South Cardiff Ministry Area

Just Lent | March 15

‘Do not forget the things your eyes have seen. Rather tell them to your children, and your children’s children.’

(see Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9) )

In a 2022, in a BBC documentary about the identity of Wales called ‘Who do We Think We Are?’ the broadcaster Huw Edwards interviewed Gaynor Legal, a Butetown resident and the first Black Councillor in the country. She was being asked about the multicultural community that had been built up in the historic Tiger Bay area of Cardiff. ‘Is it fair to say that the heritage you represent has not been properly recognised?’ he asked. ’I think it was totally ignored,’ she replied, ’the powers that be saw it best to bury it, they didn’t see it as an asset… the history of this area has been totally erased with the developments.’

There is a well known phrase, that “History is written by the Victors.” History often tells a one sided view, forcing the victor’s narrative on the people, and even eradicating the experience, history and heritage of others. Moses reminded the people to remember, value and pass on for generations to come all the things they have seen and heard, so that the narrative of faith and the heritage of a whole people will continue to exist, be valued and passed on.

Each of us has a story to tell, and the experiences of whole communities are an important part of the narrative. It is their story to tell and an important one to hear.

PRAY FOR those who work to collect social history, and for a free and open telling and cherishing of a narrative that is truly representative of all people.

Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent

Just Lent | March 14

‘We have no leader, no prophet, no prince.. no place where we can offer you the first fruits and win your favour’

(see Daniel 3:25,34-43)

Freedom of Religion of belief is a human right which has been guaranteed under international law since 1966. Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, states that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religions.’ And yet, in many countries throughout the world this is not a given right, and many people of faith receive threats, imprisonment or even death for their faith.

Over 360 million Christians suffer persecution and discrimination around the world. They follow Jesus, no matter the cost. The most dangerous places include Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. I5,898 Christians were murdered for their faith in 2022 reports the Charity, Open Doors.

In the Book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meschah and Abednego refused to worship the idol fashioned by King Nebuchadnezzar on pain of death, and remained faithful to their God and religion. In all countries, including our own, all people should have this freedom of religion, and each of us has a responsibility to protect the freedoms of others, and to expect the same consideration in return.

PRAY FOR freedom of religion throughout the world, for persecuted Christians and peoples of all faiths, that we may live in a country and a world safe from fear.

Just Lent | March 13

‘I tell you solemnly, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country.’

(see Luke 4:24-30)

In what turned out to be a humorous exchange between an MP and the Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of 2022 (as bishops preached about the decision of the UK Government to send refugees to Rwanda) a Tory MP said that Bishops shouldn’t be preaching from the pulpit and reminded them to stay out of politics. The Archbishop of Canterbury thanked him for his feedback and said “I look forward to advice on what we should be doing in the pulpit” followed by, “Just to confirm we’ll be continuing to preach the Gospel of Christ.”

This is a common response from some politicians when the Church speaks out, confirming their belief that Christians and the Church have no right to comment, have an opinion or challenge. This is a foreign concept to us and illustrates a narrow minded view of what our Faith is all about. We are not simply people who gather together for nice services, say our prayers and read the Bible. Our faith in God affects the whole of our lives and how we live in the world. Worship and serving, prayer and action go hand in hand.

As Jesus challenged injustice and reached out to the poor and vulnerable, so he calls us to do the same. We believe the world belongs to God, for he made it. Not only does the Church have a right to speak out, it has an obligation to do so. We are called to stand alongside the poor and vulnerable, to love as Jesus loved, to stand up for justice.

PRAY FOR the courage to be a prophetic Church, mindful too of our own shortcomings and sinfulness, but working together to create a strong and loving

A Song for the Poor

This week, our third session of our JUST LENT course aims to explore poverty, its presenting needs and the causes of poverty and how and why Christians should respond. Join us at St Saviour’s Church, Splott on Wednesday 15 March at 7pm. The following reflection sets the scene.

In the shadow of the Wales Millennium Centre, famous for song and drama, music and theatre, is the statue of a son of Cardiff, Ivor Novello, a Welsh actor, dramatist, singer and composer. He was one of the most popular British entertainers of the first half of the twentieth century. The Ivor Novello Awards for song writing and composing are named after him.

Songs speak to us and speak into our situation. They can revive us and express how we feel, whether its sorrow or pain, as we take the tunes and the sentiments of someone else and apply them to our own situation. Music unites us – whether in choirs, on the terraces, singing our national anthem, or songs of resilience and demonstration.

