing to confront traditions and habits of the past to shape new intentional gatherings for the present future! As part of that aspiration, Saltbush makes available a variety of resources including a weekly visual message and liturgy. This Sunday, the second Sunday in Lent, we will be using some of the Saltbush material – including the Reflection that was prepared by Rev Mark Faulkner, the leader of the Saltbush team. Mark shares with us some thoughts about the story of Nicodemus who was a prominent Pharisee and most probably part of the ruling counsel, or the Sanhedrin, which ruled over the religious affairs of the nation and of every Jew. Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus at night – perhaps choosing that time because he did not want his peers to be aware of what he was doing or perhaps he was just determined to have Jesus all to himself. There was an honest seeking after the truth on the part of Nicodemus. The conversation with Jesus was not just some philosophical exchange of ideas. Jesus response to Nicodemus’ question ‘’how can someone be born again’’ is the point at which Nicodemus’ new life began to take shape. The conversation culminated in one of the most recognised and powerful statements in the Bible. v16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life for God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Something worth pondering – even if not for the first time! If you are unable to join us in worship on Sunday morning, I invite you to watch Rev Mark Faulkner’s reflection at https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/lent-2-nicodemus-jesus-john-3-1-17/ Every blessing Peter
1 Comment
Lena Beryl Blok
3/3/2023 04:23:50 pm
Thank you Peter for these words. Truly Lent is the time to ponder and think about the meaning of Easter.
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