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One of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face. John 18.22 (NRSV)
One of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. (NIV) My God, my God why have you forsaken me? I woke up this good Friday with happy thoughts of visiting the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, Kochi, India, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations built in 1568 and to welcome the Sabbath. The trade in spices between the Kingdom of Solomon and this south west port is historical, we are told. The exilic period of Ahasuerus, who married Esther, brought Jews to this coast who settled here and made this, their home. Last year I spent three hours in prayer in this synagogue, not by choice but due to torrential rain. This time I planned to visit but ended up staying for 90 minutes in agony and passion as I was consumed by the horror of the treatment Jesus received at the hand of the temple police. The moment when the palm of that policeman met the skin on the face of Jesus caused unspeakable distress in my soul, O Lord. I did not imagine it. I was not contemplating on it. I simply felt it. I have never been slapped on my face, O Lord, at least literally. But, I know the shame of public humiliation for no good reason. How reassured I feel by your response, Master. ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong.’ You said. ‘But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’ How long should I wait for someone to ‘testify to the wrong’, I am supposed to have committed? Even after I was justified, following a religious investigation, I was forced to suffer the humiliation! I have this one consolation, Lord, that I am not alone. You are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me. It is the staff of the evil one that cause me to suffer wrong. I shall await your salvation.
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 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Psalm104: 33,34
I know nothing but sing, sing unto the Lord. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live. I can do nothing but sing, sing unto the Lord. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live. How shall I sing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land? I heard her sing Levavi oculos while I was in the warmth, comfort and safety of her womb. She believed every word of what she sang. She sang that song each time she prayed, at least five times a day. She sang every word of it, until she breathed her last. I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills; * from whence cometh my help? My help cometh even from the LORD, * who hath made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; * and he that keepeth thee will not sleep. Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD himself is thy keeper; * the LORD is thy defence upon thy right hand; So that the sun shall not burn thee by day, * neither the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; * yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, * from this time forth for evermore. I heard her sing Dominus regit me the day I breathed my first. She sang it in my ears as the first words for me to hear. I hear it to this day, the still small voice of God in the breath of my mother. THE LORD is my shepherd; * therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, * and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, * and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that trouble me; * thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Before I could walk, she taught me to recite Beatus vir qui non abiit. This is the first Psalm I learnt to sing while learning to walk at 18 months. BLESSED is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; * and in his law will he exercise himself day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side, * that will bring forth his fruit in due season. His leaf also shall not wither; * and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper. As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; * but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth. Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgment, * neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous. But the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous; * and the way of the ungodly shall perish. I was in MJ Café & Restaurant in Chittoor, enjoying very fine Indian Cuisine, on Saturday the 15th of February 2025. Someone stopped by to say hello. I was reminded of our meeting previously and was glad to meet again. He left and I resumed relishing the very best of MJ’s fine food. Five minutes later, he returned and asked if I would preach the following day at the local church where he is the Presbyter. Preach! I was supposed to say no. I am on holidays! The theme of the sermon? ‘I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live’. After the service we drove 30 miles to pay homage to that woman who sang for me when I was in her womb, sang in my ears when I was born, sang over me when I was at the point of death and taught me nothing but SING. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. How can I sing the Lord’s song in a Strange Land? How can I walk in the counsel of the UNGODLY? How can I stand in the way of SINNERS? How can I sit in the seat of the SCORNFUL? THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY SHALL PERISH! Amen. Maranatha!  It was a deep sacred moment to sit in the mud house and see people who lived there nearly 300 years ago. This was made holy when the Call for Prayer sung from a nearby Minaret was brought into the mud house. I was reassured that the Call for Prayer will never be silenced and there is a place for pigeon in that house.
I was reminded of the Grace I loved saying at Civic events which people loved most because it was brief and to the point, ‘May the Blessed One, bless.’ I wanted to know more about this blessing and consulted my companion St Ai. The result was a shocker and not appropriate for this Blog. It reproduced a Publication from the British Psychological Society. I remembered the current state of our Church in that mud house and prayed that the Blessed One will bless us with Truth, Justice and Peace. The sound of violence shall be heard no longer in your land. Isaiah 60.18
It is most reassuring to hear these words in times of relentless pursuit of violence in the name of God within the Church. Equally, it is refreshing to hear these words when the news of wars remains. Hearing these words in the context of Holocaust week, it is hard to imagine how each of those millions of people annihilated faced their death imagining the possibilities. O People of God pray for the fulfilment of this promise in our time, in our days, in our church. This is the promise today in our Morning Prayer. May God fulfil this promise. This phrase is from the Prophet Hosea, (4.12) in today’s Morning Prayer. The prophet Hosea is addressing the people of Israel, accusing them of being unfaithful to God. The "spirit of whoredom" metaphorically represents their idolatry and turning away from God to worship other deities. This unfaithfulness has led them astray from their covenant with God, resulting in moral and spiritual decline.
