Author Archives: Dean Atkins

‘Night had fallen’ (see John 13:21-33,36,38) One of the most famous and enigmatic stage directions from William Shakespeare is in his play ‘The Winter’s Tale’ when Antigonus is given the direction ‘Exit, pursued by a bear.’  This sudden appearance of a bear chasing off Antigonus to his death often amuses and mystifies modern readers. Today’sContinue reading “Tuesday of Holy Week”

‘She had to keep this scent for the day of my burial. You have the poor with you always.’ (see John 12:1-11) Managing huge budgets and determining how to spend public money rarely makes politicians popular although, even in the most difficult financial circumstances, how money is spent says a lot about policies and values,Continue reading “Monday of Holy Week”

‘I shall make them into one nation in my own land and on the mountains of Israel.’ (see Ezekiel 37:21-28) The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and 42 for women.  People sleeping on the streets are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence.  MoreContinue reading “Just Lent | April 1”

‘From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.’ (see Psalm  17:2-7) The voice of the psalms is filled with both joy and heartache, misery and relief.  There is a sense of relief in the verse chosen, for God has recognised the psalmist’s voice’  God has heard his cry. At theContinue reading “Just Lent | March 31”

‘I will make you father of a multitude of nations. I will make you most fruitful.’ (see Genesis 17:3-9) In his book, ‘The Boy with Two Hearts,’ Hamed Amiri tells of his family’s struggles as they escape war torn Afghanistan to seek refuge in the UK, eventually settling in Cardiff as their home.  Their journeyContinue reading “Just Lent | March 30”

It was reported some years ago that, in the 1950s, a plan was explored by the US to ‘nuke’ the moon to demonstrate their power to the Soviet Union. It is this which forms the basis of the following meditation, following the words of Psalm 72, as our JUST LENT course comes to an endContinue reading “Peace until the moon is no more”

As our JUST LENT course reaches the final session this evening (March 29), we’re exploring PEACE! There’s a gentle smile from the face of this painting, a mural which celebrates the multicultural and inclusive Cardiff. Perhaps, in gazing at the smiling face, we smile too. St Teresa of Calcutta said that ‘Peace begins with aContinue reading “‘Peace I give you’”

‘If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.”’ (see John 8:31-42) Martin Luther King Jr said “’Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.  We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.’  The civil  rights leader FrannieContinue reading “Just Lent | March 29”

‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? We are sick of the unsatisfying food’ (see Numbers 21:4-9) In a report commissioned by the Trussell trust in 2021 (the largest study in hunger in the UK) it was reported that almost two in three of the people of working age who wereContinue reading “Just Lent | March 28”

‘Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you.’ (see John 8:1-11) Although played out in a different place and in a different time, the incident of the woman caught in adultery in the gospel according to John, has much to say to us today.  We can focus on the compassion of Jesus andContinue reading “Just Lent | March 27”