Rev. John's November Jottings
27 Nov 20
A month to remember!
This month is often regarded as a time of Remembrance. In fact, this year has been the 75th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day which brought to an end the Second World War. Despite the Covid-19 restrictions, partial remembrance services and laying of wreaths by war memorials will be taking place around the villages. We will offer our respects and thanks to the armed services in defending our nation from tyranny. As the number of veterans diminishes, will the practice of Remembrance Day lose its place in society? It seems improbable, especially as there are more wars and conflicts taking place today than at any other time in history. We still don’t seem to learn from the past.
There is a Psalm in the Bible which says, ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?’ (Psalm 2) We can identify many, many reasons for this. Ultimately, it boils down to the human heart. From the wisdom of the Bible we are told that, ‘Out of the mouth the heart speaks.’ This can lead to what is described as the tongue being like a fire. ‘It is a small part of the body that makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’
Each person in the world has the capacity to use their tongue for good or evil. May it be in this month of remembrance that we all play our part not to forget the cost involved in bringing peace and may we speak words of peace not hate.
Wishing you a very peace-filled month of remembrance.
Rev John