The language is quite strong and vivid, emphasizing the seriousness of their betrayal and the consequences of their actions. It's a call for the people to recognize their wrongdoing and return to their faithfulness to God. The prophecy is part of a larger message delivered by the prophet Hosea to the people of Israel. Here's some context to better understand the meaning: Hosea prophesied during a time when the Kingdom of Israel was experiencing political instability and moral decline. The people had turned away from worshiping God and had instead engaged in idolatry, worshiping pagan gods and engaging in various sinful practices. The book of Hosea uses the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to illustrate Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God. Hosea's own marriage to Gomer, who was unfaithful to him, serves as a symbolic representation of Israel's relationship with God. Hosea's prophecies often focus on the themes of judgment and a call to repentance. He warns the Israelites that their unfaithfulness and idolatry will lead to severe consequences, including divine punishment and destruction. Despite the harsh warnings, Hosea's prophecies also include messages of hope and restoration. God, in His mercy, promises to heal and restore Israel if they repent and return to Him. In Hosea 4:12, the "spirit of whoredom" leading the people astray refers to their idolatrous practices and infidelity to God. The verse emphasizes the spiritual corruption and misguided direction the Israelites have taken, turning away from their covenant with God. Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
In times of terror, O God, give us boldness to act with courage, yet with mercy, for you rule the nations with the sword of truth; in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Prayer after Psalm 108 in today's Morning Prayer. Recently, I was with a friend reflecting on our journey in the past four years of exile on the 21st of September 2020 and now preparing to journey with Mary and Joseph with the child Jesus to the Temple at Candlemas. She remarked, how God has led us with a Piller of Cloud by Day and a Pillar of Fire by night. I was reminded of this conversation while reading the first lesson at our Evening Prayer this evening. What a blessed state to be in, guided by God every step of the way. Looking back, our story resembles what Moses recounted, below.
“On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; and from evening until morning it was over the tabernacle, having the appearance of fire. It was always so: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, then the Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the Israelites would camp. At the command of the Lord the Israelites would set out, and at the command of the Lord they would camp. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they would remain in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites would keep the charge of the Lord, and would not set out. Sometimes the cloud would remain for a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they would remain in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they would set out. Sometimes the cloud would remain from evening until morning; and when the cloud lifted in the morning, they would set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they would set out. Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, resting upon it, the Israelites would remain in camp and would not set out; but when it lifted they would set out. At the command of the Lord they would camp, and at the command of the Lord they would set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.” Numbers 9.15-end Pillar of Fire is a Symbol steeped in history and spirituality. In various religious texts, particularly in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Pillar of Fire is described as a manifestation of divine guidance and protection. It is said to have appeared to the Israelites during their Exodus from the Slavery of Egypt, guiding them by night with a luminous, fiery presence, into the Freedom of the Promised Land. In terms of appearance, the Pillar of Fire would have been an awe-inspiring sight. Imagine a towering, radiant column of flames, reaching into the sky, illuminating the darkness, and providing warmth and light. The fiery glow would cast an ethereal light on the surroundings, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The symbolic meaning of the ‘appearance of fire’ can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the context: The biblical context, particularly in the Book of Exodus, the Pillar of Fire symbolised God's guidance and protection for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It provided light and direction during the night, ensuring they were not lost in the dark. The Pillar of Fire also represents the manifest presence of God among His people. It was a visible sign that God was with them, watching over them, and leading them on their path. Fire is often associated with purification and holiness in many religious and spiritual traditions. The Pillar of Fire can symbolize the purifying presence of God, cleansing the Israelites and setting them apart as His chosen people. Fire has transformative qualities, turning what it touches into something new. The Pillar of Fire can be seen as a symbol of transformation and renewal, guiding the Israelites towards a new beginning and a promised future. We pray God will bless us in our journey of new beginnings and promised future in God’s love and service. The singular purpose of the life of St Paul is captured fully in these few words as we celebrate his conversation today.
