Throwing the First Stone

I think that I’m just too old now to listen to Radio 1. I like to listen to the DJs in the most part but some of the music is getting irritating. With BBC podcasts married to my iPod I can get the best of both worlds. It also means I can listen to a more mind expanding station like Radio 4.

Early on Saturday morning I was listening to an article on Jesus’ remark about the stoning of an adulteress (John 8:1-11). It was a short piece and was followed immediately with a piece on personal data lost by a government contractor.Listening to these pieces back to back sparked a thought about how the media seems to sit either in the role of celebrant – preening and flattering the newest pet celebrity – or in the role of judge, jury and hangman, all rolled into one, attacking a person, organisation or standpoint.

Should we draw a line before the media and say ‘He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone’?

Love and Pestilence

I’m pretty useless at the moment and have spent the last week feeling very sorry for myself. Why did God give us the common cold? What was the point of this? Did he sit there on day 6 and think ‘I’ve got a few minutes before shift end – what can I add to this mix of mine for a bit of fun? I’ve got my Love, Joy and Happiness and with War, Death and Pestilence I’ve evened the score. I know what – just for a laugh I’ll add a few little germs that won’t do anyone any harm but will be really irritating. There, glad that’s settled, now I’m off to the pub!’

Needless to say I’ve achieved very little in the last week but pass the blame between God and his germs, cussing and blaspheming as I go.

Consciousness

I exist in a web of relationships – links to nature, people, God.
I trace out these links, giving thanks for the life that flows through them.
Some links are twisted or broken: I may feel regret, anger, disappointment.
I pray for the gift of acceptance and forgiveness.

Sacred Space