Words of Light and Hope from Rev’d Judith Sweetman

Joseph of Arimathea took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb. The women who had come with him from Galilee saw how his body was laid. And on the Sabbath, they rested.

Luke 23. 53-56

Stunned, numb,
Yet strangely quiet.
It is finished.
It is over.
On the cross
Love came face to face with evil
And was not overcome.
Darkness tried its worst
But is now in retreat.
Jesus,
I open up my pain to you.
You have already borne it with me.
You will not leave me bereft.
In this moment of calm
I trust you and I wait…
From Angela Ashwin, “Wait and Trust”
…………………………………………………….
The Lord is my shepherd
I shall want for nothing. Psalm 23. V 1
Shepherd of my soul,
Find me again.
Anoint me
And show me the way.
Stay with me when it is dark.
Bring me to the quiet place beside still waters
Where I may rest,
Trusting in the ancient promise of
Your steadfast love.
From Angela Ashwin, “Wait and Trust”
………………………………………………..

Lord,
How manifold are your works:
In wisdom have you made them all.

Psalm 104 v 24

Choose something in the created world. It could be anything from a stone to a blade of grass, or a potted plant indoors.

Stay with what you have chosen.
Look at it.
Feel it.
Smell it.
Share its silence.
This is God’s gift to you.
Let it be, without s running commentary. Just enjoy it for what it is.
As you touch this small part of creation. It is touching you.
Hold it gently, and allow yourself gently to be held in
the life-giving power of our Creator, whom you share
with this small thing.
From Angela Ashwin, “Wait and See”

Image by Nevena M from Pixabay