Hello everyone,
The Christmas decorations have been put away for now and the cards sent for recycling. So now the story of Jesus moves on from shepherds and wise men as we hear of his growing up from baby to man. In the season of Lent, which begins in mid February, we shall focus specifically on the journey to Jerusalem, which brings crucifixion and resurrection.
The Lent journey begins on a day known as Ash Wednesday. Traditionally on this day the faithful go to church and make confession of wrongs done and good things neglected.
The palm crosses given out on Good Friday last year have been burned and the ash made into a paste with which a mark is made on the forehead of the penitent Christian. This action goes back to an Old Testament story. There were two brothers called Cain and Abel. There was rivalry between them, the upshot of which is that Cain kills Abel. Cain regrets his action and seeks forgiveness from God, and as the book of Genesis tells the story “God put his mark on Cain”.
This, however, is not the fluorescent jacket worn by someone doing their community payback sentence, effectively part of the punishment, this mark of Cain is a sign of God’s protection. “You still belong to me” is basically what God is saying, and so let no one touch you. In fact God said, “If anyone slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold”. The guilty mark is a sign of God’s protection.
We shall during Lent roll the story of God’s saving power on through the centuries and discover how in the death and resurrection of Jesus we can experience the forgiveness of God and know of his eternal grace. But this is not private treasure to be clutched to our hearts as a talisman. It is truth to share that all may know of the freedom and forgiveness that flows from God. This is why as a church St George’s is developing a strategic mission plan by which we shall proclaim the truth we hold, and seek to be a manifestation of the church of Jesus.
With my best wishes,
Rev John Oldershaw - Minister