In another song in the hill country of Judah, Mary’s prayer spills out. Her song is inspired by the words of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Perhaps as she made that solitary Journey to Elizabeth, she could relate to the experience of Hannah and the sentiments included, and she made it her own, and allowed the words to express how she was feeling. It is a song which praises God for all he is doing, and it is filled with strong and challenging images, of raising up the poor, pulling down princes from their thrones, sending the rich away, empowering the weak and the vulnerable. (Luke 1:39-45)

Throughout his life, Jesus reached out to the poor, he spoke up for the poor. He showed God’s special concern and love for them and has given us a lived experience of how we should respond to those in need. If God has love for the poor, then we are called to respond in the same way as Christians, not simply responding to need but also challenging the roots and causes of poverty. Then, perhaps, we will experience what is meant by God’s justice for the poor.

Magnificat

‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

You saw that all was good

A meditation featured in our JUST LENT course focussing on the dignity of humanity and all of creation

From the dust you raised us,
breathing into our lungs
as we emerged into a startling world,
finding our way.
You looked at us
and saw that all was good.
And as the first light reflected in our eyes,
you saw the beauty of your own Son’s face,
staring back.

You grew into our world,
which was your world,
shedding the cloths which had wrapped your infant form,
reached out to us
across a scorched land
as we lost our way,
burned by our own mistakes.

Your arms, stretched out across the beams,
dropped your blood into our world
which was your world.
Startled and subdued,
your heart beat to the rhythm of love.
Your lips spoke peace,
even as you breathed your last,
and gave up the ghost.

You emerged from the cold earth.
A dark cave had homed your scratched, serrated body,
had hidden you from the world’s rude eyes,
wrapped in cloths which now lay neatly folded,
like you had all the time in the world.

In darkness your love shone,
turned stones,
moved the earth.
You looked at us,
breathed into our lungs,
which heaved with the shear beauty of it all,
as we emerged into a new world
which was your world,
startled by your love.
Your breath blew off the dust.
You saw that all was good.

Just Lent | March 11

‘Lead your people to pasture. As in the days when you came out of Egypt grant us to see wonders.

(see Micah 7:14-15,18-20)

In a memoir called, ‘In the Wars,’ Dr Waheed Arian, tells the story of his childhood caught up in the war in Afghanistan, finally fleeing to the UK where he trained as a doctor and where he works today in emergency medicine as well as pioneering an international medicine charity which changes lives around the world. He recalls how one day, as a child, his father had told him of their new plans. ‘We are going on a journey, Waheed,’ he told me. ‘To a peaceful place where we can all be safe together. ’‘Where is it?’ [I asked.] He put his arm around my shoulders and pointed to a distant peak, ‘Do you see that mountain over there?’ I nodded. ‘Just beyond that mountain.’ The journey was fraught with danger. It was a journey that many people didn’t make, but Waheed and his family finally arrived at that place of safety, although it was by no means the end of their journey. More danger lay ahead. Perhaps, for them, there was always a place, just beyond the mountain.

Millions of people are displaced by war, seeking sanctuary – sometimes by any means possible to them. Many are moved by traffickers who take a fee. For many the route is dangerous, and can even lead in death. May we create a culture of welcome and concern for all those who leave their homes behind in search of safety and peace. May they be treated with understanding and compassion by governments and communities. The family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took refuge in Egypt, so may all come to a place of safety and love.

PRAY FOR all displaced by war and danger, and for a compassionate response from governments and communities

Just Lent | March 10

‘It was the stone rejected by builders which became the keystone.’

(see Matthew 18:18-20)

Famously, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for a total of 27 years. He became President of South Africa in the early 1990s, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for bringing apartheid to an end. ‘I have fought against white domination, and have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It’s an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.’ His was indeed a ‘long walk to freedom.’

Jesus experienced for himself acts of injustice, imprisonment, deep pain and death, rejected by those he came to save. He was the suffering servant, who came to serve not to be served and to give his life as a ransom for many. He laid down his life for his sheep.

The long walk to freedom is fraught with pain and difficulties but the dream of Mandela was realised. The world is not perfect, and there are still many injustices to fight, globally and locally. But if we trust in God’s justice, we too can play our part for standing up for what is right, and realising God’s Kingdom of justice, love and peace.

PRAY FOR those who fight against racism on a political and institutional level, and for our own courageous response to injustice in the world.

