The Vicar's "Two Penn'orth"
January 2021:
Keeping Friendship Alive
in these Troubled Times
Keeping Friendship Alive
in these Troubled Times
Rev Paul, Vicar of Hoylake writes ...
If I was ever in any doubt about what friendships mean, I am certainly much clearer now because of this pandemic. I am sure, like me, you are missing the physical presence of your friends - especially those who now seem so far away.
As many of you will know, I have a good friend who before the lockdown last March I saw every week, he not only is my friend he is Gillian’s too. Sadly I did get to see him when I conducted his Mother’s funeral and when he attended both my brothers’ funerals. Scripture offers valuable guidance when it comes to choosing friends. God knows our desire to be known and to be loved! He made us for companionship.
It really does bring home to us the value of a good friend and how, without even thinking about it, we have taken our lives and our friends a little too much for granted. The one thing that is constant is this: that the absence of seeing friends has not in any way diminished our love for them. I am reminded of those wonderful words from Colossians 3:12-13:
As many of you will know, I have a good friend who before the lockdown last March I saw every week, he not only is my friend he is Gillian’s too. Sadly I did get to see him when I conducted his Mother’s funeral and when he attended both my brothers’ funerals. Scripture offers valuable guidance when it comes to choosing friends. God knows our desire to be known and to be loved! He made us for companionship.
It really does bring home to us the value of a good friend and how, without even thinking about it, we have taken our lives and our friends a little too much for granted. The one thing that is constant is this: that the absence of seeing friends has not in any way diminished our love for them. I am reminded of those wonderful words from Colossians 3:12-13:
May I clothe myself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? May I be patient with my friends, and may I forgive freely like you have forgiven me.”
This pandemic has made us more creative. Last weekend for example we “zoom” called some of our family and friends - some as far away as Australia - and time seemed to melt away as we talked and listened to each other. The phone has been working overtime, and conversations have been continuing despite the restrictions.
It all puts me in mind of the physical separation that exists between the physical presence of Christ and his mystical presence in our lives. The Bible tells us one day we will see him face to face (1 Corinthians) but until that time, we are connected to him through prayer and the faith to which we hold dear. It is amazing that no matter what is going on in the world, even this pandemic, St Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Throughout our childhood we are taught to see Jesus as our friend, a friend that is loyal and true and has always got our back. I believe that right now in 2021 Jesus is standing alongside us - and just a prayer or thought away. Real friends never leave us or let us down, and I know that the Lord will be there throughout all of time - no matter what - and in all things protect your friends and stay safe.
Again I am reminded of the words from 1 Peter4 8-10:
It all puts me in mind of the physical separation that exists between the physical presence of Christ and his mystical presence in our lives. The Bible tells us one day we will see him face to face (1 Corinthians) but until that time, we are connected to him through prayer and the faith to which we hold dear. It is amazing that no matter what is going on in the world, even this pandemic, St Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Throughout our childhood we are taught to see Jesus as our friend, a friend that is loyal and true and has always got our back. I believe that right now in 2021 Jesus is standing alongside us - and just a prayer or thought away. Real friends never leave us or let us down, and I know that the Lord will be there throughout all of time - no matter what - and in all things protect your friends and stay safe.
Again I am reminded of the words from 1 Peter4 8-10:
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
I would like to finish these thoughts with the words of a prayer for friendship for those of us who are missing our friends:
Lord Jesus, Thank you for giving me such a vibrant community of friends to do life with. I praise you for the people you have blessed me with, the ones who have come alongside me to love, encourage, support, and uplift me through all the twists and turns of life. I'm so grateful that I do not have to go through life alone, but that you have shown me examples of your love through my dear friends. Amen
Your friend,
Rev Paul,
Vicar of Hoylake
Vicar of Hoylake
