Thought for the Week - 24/10/2021

Dear Friends, 

I received in my email inbox this week the Christians in Parliament October Newsletter, which began, ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18). It went on to say, ‘Parliament is reeling at the tragic and shocking killing of Sir David Amess MP. Many will be feeling broken-hearted by the loss of a dear friend and colleague. Some will be crushed in spirit, perhaps numb, whilst others will be overwhelmed by feelings of grief, anger, sadness and fear. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is not only present with us in the midst of our pain and grief, but he is also near’. For so many it has brought back the painful memories of the killing of Jo Cox MP in 2016, and as I listened to the tributes paid to David Amess in Parliament this week, her name was mentioned by a number of MPs, none more so than the sister of Jo Cox, who now represents the seat that she once held, Kim Leadbetter, who spoke of her family’s experience which was now being shared by another family of a fallen MP. I don’t think any of us can comprehend what the Amess family are going through right now, but the tributes to a fallen colleague were warm, humorous, poignant and many focused on his deeply held faith. The Labour MP Mike Kane began his contribution by quoting from John 10:10 that Jesus came not just to bring life but life in abundance of which he said David Amess lived his life like this. He went on to say that he participated fully in the liturgy of the Church, in the sacraments of the Church, and in the social teaching of the Church: dignity, solidarity, concern for the poor and care for the environment. And he concluded by quoting from St Teresa of Ávila, saying that the MP had died on her feast day. ‘May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.’ We are encouraged in the apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy to pray for those who are in roles of authority and power when he writes, ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth’ (1 Timothy 2:1-4). This is the prayer that begins every day’s session in Parliament.

Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may your kingdom come and your name be hallowed. Amen.     

So we pray that God will grant to all those elected to represent and serve in both the local and national context, wisdom, protection, grace and peace as they carry out their duties.                                   

Grace and peace,

Neil

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