In his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 3:10), St. Paul expressed a deep desire to "know Him [Christ]." When he spoke of knowing Christ, he wasn't just referring to an intellectual understanding or acquaintance. St. Paul meant an intimate, personal relationship with Christ, characterized by shared experiences and a profound understanding. He wanted to experience the power of Christ's resurrection, share in His sufferings, and become like Him in His death. For St. Paul, knowing Christ involved a transformative process where one’s life is deeply aligned with Christ's life, teachings, and the power of His resurrection. St. Paul’s desire reflects a longing for a life deeply connected to Christ in every aspect—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically, through sharing in both joys and sufferings. St. Paul’s relationship with Christ was transformative, deeply personal, and involved several key experiences: St. Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus is the most well-known. He encountered the risen Christ in a vision, which led to a complete transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower (Acts 9:1-19). After his conversion, Paul spent time in Arabia and Damascus, where he received revelations from Christ and deepened his understanding of the gospel (Galatians 1:11-17). His teachings and letters reflect profound theological insights and personal experiences with Christ. St. Paul endured numerous hardships, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, for the sake of spreading the gospel. He viewed his sufferings as a way to share in Christ's sufferings and to be conformed to His death (2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 3:10). Paul’s missionary journeys across the Roman Empire were marked by preaching, church planting, and discipleship. Through these endeavours, he experienced Christ's power and guidance in his ministry. St. Paul’s letters to various churches reveal a deep prayer life and an ongoing communion with Christ. He often prayed for others and encouraged believers to remain steadfast in their faith. As we celebrate his conversion, we pray the Church built on his work and teachings will remain faithful to her vocation and ministry. On Wednesday I went to visit our centenarian, Whit, with Holy Communion. Cyril came to Aberdeen as a young man and was integral part of the Cathedral family. His primary reason was his love of Choral Music and his absolute delight in the Cathedral Organ and its remarkable sounds.
When I went in, he was on his bed lying flat. I gently let him know I was there with the Sacrament. With very poor eyesight and hearing, he kept his eyes wide open trying to discern from the very little his sense could help him. I knelt beside his bed and followed through the Collect for Purity, Confession and Absolution, Kyrie, Collect for the Second Sunday in Epiphany and the gospel. We prayed through the Sursum Corda, Preface, Sanctus Benedictus, shortened form of the Great Prayer. I communicated him with the Host dipped in wine. He received it and then asked what it was. I said, ‘the Bread with Wine’. His eyes lit up, his hands went up, he said, ‘Ah! That is wonderful!! Its Isaac, the Provost!!! I was moved to tears with a heart full of joy and thanksgiving, because it felt as if the Lord was there commanding, ‘Bear it!’ The gospel was from the Gospel according to St John, chapter 2 vv 1-12, the first of the Signs, of Jesus. Despite the triple disruption and an amazing miracle, John was pointing to Jesus by calling it a sign. The disruption, the miracle, the abundance had nothing in them but simply point to the One who has come that we may have life and life in abundance. When our Centenarian who is due to celebrate his 102 soon, exclaim with absolute delight, at the joy of sharing in the Tokens of Love, we know what is a ahead of us. In the fulness of time, Remembrance will be replaced by Reality. We shall gather this weekend to celebrate the Sacred Mystery. We shall do it in Remembrance of Him, with sure knowledge of the Reality that is and shall be forever. In September 2020, I explored with someone who I believed was a friend, my intention to walk across the USA connecting the Episcopal Churches from the West Coast, walking to the East Coast where we sent out First Missionary Bishop, Samuel Seabury to Connecticut. She was excited and encouraged me to do it and offered support. In the prayer she said, ‘You Will be a Sign.’ It was beyond me to hear and comprehend such prophetic utterance. Looking back, I believe, it could not have been more accurate. Triple disruption! Yes! Did that and have the scars to prove. Miracle! If the Cathedral today is not a Miracle, what else would it be? The abundance of God’s love! It is a joy to witness it week after week. We can sing, ‘To God be the Glory, great things he has done, so loved he the world that he gave us His Son!’ הַרְפּ֣וּ וּ֭דְעוּ כִּי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֱלֹהִ֑ים
Be still and know that I am God. Since my post on Psalm 46.10a, I have been repeating this verse daily, at least once a day, when I woke up, first in the morning. I was too tired to repeat it before going to bed. Nunc Dimittis was part of the Compline ritual. I did not expect to have any impact on me, physically, mentally or spiritually. Today morning I woke up with the 6am alarm. I was awake enough to remember and recite har-pū ū-ḏə-‘ū kî- ’ā-nō-ḵî ’ĕ-lō-hîm. When I woke up repeating the sounds, it was 7.45am. The grace to hear God say, ‘Be still and know that I am God’ New American Standard Bible version has "Cease striving and know that I am God.” King James Bible version is, “Be still, and know that I am God”. Holman Christian Standard Bible version is, “Stop your fighting and know that I am God”. The message can’t be clearer. When we have the grace to hear God, we cease striving, stop our fighting and be still. |
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