Water symbolises refreshment and healing; ‘waters’, on the other hand, can bring to mind not only flowing rivers, but devastating waves. In this Whirlow blog we look at three water-themed bible passages and wonder what they have to say to us as tumult rages in our world. We are invited to respond.
Read MoreReflections
Updates from Whirlow
Cosmic feedback: biblical invitations to listen well
We cannot disentangle biblical texts from our assumptions as readers, made within our social context. A deeply entrenched view today might be that Christian faith requires an attitude of self-loathing and judgementalism - particularly impossible to escape when reading ‘fiery’ excerpts. In today’s Whirlow blog, we consider a Psalm, a passage from James’ letter and a reflection on climate change - invitations to approach things differently.
Read MoreChrist's Radical Power - get collaborative, not competitive
Jesus the Christ exercised power differently. He was a person who chose to become like others, rather than insisting on holding territory; who refused to instruct or ‘save’ by exerting will or using charisma; who chose humiliation and death over winning control. Radical. In this reflection, we wonder what the writer of Hebrews might be saying about Christ, power and our own vocation.
Read MoreKeep Crying and Carry On - Psalm 34 in Advent
What are you crying out for? Are you able to express your depth of feeling or hear it expressed by others? This week, Psalm 34 provides a framework for sitting with our deepest longings and calling out to God, the Divine or the Universe to hear them - uninhibited, as we were unconcerned with saving face!
Read MorePoetry for All Saints and Souls
Today, we offer a poem about St Francis of Assisi - whose feast day was last month - and another inspired by Psalm 131, a sacred song used at Whirlow this week.
Read MoreU-Turns Allowed! - rethinking conversion
Labels about belief can be divisive. If we think there there are only two answers to the ‘Are you religious?’ question - and that only one of those is correct - then ‘secular’ and ‘sacred’ are pitted against one another and conversion is a loaded word. In our culture, any change of heart might be scoffed at - politicans making ‘u-turns’ are usually derided. This reflection recommends a different perspective.
Read MoreHave Mercy On Us! Accepting the Reality of Who we Are
Those of us who live comfortable, affluent lives can become addicted to safety, certainty, happiness and constant personal improvement - perhaps more than to other ‘quick fixes’. When we think about our weakness, confusion or hardship, we view them as problems to be solved. This reflection invites us, instead, to accept the mess and uncertainty, and walk free of our addiction to perfection.
Read MoreAbundance versus Scarcity
Talking money is difficult - not least because few religious institutions can boast a ‘clean bill of health’ for the way they have obtained financial support over the years. Today’s recommended scriptures are about giving, though, and so in this reflection we attempt to dive in!
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?
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