St Patrick, Church of Ireland, Kenmare

Be blessed to (and be prepared for) whatever you are called this day, in His name, however unexpected!

Jesus’ healing is a signpost pointing to the culmination of His divine mission, that encompasses His suffering and torture, His death, His triumph over sin through His cross, and the defeat of evil in His resurrection.

It wasn’t only the wind and sea that will obey Him – the whole of heaven and earth will kneel before Him as Lord.

The stories used by Jesus to explain the Kingdom of heaven – the ‘parables’ – offer understandable truth to all of them whoever they may be– and through many generations, to us.

You may remember the song: ‘It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it, that’s what gets results.’ Catchy tune, catchy title. But wrong. Actually, it’s the other way round – ‘It ain’t the way that you do it, it’s what you do…’

By the power of the same Spirit strengthen us to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

But in Christ, a much more reliable ‘Truth’ can be found. Truth in the ‘Logos’ – the Word. The Word made flesh.

Collect for Easter 6 God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: Grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy;  through...

‘If you love God, then you love your brothers and sisters’. You cannot have one without the other. If you do not love your brother and your sister, you cannot claim that you love God. No exclusions.

There is only one leader who invites us to follow of whom we can be sure – the one who is prepared to lay down His life.

It is easy, with hindsight, to criticise the disciples for their incredulity. But we have to ask ourselves what we would do in their place.

We are challenged to decide what we need to ‘see’ to believe – and then to seek it in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“I have seen the Lord”. It is difficult to imagine her emotions. She has seen the Lord! She doesn’t yet understand fully – but her eyes have seen Him. Her life is changed for ever, and she doesn’t care who knows it.

But Jesus is aware of what He will have to endure in order to fulfil His mission of salvation – and He sets the necessary elements in motion.

The Anglican Church of Ireland has produced an excellent example of the way in which St Patrick’s life embodies the Five marks of Mission – a real cause for celebration and a model for us to follow (And by the way, St. Patrick’s flag colour is blue, not green.)

It’s a day of being aware of, and thankful for, the caring and loving relationships that exist within family and friends.