I had lunch with some colleagues in a pub just outside Peterborough recently. The wall was covered with various photographs and memorabilia.
One sign said this: “If you’re looking for a sign, this is it”. This reminded me of a sign which someone, presumably with a sense of humour, had placed on a cliff top which just says: “Please do not throw stones at this sign”.
While Jesus was on earth he was often asked for a sign to prove who he was. For example, after Jesus had fed 5,000 men and their families with a boy’s picnic lunch, people asked him for just such a sign. It’s always amazed me and I think it’s supposed to surprise us, that Jesus was asked for a sign immediately after performing such a miracle. Surely the miracle should have been sign enough?
I believe that the world today is full of signs of God’s presence. Sadly, we have to acknowledge that there is evidence too of evil. The terrorist incidents in London, Manchester, and elsewhere are signs of the evil which currently blights our world. However, the love and courage which have been shown during and after these incidents are signs of God’s presence with us. Justin Bieber was surely right to talk about God’s love for us at the One Love concert in Manchester.
There are many signs of God’s presence with us. If you would like to reflect on this further please do join us at St. Peter’s or any of the other local churches. You are always welcome.
We are now taking bookings for our annual Holiday Club which is open to primary school-aged children. This runs in the mornings from 9.45am to 12.30pm in the last week of the school holidays from Tuesday August 29th to Friday September 1st 2017. There will be games, crafts, “stage-time” and much more around the theme of Christian Values. Further details and a registration form are available here.
With my prayers for a wonderful summer,
Jon Randall (Vicar) 01733 240339; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk
Read this article in the Yaxley Gazette.