Thought for the Week

We lost the tender! I am a board member of a charity and a major part of our work has been transferred to another charity: a charity which won the tender, leaving us with some resources, but no funding for that specific project.

The CEO, very wisely made sure that the transfer of work: which of course involved a significant number of people being cared for, was done professionally and carefully.

This has impressed other charities, and suggests that they would now like to work with us. Where does loyalty lie? Where does Sovereignty lie? As I write this we are hearing of the outcome of local elections, and soon there will be a general election and further moves towards Brexit, which suggests that being ‘bloody

difficult’ may be what party politics is all about.

Maybe the Machiavellian approach is needed, but Jesus suggests another approach.

He includes, in his family: his mother, and brother and sisters, not just his blood family, but all who would listen to him and live by his teaching.

Jesus looks beyond family, nation and empire.

His “kingdom is not of his world” He looks for truth. His message is inclusive: his kingdom isn’t about them and us.

His kingdom is about gathering the faithful together.

In elections some win and others lose.

In drawing lines of nationality and sovereignty some are in and others are excluded.

Perhaps we need to look at different models of behaviour.

Perhaps Jesus holds the answer.

Rev Paul Fletcher St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church