Perspectives - Espace spirituel anglophone RCF - page 9

I want to talk today about the archaeology of otherness. As a subject, otherness is seldom discussed in the historical accounts of man's self-discovery; and yet it's one of the key underlying themes of human evolution.

Heartache: it's something most of us have felt at some time or another. But it's hard to describe. It can be a pang, a sudden pain in the heart, almost physical and often it's a sign of regret. Or it can be a dull ache, sometimes passing, sometimes persistent and often resulting in tears.

'm sitting, holding a wooden cube in my hands. It's about the size of a Rubik's Cube, if you remember them, but you can't manipulate it; it's a solid block. On each of its six faces a very short prayer is inscribed. The block is meant to sit on the meal table so that whoever is saying "grace" can choose a side to read or can roll it like dice and see what turns up.

One of the subjects we’ve been looking at in depth in our house group recently is blessing. The practice of blessing is common throughout the Old Testament, but is also encouraged and practised in the New. Jesus speaks of the blessedness of people who bear various characteristics such as meekness, poverty of spirit, peace-making and so on (Matthew 5; 3 – 12), and He and the apostle Paul both encourage us to bless those who oppose and persecute us – quite a contrast with the natural reaction of hitting back at those who hurt us, preferably harder than they hit us!

One of the biggest challenges of this time is isolation. God made us for relationship. That need is part of us, how we’ve been created. Relationship with God and with our fellow human beings. This last year has made this difficult. It is often impossible to have time with family and friends due to restrictions as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic and whereas this is necessary, the results cause distress and depression for many. Mental health has become an increasing problem and this affects all ages. It is especially hard for those who are bereaved or who live on their own and for those with health issues.

To be or not is still an unresolved issue. Sartre was perhaps too literal when he translated Hamlet's big question as Being and nothingness. There are surely several more fruitful alternatives to his gloomy nihilism : -being and existence -being and circumstance -being and suffering -being and letting be. These are only a few – each of them worthy of at least a book, if not a complete treatise of philosophy.

The heart has only to believe, the lips have only to confess, meaning by that the message of faith that we preach, that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead. 'It is by believing with the heart that you are justified and by confessing with your lips that you are saved.' Saint Paul.

How many times during this pandemic have you heard the phrase, 'we are living through difficult times' ? Yes, it has become impossible to live our lives as we used to live them. Our whole mindset has had to change ; our expectations, our plans, our relationships, everything really.

Cette année, pour le dimanche de Pâques, toute l'équipe de l'espace spirituel anglophone, Perspectives vous propose une émission spéciale avec la participation de David Hawken, Carolyn Carter, Anne Chittick, Derel Chittick, Roy Carter et Gavin Brown.

A phrase has emerged during the current Covid-19 crisis - the new normal. It can refer to the experience of everyday life under the restrictions brought on by the virus, in that many formerly alien or unknown practices such as the wearing of masks, are now normal features of daily life, whereas other things that would have been regarded as deeply rooted parts of our culture and lifestyle, like greeting friends with a handshake or a hug, are now anathema, forbidden under any circumstances.

All those who love the Gospels realize that they are different from one another. And those who are wise realize that this is no bad thing, because different versions of the Gospel Story bring out elements which the others maybe missed. Writing comes in many forms and many genres, and, indeed, so do seekers of the Word. Because the Gospel message is for everyone. And to tell it in all its fulness, different voices are needed.

Have you ever walked into a room and wanted to walk straight out again ? Bad vibes. Or gone into a house and said, 'This feels like a happy house'. If you have, you have already practised that elusive gift of discernment of spirits. It comes naturally to everyone of whatever species.

Good morning, and a Happy Saint Valentine’s Day to you. Ladies have you received your red roses? Gentlemen, I hope you’ve given them to the right person! They, like today’s Saint, represent “LOVE” which topic we will consider in a moment or two.