Just Lent | March 9

‘At his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, who longed to fill himself with scraps that fell from the rich man’s table’

(see Luke 16:19-31)

The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow. Globally, the richest 10% of the global population currently take home 52% of the income. The poorest half of the global population earn just 8 per cent.

And what of the UK? Well, the gap that exists in the UK has been amongst the worst in Europe. Poverty was on the rise before the Covid-19 crisis hit the UK. Between 2020 and 2021 the income of the UK’s poorest fifth of the population dropped by two per cent. In the last decade, the average income of the richest fifth of the population increased by more than nine percent, The average income of the poorest fifth of the population remained the same.

Behind every statistic is a real lived experience of a human being. In the story Jesus tells to illustrate his point he gives the poor man a name, Lazarus. The story colourfully illustrates the inequalities which exist in the world, and how each of us has an opportunity to respond to need and to work for change. The story takes us through the circumstances of rich and poor in this world and comes to a climax in eternity. As Christians, we set our heart on the life of Heaven and eternity, which guides and moves how we live here on earth. But to quote the strapline used by Christian Aid, ‘We believe in life before death.’ We have a duty of care for all.

PRAY FOR the affluent and the rich, and for those who have the power and position to make change, and for all who struggle financially.

Will you stand with us ?

Here’s the closing litany of prayer from our second JUST LENT course session which explored issues of solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, and our calling to strengthen community

You, who look beyond the scorched mountain,
with hopes of a safe place,
seek a paradise compared to the pounding of the earth by missiles and explosives
which disrupted and destroyed your home,
whilst we sit here so comfortably
and where only rain falls from our sky.

We stand with you.

You, who reach your hand into the deep back of the sofa
looking for coins, like lost treasure,
or count pennies found at the back of the drawer
for bus fare to the next job interview.

We stand with you.

You, who share what you have with others,
give of your time and your talents,
and fall into bed after a day of work and worth
as you try to make the world a better place.

We stand with you.

You, who have given up some time ago on seeking work,
because your name does not fit,
or your postcode means your application is overlooked,
raises alarm bells of discrimination.

We stand with you.

You, who skirt the supermarket aisles
avoiding the security guards and cameras,
to walk out with a meal for the night,
hidden beneath your coat.

We stand with you.

You, who take to politics to change the world,
and find the decisions too difficult to make,
but remain to fight your corner,
and walk the unpopular route.

We stand with you.

You, who bow your head into the Foodbank’s doorway,
clutching an empty bag,
waiting for your tinned food
to take home to make the most of other’s giving.

We stand with you.

You, who take the whistle to your lips,
shuffle your studded feet on muddy ground,
and kick a ball around with the young,
to let them know you care and they have a future.

We stand with you.

You, who speak to power,
although you feel so powerless and feel like giving up
when the odds are stacked against you.

We stand with you.

Sovereign God,
whose Word took flesh,
living as one of us,
standing alongside us
living for us.
May we stand with him now,
present in the poor and the vulnerable,
calling us to create communities of love and peace,
strengthening the weak,
and raising up all who are bowed down with burdens too great to bear alone.
May we, your church, speak out against injustice,
and be open to the unsettling power of your Spirit,
who empowers us to bring change
and believe in the possibilities of your Kingdom.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Just Lent | March 8

‘Come on,’ they said, let us concoct a plan against Jeremiah’

(see Jeremiah 18:18-20)

Work is not just a means to earn a living, it is also an opportunity to participate in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then so are the basic rights of workers. From the first pages of Scripture we see that work is an essential part of human dignity, and throughout Scripture there is a call for workers to be treated fairly, and to be paid a just and living wage. In the UK the Real Living Work campaign works to encourage employers to pay their workers a salary which relates to the cost of living rather than the government’s version of the Living Wage.

Scripture reminds us that work and economics is not profit and production but the dignity of the human being. Workers also have the rights to form associations for their own interests and protection which we know as Trade Unions.

There are many ways in which workers have been exploited by the rich. Many of these came to light in the Industrial revolution when workers were paid with low wages and worked long hours or in dangerous circumstances. But this also continue in many ways in our on day, throughout the world and in our own country. There may be examples, too, when individuals are discriminated against with unfair treatment or dismissal, or where bullying takes place in the workplace. All of this undermines the dignity of what it means to be human.

PRAY FOR all employers, that they may treat their workers with justice and fairness, mindful of their needs and dignity