Shabbat Friday sermon in a paragraph.

The words and beliefs of others encourage me to reflect deepe ,in a world , that to this northern working class guy, well feels so wicked , gonna chose the next word , and Godbless.

But not just words are they. They' are a code something we all need wether it's parking across pavements, standard to raise up. Ethical conduct to to guide us all on our we live alongside neighbour's.

It's been decades long journey this faith walk but still wrestling with stuff.

"Do we get leaders we deserve"...

 It seams the debate about....."Do we get the leaders we deserve ".....has ended and we do. Faceless, corrupt, self serving ,greedy, cowardly, without strong moral base,fearful,arrogant. Mostly straight out of Collage no worldly experience.

My profession was practice based. You had to be buttered into the role. Gaining suitable qualifications. Constantly networking listening  actively. You moved around often intenerant.

My father was not a tool maker. Out of curiosity it means nothing to the Passage l was vocational sentenced to walk along. When going abroad to work l too was full of concerns, apprehension. Experienced great reward but economic wellbeing was difficulty to maintain. Other difficulties were placed with renewed resilience and steadfastness courage. Courage to recognise oppressive practices and stand up for correct approach to others. Encouraging better communications.

Many skills not developed by the political classes destroying this one great nation. That statement hurts. Where are the Churchills, Roosevelt, leaders who back done wouldn't bend. Words spoken should be listened too.

Love concern and willingness to engage with local people act to improve community's. Do ask again

..." Do we get leaders we deserve"...?

what fight are you choosing to get involved with.

 This is Floyd Mayweather former boxer who has since Oct 7th he has stood by the Jewish people and the people of Israel. Further visited the Jewish rehabilitation centers,  donated $100,000 in protective equipment to volunteer organization. Mayweather won 15 major world championships spanning five weight classes from super featherweight to light middleweight.

Then I'm laying out my winter clothes

And wishing I was gone, going home

Where the New York City winters aren't bleeding me

Leading me, going home

In the clearing stands a boxer

And a fighter by his trade

And he carries the reminders

Of every glove that laid him down

Or cut him till he cried out

In his anger and his shame

"I am leaving, I am leaving"

But the fighter still remains

The fighter still remains so what fight are you choosing to get involved with. What resources and weaponry are you going to bring into the situation. Boxers have to be reflective, weigh up the fight. Learn ringcraft, maintain fitness, be disciplines, its skills that are life affirming. They are (these skills), used often outside of the square ring.

Into life goes the fighter. God puts fighters into situation that demand discipline and focus. What fight are you choosing to get involved with. In what ways has your focus been displayed, how are you discipling the  argument. Are you listening deeper. Can you be gracious to the others. What will be the outcome are the rules of war practiced with compassion will their be opportunity for dialogue and chance for deeper Shalom offered.

Floyd Mayweather (Above.) stood praying at a wall clear witness to others of a faithful moment of surrender.  

TV Films books other communication sources form values we adapt or reject.

 Film's condition us they show us examples of how LIFE should be lived. Examples of where it can go wrong. Shows us a narrative. Non linear communications do that Art Entertainment all bring our emotions into the landscapes. Drama of our lives get lived by engagement with characters.

Above image from Easter in my 'Island on the sun' caused people to stand for long periods. Observed. Reflection occurs then our mind, then our heart all form perspectives. Storytelling brings us into a experience. So behaviour changes, behaviour is affected. Discussions take place.

We revisit again the image. We shared the narrative. Speak to others and they share better perspectives. Speak to others and they share different perspectives. Discuss and our children gets the vide our family group gets as we watch together. They find other films, books, cinema,TV, books and media to further engage with.

Not just in relationships plus formal education we develop grow and communicate. TV, Films, books other communication sources form values we adapt or reject.

"If you will not hear the truth.No one can tell you."

Desolated outpost.

Angry rabble

Accusations 

Unlawful request for penalty of death.

Once welcomed prophet

Leader of dangerous sect

Claim to be a Messiah 

Malefactor 

Delivered to Pilote Roman ruler

Crucified.

Risen victorious.

Cooked fish on charcoal embers.

Calls fisherman to cast nets opposite side.

Breaks bread with two walkers coming into city.

Meets on physical form his disciples offers forgiveness, communicated with many witnesses to his grave robbing act his death defining feat. 

He is risen.

We did didn't we....

You and me, we part of the crowd who crucified the lord.
We held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
We threw the dice when they pierced his side
Have we seen love conquer the great divide
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

Maybe it's still going on ....

Maybe you and myself have to keep up the work.

A world needing more LOVE.

This time always felt bit like Christmas day. (Which never celebrated). Well this 'Easter Saturday’ feels long, odd. Not place, for those who don't follow Jesus .We Christians, are meant to be stuck in a moment where we acknowledge  sorrow, joy, despair, hope, absence. But heart felt possibility of hope.

Individuals, community, we sometimes hold faith, this 'long Saturday' is where most of life is lived, spiritually, leisurely emotionally. Uncomfortable, unresolved, hope is not often visible and can can feel distant.

So listen to each other, put music on, sing, gather, pray, pray deeper for longer.

Gather with one another. Trusting those Biblical narratives that, told the old old story steadfastly. Sunday's coming, resurrection is on its way. 

Love has yet to conquer the great decide.

So let's prepare with some time in the garden.reflecting after thinking about the events this evening.
The Passover meal, time together with friends.Meal clothed in numerical literacy plus old testament theology.

Clothed with lovely food. Fears evident in the community. Special Jewish messianic message. Remembering the time of Exodus, God's provision, escape from slavery.
Clothed in today's events in the middle east. War tyranny, credulity, fears,death,oppression, attacks on the vulnerable. 
Man called Pilot Roman bully, wicked ruler bringing fear dispising the weakness of those he has conquered.
Pharisees and the scandalous acts have been made. Betrayal is to follow, denial also arrived. The cowardly acts like those identified by modern Bully in current middle east, wil also take place.

Love has yet to conquer the great decide.

Letting Passion of Easter begin within us.