The lost son

One evening this week I travelled with a friend to the K.C. Stadium in Hull to watch the Hull City v Doncaster Rovers football match. Being a lifelong Hull City fan, and also the chaplain to Doncaster Rovers, I found myself sitting uncomfortably on the fence! Both sides were in need of the points on offer, City to boost their chances of reaching the end of season play-offs, and Rovers to help avoid possible relegation. Despite the very cold temperature, the match was quite enjoyable, even though we didn't see any goals. City had more of the balance of play, but couldn't get the ball in the net. Probably the Rovers' manager was more satisfied with the point earned.

As my friend and I walked towards the stadium for the match, my friend was handed a leaflet. I imagined that it would be an invitation to a night club or similar venue. In fact it was a leaflet giving information about a young man who had gone missing in Hull city centre on the evening of 28 January. As we walked on, we noticed other (mainly young) people handing out similar leaflets. We then approached the entrance to the park in which the stadium is situated, and a middle aged gentleman offered us a leaflet. When we said that we already had one, he said of the man pictured on the leaflet, "he's my boy". I sensed a real feeling of sadness and anxiety in the man. He looked so alone and concerned. I wish now that I had taken time to stop and chat with him. I have certainly been praying for him, his family and friends, and his lost son.

As I have been thinking and praying about that family, the words of Jesus have come to me often. He said, "I have come to seek and save the lost". He told a story about a lost son, and how the father desperately longed for his son's return. When the son eventually did return, the father threw a party to celebrate! When Jesus spoke about the lost, he was talking about those people who have never experienced in a personal way the love of God their heavenly Father. God the Father longs that all people might know and experience his great love for them.

Last Tuesday, many family and friends of the lost young man were out on a very cold night, handing out leaflets which they hoped would turn up some information. They cared so much that they didn't mind getting cold. I wonder sometimes whether those of us in the Church have such a concern for those who are 'lost'.

When is a weed not a weed?

When is a weed not a weed? That is a question which has been exercising my mind recently. Not of earth-shattering importance, perhaps, but an interesting one nevertheless.

So what is a weed? According to GardenWeb, "A weed is a plant that is growing where it is not wanted." Sounds like a reasonable definition to me. But the reality is that most people are prejudiced against certain plants, and automatically think of them as weeds. Take dandelions, for example; they are actually quite beautiful in their own way, but most gardeners do their best to remove them long before they flower (probably because of the multitudinous seeds which appear after the petals!)

A couple of days ago I decided to take advantage of a break in the rain to mow the lawns. However, when I got to the front lawn I noticed that some lovely orange plants had appeared there. In reality they would be classed by many as weeds, but to me they were too beautiful to destroy. I decided that the front lawn would have to wait to be mown. I want to enjoy the "weeds" for a few more days!

A couple of weeks ago we had a poster at the front of church which read something like this: "Society's rejects are welcomed by God". One of our church members didn't appreciate the poster; she said that she didn't like to think of anyone being classed as a reject. I understand the point, but the sad truth is that many people do feel rejected by society, and the poster was making the point that those who are rejected by others will always be loved and welcomed by God.

Jesus demonstrated, through his public ministry, God's love for those who were despised and downtrodden in his society. He was severely criticised by the religious leaders, and even given the name "friend of sinners". And that's just what he was! Jesus went out of his way to show that God's love, grace and forgiveness are for everyone, regardless of their background, skin colour or status. All who came to Jesus in faith were welcomed. Those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus need to shown that same love and acceptance.

United we stand

Each year, the Churches Together in Central Doncaster group organises a series of Lent talks in the period leading up to Easter. Generally, an invited speaker comes to lead the meetings, on a theme of their choosing. This year we have had several different speakers, all from the Focolare movement ("an international movement, inspired by the gospel, working for unity.."). Naturally enough, the theme they have chosen has been unity.

I had been asked to lead the opening part of last night's meeting, and I began by quoting from John Wesley's sermon on "The Catholic Spirit", which deals with the subject of Christian unity. Wesley quotes the words of Jesus to his disciples, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." In other words, the identifying mark of those who follow Jesus should be the love that they show towards one another. Yet Wesley goes on to admit, "Even amongst Christians it is difficult to fine people who love one another in obedience to Jesus' command."

One of the hymns I had chosen for us to sing was a hymn by Charles Wesley (John's brother), "All praise to our redeeming Lord". I chose it because it speaks of the call of Jesus to walk with him and with one another in love. However, I have always had a problem singing one of the verses of the hymn,:

Ev'n now we think and speak the same,
And cordially agree;
Concentred all, through Jesu's name,
In perfect harmony.

The big problem with that verse is that I've never experienced "perfect harmony" in any church I've ever been involved with! However, I have come to realise that I can sing it, not because it is yet accomplished, but I sing it in the hope and prayer that we Christians will pray and work to achieve Jesus' desire for us - to love one another as he loves us.

As I came to introduce the hymn at last night's meeting, I was all set to mention the difficulty I have with this verse, when I suddenly realised that in the Baptist hymn book (we were meeting at Doncaster Baptist Church), the verse is omitted! Maybe the editors thought it was too difficult to sing!

Yet, as the speaker said at the Lent meeting, as we draw closer to Jesus, so we draw closer to each other. In a divided and hurting world, there is a tremendous need for Christians to demonstrate the love of Jesus.