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Ezekiel 2.1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12.2-10; Mark 6.1-13

PostScript: You carry the flame

How can we carry the light of God as we go out to share the Good News (Mark 6.1-13)?

As the torches bearing the Olympic Flame approach London and the Games draw closer, we hear that Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs carrying his message and authority (Mark 6.1-13).


 
This week’s news


As the Olympics draw closer I can’t help but be personally interested this week, for the Olympic Torch Relay passed through our city of Coventry. My family witnessed its arrival on Sunday evening and we all went to see it off early on Monday morning.We even feature on of the photos of day 45!

 

Passing within 10 miles of all the most populated areas of Great Britain, the flame’s cavalcade has touched many, drawing huge crowds to watch it pass through the neighbourhood. The moment when the flame passes from one torch bearer to another has become known as ‘the kissing of the torches’. Although it may sound clichéd, one can’t help but liken this to the message and ministry of Christ passed on to the disciples, who go out in pairs carrying the light of God and passing on the good news of Jesus, as they travelled throughout the land.

 

In the House of Commons David Cameron, among others this week, is carrying the torch for justice in banking in Great Britain. He calls for a Parliamentary inquiry (lead by MPs and peers) into the interest rate rigging scandal, which for the moment focuses on Barclays Bank and has already prompted the resignation of its chief executive, Bob Diamond. The inquiry will be challenged to look at the broken culture and dealing standards of the banks, as well as firmer punishment for criminal conduct.

 

The public, we are told, are angry with this rotten culture. We can almost hear the cry go up, echoing Psalm 123.3-4, ‘have mercy on us, for we have had more than enough of contempt... the contempt of the proud’. Sadly, though, whilst it might seem to be that the blame lies with the banks’ proud senior executives and investment bankers, it is likely to be the staff working the counters of the branches who are taking the flack. They are also the ones losing their jobs due to cuts.

 

Whilst Jesus took the flack in his home town for under performing and for simply being a child of his parents, we are reminded of the inspiration his example and teaching gave to the disciples (now apostles) whom he sent out in pairs to the villages. Both David Cameron and the banks’ leaders would also do well to note their remit: confront evil; proclaim Jesus’ message; and bring healing.

 


Reflection


As Paul’s rantings, visions and revelations call the people of the church in Corinth to humility (2 Corinthians 12.1-10), in what is sometimes referred to as part of his ‘Fool’s Speech’, he encourages them to be content in who they are. Leveling these words at our rotten banking culture today, is a stark reminder that they have taken more than enough, that they have been greedy beyond measure in their corruption. Paul says, ‘God will give you what you need to be strong enough’.

 

Jesus, too, urges the apostles to take with them no more than they need. He sends us out with realistic expectations on the road of mission and evangelism. As we carry the torch of Jesus’ message and ministry we might be reminded again of the words of the upcoming new film Brave, reflected upon last week, that ‘The bravest journeys are never taken alone’. We go out together. We carry the flame.

 


Prayer


This is a simple reflective prayer focused on the main Bible and news themes, with an optional response, for use after a sermon or during an interactive time. It could be expanded to allow space for intercessions.

 

Run the light


Jesus, teacher, brother and role-model:
you put your faith in disciples
to carry the torch that is your message
to bring light to others.

 

From banker or politician,
save us from greed or corruption or selfishness,
from those who would extinguish the light in others.
Lord, let us carry your flame.
Help us to run with the light.

 

Via rocket man or canal boat,
fill us with excitement and bravery and foolishness,
with those who brought the light to us.
Lord, let us carry your flame.
Help us to run with the light.

 

To village, town or city,
propel us alongside friends and strangers and family,
together passing on the light to others.
Lord, let us carry your flame.
Help us to run with the light.

 

Jesus, hero, risk-taker and guide,
you put your faith in today’s apostles
to take up the torch of good news,
to bring light to confront evil,
to trust in the healing flame of your love.

 

Lord, yesterday, today, tomorrow.
Help us to run the race before us,
until you welcome us home.
Amen.


Questions


New and imaginative ways have been thought of to send the Olympic Flame on its way each day. On Tuesday morning at the National Space Centre in Leicester, the torch was handed to the day’s first bearer by a man who flew in wearing a jet pack.

  • If you had the chance, why might you want to bear the torch and how would you like to carry it?
  • If you were sent out by Jesus, like the disciples, who would you want to go with you?
    What good news would you want to pass on to those whom you meet?


Action


You might like to have a flame as a visual focus for your worship this week. Encourage children to make Olympic torches, which might be decorated with pictures or texts from today’s Bible passages. Who could these message torches be passed on to?

 

Young people


Olympians were heroes. Who do you hold a torch for? Who do you look up to? Take a look at the profiles of some of the torch bearers. For what reasons or personal qualities do you think they were chosen? What qualities do you think Jesus looked for in the 12 apostles? What qualities do you think Jesus would find in you?

 


Tim Lowe is a minister of the United Reformed Church, serving three churches in the north west of Coventry. He is interested in the symbolism of visual art as an expression of faith.



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