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May 2007
At least in this part of the world, farmers have been busy ploughing their fields and sowing seed. The church, during Rogation tide, has been asking God for a blessing on this work and that a bountiful harvest will be reaped in the autumn. During these few days, the church also remembers before God all the work that men and women do, whether it be on the farm, in the factory, in the home or shop or school or hospital or office. We give thanks for the opportunities to work that arise in our society, for the opportunities to be creative, or of service to others.
God worked in creating the universe and, since humankind is made in the image of God, it is part of our psyche to work and to seek to find fulfilment and satisfaction in our work, to be creative and of service to others.
It is said that women's work is never done, and, if the job description of the "wife of noble character" given in Proverbs 31: 10-31, is typical, then the saying is true.
However, God did not work all the time. After his work in creating the universe, he rested, and men and women were instructed also to rest for one day in seven. Hence life alternates between periods of work and periods of rest. Sometimes our "rest periods" will include time for play as well as time for absence from work.
Society would do well to promote this pattern of life style.
This month also brings us to the end of the Easter season, first with the commemoration of the return of the resurrected Jesus to heaven (on Ascension Day, 17th May) and then with the commemoration of the Gift of the Holy Spirit to the church on the Day of Pentecost (27th May).
Our prayer at this time is that the church of today be empowered by the Spirit of God to fulfil the great commission of our Lord to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).
Ken (16 May 2007)
NOTE - Previous "Monthly Messages" are archived at http://glencairn.connor.anglican.org/previousmessages.htm
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