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Grays Thurrock Team Ministry |
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From the Rectory... |
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Dear Friends,
As we journey through the summer months many of us will journey away from our homes for our annual summer holidays. Life at its best invites us to discover new places, experiences and people which enable us to develop and grow. I know from my conversations that many of us are looking forward to a summer break whether we be journeying near or far.
When we read the Gospels we are reminded that Jesus calls us on a journey through this earthly life onward to the new life of the resurrection. Jesus only talked once during his earthly ministry of being ‘born again’ but invited those around him on innumerable occasions to ‘follow him’ along our journey through life. Whilst clearly, the moment of conversation is for many an important life changing event, we also need to remember that discipleship is, or should be, an unfolding journey. We read in Matthew 4:18-20 of how Peter and Andrew together with the rest of the Apostles followed Jesus not knowing what he was calling them to or where their response might lead. As we read from the books of the New Testament they responded with faith, trusting that he would guide them and, apart from Judas, they kept on following along that journey even when it led to sacrifice, hostility, rejection and the death of their Master on the Cross.
I wonder how many of us would have kept following through all of that? Would we still have been there at his side after the first bit of agro with the Pharisees? When he spelt out the Cross as the true cost of discipleship would we have had second thoughts? Well of course, even the Apostles faith had its limits which we see so vividly in the Garden of Gethsemane as each one of them failed to stay at Jesus’ side. It needed the risen Christ to greet them once more, speaking his words of peace and reaffirming his call, before they felt able to resume their journey once more. We too may encounter moments when our faith is tested and we no longer follow as we should, but Jesus will always be there, inviting us to once again journey on in faith.
Committing ourselves to Christ is a necessary first step for all of us, whether that be a dramatic experience of conversion or a gradual coming to faith, but it is only a first step. Let’s not mistake it as both the beginning and the end. Whether we be a new Christian or someone who has been a church member for years, we are each called to grow daily in discipleship and journey on in faith.
Enjoy the summer whether that be at home or away. |
