Thought for the Week

The other week I attended a requiem mass at St Columbkille’s Church.

I was greatly moved by the service, graciously led by Father Hennessy and was particularly impressed by the prominence that was given to the Bible during the service – passages of scripture were read, sung and prayed throughout.

I was left thinking that our own Church of Scotland services could learn from this.

It is encouraging that the Bible is increasingly something that unites rather than divides us.

For the whole Christian Church the Bible is God’s word, which bring truth and life. Reading it is not always easy – there’s bits we don’t understand, and bits that deeply trouble us - but, we believe that through it God speaks and points us to Jesus.

This month, in Stonelaw, we have been encouraging everyone to consider daily reading of the Bible, perhaps just a short passage.

Even if you are not a Christian, the impact of the Bible should make it a “must read”.

It has shaped our language, law, culture, music and history. Indeed, even the renowned atheist Richard Dawkins, who doesn’t at all care for the Bible’s message, wrote recently that he was willing to contribute to a fund to put a Bible in every school - because it was important that people read it for themselves.

So here’s my challenge, pick up a Bible and try reading it. If you find it hard, perhaps try reading just one of the Gospel stories about Jesus as a starting point.

Get yourself a modern, understandable, translation. You may need to buy a new Bible, or you can get it free on your phone from the app store.

But here’s an offer, if you can’t get your hands on one, pop into our church and I’ll give you one. Rev Alistair May Stonelaw Parish Church