Matthew chapter 18, verse 20: “for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”.
I have always felt that Matthew had the Anglican Church and the Church of Ireland in mind. Dunleer church was attended by maybe four or five families when I was a child and, briefly, a member of the Select Vestry. There was often no organist so hymns were played on a gramophone. Many rural churches have similar congregations today, or they would if the Archbish of Cant hadn’t shut them down. It should be left to the discretion of pastors how they cope with social distancing at the same time as allowing communal worship. I hope rural parishes with small congregations ignore his dictat and hold Services using the Book of Common Prayer and Common Sense. No Holy Communion, no Sign of Peace (an improvement that could be retained), and definitely no instant coffee afterwards. What better place to share problems than in a draughty church talking, loudly, across empty pews?
Faith will sustain many; others may take comfort from the cycle of nature. This is what I saw this morning in Windsor Great Park. This pair of Egyptian Geese have gathered ten goslings.
Meanwhile I will have to listen to Choral Evensong on BBC Radio 3.
I have always thought how prescient it was of our Lord to have have limited himself to two or three rather than a more ambitious five or six.
I see ArchBish Welby has gone for a limit of five at weddings including bride, groom and priest.
Whoever heard of an Archbishop of Canterbury telling the faithful NOT to go to church. Has he forgotten that a family which prays together stays together
Christopher, in the spirit of “where two or three are gathered together”, the Bishop of Down and Dromore will be celebrating Morning Prayer and preaching from (an empty) Down Cathedral this Sunday 22nd at 11am. LIvestreaming @:
https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/down-cathedral
We can no longer go to the pub. Mercy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRJby3PCfbo
“Would I were in an alehouse in London!
I would give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety”.
Henry V act 3 scene 2
Unfortunately the ale houses in London are closed but I like the way you are thinking.
Christopher,
Firstly some words of commendation & appreciation, it may have taken a global pandemic to propel you back into daily service, but I welcome your regular return, and it is most satisfying to be once again greeted by your characteristic mix of sense & satire. Thank you.
Residing in deepest rural Ireland I have encountered little change, my very existence heretofore could be described as self confinement, and not at all disagreeable. I have a well stocked pantry, shelves of unread books, excellent concerts from RTE Lyric FM & Radio 3, the Daily Service on Radio 4, and a rambling walled garden demanding constant attention. It seems to me the millennials & generation Z are those who are struggling & protesting most as a result of their bob vivant lifestyles. Their self serving acquisitiveness will spell ruination for many.
I too am lamenting the suspension of Church services. Last Sunday we were given advice on keeping distance & no personal interaction, and within a few days the official Church of Ireland instruction is immediate cancellation of all Services & activities. I know this will unsettle many, especially the more loungevous species, but I believe, as as Christian, we must continue in faithful private prayer & devotion. I find great encouragement in words from Philippians Ch.4 vv 6-7 ‘Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’ (King James translation).
In a secular society, Christians today are viewed as irrelevant oddballs, with little purpose, and are accordingly ignored & disdained. And yet many of the problems & concerns people are experiencing at present are based on fear. I can confidently state that I do not fear the current pandemic, its personal impact upon me should I contract it, or the future lasting consequences of it, as I know ultimately my citizenship is not of this world. I do not wish to appear vain or conceited by making this comment, as I have many concerns & doubts, but faith must triumph over adversity. I have appended a prayer which I hope some of your readers might appreciate.
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
I have recently signed up for the really excellent posts from Pope Francis on Instagram. Following his post yesterday I predict the imminent downfall of the Church of Rome. Wrestling with the closure of churches in many countries thereby making it very difficult to make your Easter confession (I liked the priest who has started “hearing” confession on the pavement whist penitents drive by), Holy Father has come up with the solution that we should speak directly to God. But if the congregation start doing this, what role will the priest have? It could have been Luther or Calvin speaking.