March 2026
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs;
In the light of Jesus’s 40 days of fasting, praying and resisting the temptations by Satan, we examine the place of penance, self-discipline and prayer in our own faith journeys. For many, it can be a challenging time of self-examination, reflection and action, made far more challenging this year with the happenings in the Middle East and ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In the midst of immense destruction, pain, anguish, displacement, anger and fear in the areas, across the world many of us ask in shock, How can this have been allowed to happen. And what can we do in the face of such action?
Whatever our political leanings or understandings, as Christians, human not divine, we are called to turn to our Loving God in prayer. The Bible instructs us to pray unceasingly, in times of pain and suffering; to love others including those who are extremely hard to love; to love with patience and kindness, in faith and trusting God Omnipotent.
When Paul wrote to the dysfunctional church in Corinth, the church was facing many troubles with small clique’ish groups forming according to their loyalty to human leaders – Paul, Apollos (teacher), Cephas (Peter), or to Christ. Competitiveness, various behaviours and elitism ensued. Although written and read in context, today one might ask, ‘does any of that sound familiar behaviour, given what we are witnessing with ‘global domination’ posturing and warring?’
This is an emotional and challenging time for us all, yet we are called by God to focus on Him, who is Good, Gracious and Loving. Let us unwaveringly pray for our neighbours everywhere, next door and across the world, that Love and Peace will reign in His time.
Loving and Gracious God, we thank you for your steadfast love. At this time, we pray especially for all who are suffering in these wars, innocent victims, their families and loved ones. We pray too for those choosing war over negotiation and a level of compromise, that they may come to see your light and know your love.
During this Lenten season and always, may our primary focus be on You, the One who sacrificed himself for us sinners. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen
Revd Tish Bird
See previous Reflections here