Readings:
Amos 7:7 -15;
Mark 6:14 – 29

Collect:
Almighty God,
send down upon your church
the riches of your Spirit,
and kindle in all who minister your gospel
your countless gifts of grace;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reflection

In the past week the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Paul Bayes, publicly stated that he thought the Church of England should change its position on same-sex marriage. Our own Area Bishop, Alan Wilson, has been outspoken in his criticism of the church’s handling of abuse cases. The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd David Walker, has a reputation for challenging the Government on social justice issues and, more recently, on its handling of the Covid crisis.

Three examples of leading Christians speaking truth to power, unafraid to be controversial, and willing to take the inevitable brickbats that follow. I am sure you can think of many other examples from across the denominations. We get to hear about these leading lights, of course, by very virtue of their position in the church and society. It is a Bishop’s job, amongst other things, to be a public voice for the voiceless, and to stand up for those who are being oppressed or marginalised.

But it isn’t just a Bishop’s job. It is our calling too, wherever we might ‘rank’ ourselves in the so-called hierarchy (not that there should be one really!) Because Jesus made it clear that our role as his followers is not just to enjoy the blessings of grace and fellowship. It is also to live in such a way that God’s reign becomes visible and active in us and through us. 

Our readings this week give us two examples of faithful people speaking up for the principles of justice and faith. Amos could be really quite blunt in his pronouncements and was not afraid to wade into the power play of his day – so much so that a powerful priest warned the king about him! And John, Jesus’ cousin, was executed for his forthright denunciation of palace shenanigans. Jesus himself, of course, was also executed for the threat he posed to the establishment. 

So never let it be said that the church should stay out of politics! Too many people’s lives are blighted when a powerful few protect their own, when money trumps compassion, when the hierarchy treats those at the bottom with hostility or contempt, when people are ridiculed or rejected for their colour, sexuality, physical abilities or attributes. Many feel that the church has lost its way – perhaps we are being challenged to return to compassion; to the task of defending widows and orphans, welcoming the refugee and traveller, sharing our blessings, and - whether on a large national scale or in a small way in our local setting – being courageous and willing to call out injustice and corruption where we see it. 

We may feel too small or unimportant – but what did Amos say? ‘I am not a prophet, nor a prophet’s son; I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees.’ May we all be able to say ‘I’m not a leader, a big cheese, an important person – but I am obedient to God’s call and live by the values of the kingdom.’

Sharon Grenham-Thompson