Be not afraid

Jo Penn March 16, 2022 0 0

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Luke 13: 31-35 (NRSVA)

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ 32 He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”’

Recently, I noticed a plaque next to a tree, hidden round the back of local village Kettlewell. To my surprise it commemorated a Kettlewell Villager’s 100th birthday. So often plaques remind us of tragic events so it was lovely to imagine the person being celebrated in their community whilst they were still alive.

Last October, Scargill Community took in a commemoration plaque for Janani Luwum, relocated from St John’s College, Nottingham. Janani was a Ugandan Archbishop killed as a martyr on 16th February 1977. It was moving to have Janani’s son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter visit for the weekend, and share stories amongst those who had known Janani. It helped us to continue to pray for those Christians persecuted for their faith.

Janani’s great care for people is summed up in a memory shared that day: When encouraged to take a day off he replied: ‘I cannot turn people away from my house. If they come to me I have to receive them.’

The actions of a powerful state tried to silence the message of Janani as he spoke out against the violence of Idi Amin’s security services. He was arrested and his final recorded words were, ‘They are going to kill me. I am not afraid.’ Janani is depicted amongst the Ten Modern Martyrs statues above the Great West Door at Westminster Abbey, London.

We may not be called to occupy a public role in the church, facing up to a hostile state, but we can pray and stand with those who do, with eyes to the media for what is happening in Afghanistan, Syria and those 50 countries on the ‘Open Doors World Watch List’.

We can also look for where Jesus is asking us to make a stand for advancing the Kingdom of God, in naming situations of oppression, and working where we can to bring wholeness and healing, friendship and community in our areas of influence.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, strengthen us this day for the task of being your disciples in our community. Help us to see clearly your priorities to bring hope and work for justice and peace.