Updates from Whirlow
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 MoreToday 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 MoreFebruary’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 MoreAn amusing conversation about yeast, between Jesus and his friends, is our source of inspiration today. It fits happily with Shrove Tuesday next week!
Read MoreWhat, 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 MoreIn 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 MoreHowever things are going for you right now, the Sacred Song for today reminds us that we are always accepted and always belong.
Read MoreReligious 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 MoreHow understandable to be downhearted and despairing at the moment. But can our very humanity, so prone to destructive action, become a source of hope?
Read MoreThis week, Christians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. It marks the visit of the Magi (wise men, or ‘three Kings’) from the East to see the child Jesus. As a New Year dawns, how do we feel about the continuing disruption that unique person brought into the world?
Read MoreChristmas is the perfect time to remember that actions speak louder than words. Words, without accompanying actions, are nothing. In this post, we reflect on how love can only be demonstrated through the integrity of our deeds.
Read MoreRather than a reflection, this week before Christmas we offer you Tim Watson’s Morning Prayer for those Socially Distancing or in Isolation,
Read MoreOur society is thirsty for truth: we often fear it has abandoned us as we absorb the speeches of politicians, news media, those with commercial, legal, religious or ideological agenda. This week’s reflection on two bible readings might help us pursue truth.
Read MoreOn falling pregnant with Jesus, Mary could not have known what to expect. In this reflection, we connect her experience that first Advent with our own journey through this pandemic year.
Read MoreThis first week in Advent, that Christian season of anticipation leading up to Christmas, often takes the theme of HOPE. Today, we reflect on what kind of hope and what kind of future we are anticipating.
Read MoreFaith and religious commitment can provide much comfort, healing and inspiration. In most major world religions, there are also teachings and scriptures that are challenging and hard to digest. In today’s Reflection, we wonder what to do with these, especially when the ‘real’ world is quite difficult enough!
Read MoreIn the Sacred Song from which today’s reflection takes inspiration, the tree is a wonder of nature that human creatures can aspire to imitate. Spend some time reflecting on what a tree might teach you.
Read MoreFew of us predicted that a new virus would dominate 2020. Even here, in the midst of it, it remains hard to accept. This reflection considers how much the year has required us to wait; and what we learn from that.
Read MoreDuring a pandemic, it’s natural to feel afraid or anxious. This reflection gives us permission to remember we still have choices: we can choose to remain magnanimous and outward-looking, strengthened by faith, grace and love.
Read MoreThese days, it is easy to be overwhelmed as we watch, listen, or read the news. Countless stressful words and images bombard our minds. Rather than regurgitating that to the next person, this reflection invites us to drop down from our minds into our hearts, exploring our deepest feelings in stillness and silence.
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