VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You and Your loved ones are safe and well. As the Spring emerges in daffodil blossoms across the land, let us hope and pray that together soon We shall be able to emerge from this forced lockdown and return to something of the freedom of our past.

This week on the 5th Sunday of Lent let us think of the great things We can achieve in the future. This may be related to a child or grandchild of yours, perhaps a goal at work, or rebuilding a business.

‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’.

As We approach Easter, We should be cognisant of death, yes. But also of rebirth and resurrection. There is little progress without conflict. What lies in store for us around the corner? What great victories can be ours?

Please find the time to think and pray today. Oh, and remember to fill in Your census!

God bless You all. Be well and have a peaceful Sunday and a good week ahead.

Forgive us Lord for our apathy,
for our lack of courage to speak out.
Forgive us when we walk past and don’t offer help.
Forgive us when we get it wrong.

We confess that we are afraid –
we don’t want to overcome our hidden doubts and prejudices
in order to be alongside those who are different from ourselves.
We ask that you would lead us into action:
give us strength to be a voice crying for justice and peace.
Help us to step into another person’s shoes,
or if they have no shoes
then not to be afraid to take off our own,

peel off our preconceptions and assumptions,
uncurl and spread out our toes, and
tread in their footprints.

May we be a liberating presence
and offer love, compassion and whatever is needed
to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

Amen