We continue our JUST LENT course this week, as we gather at St Paul’s Church Grangetown on Wednesday at 7pm. We explore justice for God’s Creation. Here’s a brief introduction.

This monument, moved from just outside Central Railway Station to Cardiff Bay Wetland is intended to reflect the mountains which surround Cardiff, and the life of the valleys which have now become so much greener in its post-industrial age.

Pit heads and wheels long ago gave way to wind turbines which are scattered on the mountaintops, and the coal tips and slag heaps have given way to green mountains as nature returns once more, and the valley communities seek a new future. We are now well aware of the impact that we have upon the planet, and the global environmental damage done by the dominant and destructive hand of humans.

There are many challenges and much that must change before the planet is brought to breaking point. It’s not too late.

What is our calling as Christians? If we return to the Genesis story of Creation, we read that ‘God saw all that he had made and behold it was very good.’ How good a job does God think we human beings have made in being stewards of the gifts he has given us? The world is God’s gift to us, and he set us as stewards of all that he has made. St Charles Foucauld prayed “Give me the grace to see nothing else but you, nothing but you in all created things; never to be arrested by them, never to see the natural or spiritual beauty that is in them as being born of themselves, but only as being part of you.” If we are able to make that prayer our own, how on earth can we carry on regardless?

It’s not only war which displaces and devastates people. The environmental damage we are doing to the world is also to blame. Whilst the responsibility of governments and leaders lies heavy, so it also falls to each of us to live responsibly upon this earth, to play our part in caring for the created order, to treat with gentleness and gratitude the gifts that God has given us. The further we live apart from and in contradiction to the natural world, the further we stray from the designs of God, and from God himself.

Every small thing we do can have a major impact for good or ill. The molehills of our lives can become mountains of change – if we act now and live well, as we seek God’s justice for all he has created.

‘Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’

(see Luke 18:9-14)

Kevin Maxwell was a dream candidate for the police force—passionate, hard-working and keen to serve his community.  And, as a gay black man from a working class family he could easily have been a poster boy for the Force’s stated commitment to equal opportunities.  Instead he came up against entrenched prejudice, open racism and homophobia.

In his book, Forced Out, his last paragraph goes, “As I began rebuilding my life after being forced out and the devastation that followed, and find a place where I can be at peace with this world, with who I am and what I am, and write the next chapter of my story, I say to all those fighting for a better world: never waver in your absolute belief that you can and will triumph.’

In the face of so many injustices in our world, one can feel like giving up altogether, believing that those in power will always win.  Jesus was quite clear about power and leadership, and for him it was underpinned by the promise that those who are humbled will be exalted. His Kingdom of Justice is so often in contradiction with many of the values and experiences of the world—and also of the Church, which is not immune itself to being unjust.  May we listen to the oppressed, challenge the powerful, and be alert to our own bias and discrimination.

PRAY FOR  those who suffer racism, homophobia or transphobia, and all who have had their freedoms taken away, and for a true recognition of our own personal prejudices

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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

‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’

‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’

(see Mark 12:28-34)

These days, far more people are aware of (and are open and honest about) Mental Health.  There have been so many campaigns encouraging people to talk about their feelings, and offering many ways in which we can improve our mental health and become more emotionally resilient.  With far more public understanding, the stigma of poor mental health is slowly being eradicated although we still have some way to go, and there is much need for more investment in Mental Health Services.

Sometimes, the smallest gesture can help.  Perhaps simply asking someone how they are, and being willing to listen.  Likewise, we shouldn’t feel embarrassed by asking for help ourselves.  As the beautiful book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy,’ says, ‘Asking for help isn’t giving up.  It’s refusing to give up.’  Having a care for ourselves is as important as caring for others.  The two go hand in hand.  How can we love our neighbour as ourselves if we don’t love ourselves very much? 

When Jesus stooped to wash his disciples feet in an act of loving service, Peter  refused at first.  Sometimes, we may find it difficult to seek help, or may be too proud or too embarrassed.  Likewise, we may not recognise the voice of those crying for help but there are opportunities each day to make a difference.

PRAY FOR a true care and love of ourselves so that we can care and love for others, and for better understanding of those with poor mental health.

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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

‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.’

(see Luke 11:14-23)

There is a saying, favoured by Citizens UK, a Community Organising group, that goes, ‘If you don’t have a seat at the table then you’re probably on the menu.’  Citizens UK is made of local chapters with member groups from all walks and areas of life to create an Alliance for change in their local communities.  It is built upon relational power, forging links of common interest between community members and those in power.

There are many occasions when people’s voice and experience is overlooked, and well minded (and sometimes not so well-minded) politicians and others may make decisions without consultation or any insight into the lives of those they will affect.

Jesus gathered and created a community of people, and in challenging so many injustices experienced in the world, he tore down walls, crossed boundaries,  and welcomed the outcast, raising up the poor.  The Church is involved in working with others in the community, of all faiths and none, to address need and strengthen community life so that the lives of all can be enriched, and all people can flourish.

PRAY FOR those involved in Community Organising throughout the country, and for strong and resilient communities here and everywhere so that all may flourish

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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

In this week’s JUST LENT course, we explored poverty and how our Christian Faith compels us to respond to need, and the causes of poverty. This prayer wraps up our conversation as we reflect on the poverty of Christ.

You were poor
when they wrapped you in tight bands of cloth,
and placed you in a feeding trough
for stinking shepherds from the night-time shift to see
what has been signed to them.

You were poor
when you fled to the pyramid land of Egypt
seeking safety in the place that once enslaved your own people,
as we waited for a new Exodus,
a liberation of love.

You were poor
when you moved away from your Nazareth home,
and found nowhere to lay your head,
the foxes’ heads more comfortably laid,
the birds of the air branched and nested,
as you walked the border lands of difference and danger.

You were poor
when, stripped of your clothing,
they hung you high
between two thieves,
your strange companions in death,
as you promised paradise
even though all seemed lost.

You were poor
when from a borrowed tomb
you rose from death
to pour peace upon your friends,
breathing out a new life,
and a new way

‘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.

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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

‘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.

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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

‘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

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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

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.

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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.

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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.’

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.