Minister’s Message 13 July
Dear Friends
As the team enjoy their final day in Hungary, the preparations for Magnitude Festival at Lendrick Muir enter their final stages. Followed swiftly, of course, by our own Family Week. These exceptional activities often energise and inspire people, and we look forward to hearing back from the team in Debrecen, having been sojourners in an unfamiliar place in Christ's name. We wait in anticipation for the stories that will emerge from Magnitude, for the fire that will be lit within many people. We are equally keen for the sense of accomplishment and Christian unity that emerges from the labour of Family Week. These departures from the norm that the summer affords are welcome aspects of our annual rhythm. Perhaps it is even their exceptional nature which open us up for the encounters we may have with God and others.
Our readings for Sunday give us two different encounters. One between Jesus and a teacher of the law (Luke 10:25-37), the other between a Canaanite woman and Jesus (Matthew 15:21-28). As you read these passages, I wonder what similarities and differences you notice between these conversations. Who is stubborn? Who is malleable? And who wins?
As we reflect on these encounters, both within the life of our parish and within these readings, what is it that makes them fruitful? What makes them divine interactions? What is it about them that reveals to people the love of God? For that, surely, is our purpose.
Every blessing.
Alex Johnson
Probationer: Kinross-shire Parish Church