Holy Tuesday

The second servant-song reveals how the light of the nations is revealed to the world. At the Passover Festival, there comes a simple request, ‘Sir we would see Jesus’ (John 12:21).  Both readings direct the reader to look for the glory of God.

In February 2019, the British Government stripped ISIS-Bride Shemina Begum of her British citizenship.  Whilst politicians and civil rights campaigners had much to say on both sides, it was the request for prayer, by a member of the congregation that was truly powerful: when Miss Begum’s baby died, it was about the time that the lectionary readings included the traditional words of Isaiah 58, to loosen the bonds of injustice.  It came as a reminder that in our words and deeds, we are called to reflect the grace of God for all – her family and friends, all politicians and campaigners, and those we do, and those we do not understand.

Compassion is the face of God;

where life is harsh,

and grief is crushing.

And mother’s mourn for babies 

too fragile for life;

and parents face heartbreak 

over wayward daughters;

and politicians must act

in the nation’s best interests.

And the people stand by

helpless and confused.

Compassion is the face of God;

when one woman shouts ‘stop!

Pray for the innocents,

and pray for the wilful.

Remember the neighbour’s 

embarrassment and pain;

forgetting not those bowed

by the enormity of responsibility.

And mourn our inability 

to reflect the face of God.