General Chat

Good morning :-)

I hope you are all coping with this heat - I feel like a greasespot"""


Looking at the life of Jesus in art – His first miracle – the wedding at Cana.

I started to look for a suitable painting and came across this, not one I had ever seen before, but it’s an interesting read:

Wedding Feast at Cana, Paolo Veronese, 1563, Oil on canvas, Louvre, Paris

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paolo_Veronese_008.jpg

The sumptuous, vivid painting of the wedding at Cana, by Paolo Veronese, is a gigantic canvas measuring about 21ft. tall by 32 ft. wide. The masterpiece has unfortunately suffered several indignities in its life. Now in the Louvre, it was originally painted for the Benedictine Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice in 1563, but Napoleon’s army carried it off to Paris as spoils in 1797, cutting it in half in the process. During WWII it was rolled up and carted around France, along with other Louvre treasures, to keep it out of Nazi hands. Then, in 1992, it was severely damaged during conservation, when the support rigging holding the one and a half ton painting gave way and tore through the canvas in several places.

Jesus stares directly out at us at the centre of the scene with his mother Mary beside him, both adorned by halos. This spot at the banquet table would normally be reserved for the bride and groom, but the placement of Jesus here emphasizes the painting’s religious nature. In Christian theology, Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is his bride.

On the terrace above Jesus an animal is being butchered, which art historians believe to be a lamb since that would provide the symbolism of Jesus as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Confirming this is the knife poised directly above the head of Christ.

A splendidly-attired man prepares to taste the wine that Jesus’ miracle has produced. The red wine is visible in the beautifully reflective glass, a nod to the glass manufacturing for which Venice is still known today. The wine symbolizes the blood of Christ which was shed for us and which we share at communion. The wine is the new wine of the gospel.
Just as Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana, the bread and wine are miraculously transformed into the body and blood of Christ at Mass.

We can see several men seated near Jesus at the banquet table. Plainly dressed, they are the only figures who are staring directly at Jesus, while everyone else in the painting seems oblivious to him and to the miracle that has occurred. These men, staring at Jesus intently, questioningly, are obviously the disciples, though their individual identities are uncertain.

Dear God,
Your first miracle was at a wedding feast
where an ill-prepared host ran out of wine
in the midst of the celebration.
You changed water into wine,
certainly foretelling Your great
Last Supper gift to us:
Changing wine into Your Sacred Blood.

Dear Jesus of unchanging eternity,
through the sacrament of Holy Communion,
You change bread and wine
into Your Body and Your Blood.
And You have invited us:
Take and eat! Take and drink!

Please, God, as bread and wine are changed,
change me and make me worthy
to receive Your Sacrament!
Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Continuing with the life of Jesus in art……..The baptism of Jesus.

There are so many versions of this special event that I was spoilt for choice. Most people have heard of Leonardo da Vinci, so I looked for one of his works and found this.

The Baptism of Christ by Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci painted in 1474-5.
(It is easily found on the web)

John the Baptist is observed gently pouring water over Christ’s head. God’s hands outstretched coming down from the sky, a dove descending His arms symbolizing the Holy Spirit. There are beams of light streaming down which express the divinity of Christ, as well as acknowledging His being part of the Holy Trinity.

Jesus is placed at the centre of the masterpiece, with His hands clasped in a praying position, symbolising His grace and humbleness.

St John the Baptist is holding a slender cross and a scroll inscribed in Latin with the announcement of the Saviour’s advent: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Also present at the event are two kneeling angels, one of whom is holding Jesus’ clothes.

Palm trees grew along the banks of the River Jordan and we are reminded of Palm Sunday. Palms are mentioned many times in the bible and associated with great events.

In the mid-16th century, historian, Giorgio Vasari narrates that for the execution of the painting, Andrea del Verrocchio was helped by a young pupil, Leonardo, who painted the figure of the angel on the left with such skill that he upset the older Verrocchio. Leonardo also painted much of the background landscape as it is portrayed in oil, like the angel, while the rest of the painting is in traditional tempera paint.

Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Hope you are all staying cool and hydrated and keeping your pets cool too. :-D


Following on from yesterday, we look at hidden symbolism in paintings, today the Nativity – both traditional and more modern. Most people like a painting of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey ??

The scene is usually a stable or cave or somewhere poor and rough. This is said to represent Jesus, the Son of God, coming down to dwell amongst humanity in all its forms – even the lowliest and the poorest.

Often, the Christ child is depicted with his arms stretched wide. This is symbolic of Jesus’ invitation of salvation to all mankind.

Generally, Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and the angels tend to have halos around their heads. These are a symbol of holiness and represent the spirit of God within.

It is said that the ‘swaddling clothes’, which Jesus is wrapped in, are prophetic and signify the shroud He will be buried in.

Mary is most often shown wearing a blue robe. This is the colour of the sky and shows that, as the mother of God, she is the link between Heaven and Earth.

Shepherds, as well as representing the common people, they are also symbolic of Christ’s ancestor, King David, and of Jesus Himself – the Good Shepherd come to gather His sheep. The lambs are symbolic of both Christ’s innocence and His coming sacrifice.

The gifts of the Magi have meaning. Gold is for Christ’s royalty, frankincense for His godliness and myrrh is for the sacrifice He will make for mankind.

Even the ox and the donkey have symbolism as they show aspects of Jesus’ personality. The ox symbolises patience and the donkey, humility.


The Collect for Christmas Day
Lord Jesus Christ,
your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:
accept our heartfelt praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our eternal God. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


It's tooooooo hot!!!! :-\ :-(


At the beginning of the sermon we heard yesterday, the vicar spoke about picture frames and related them to the gospel reading for the day. Perhaps it would be interesting to look at the life of Jesus through paintings but, because we can’t post pictures on here, you will have to google for them. There are some interesting ones, both traditional and modern.

The annunciation – that important moment when Gabriel appears to tell Mary that she is to be the mother of the Lord. It seems as though there are several hidden meanings within paintings, for example :

Light passing through a glass window, or a walled garden, symbolize Mary’s chastity.

The Annunciation is celebrated on 25 March, nine months before Christmas Day. So Mary is often shown with a spring flower in a vase, which later became a lily, symbol of virginity.

The archangel Gabriel is winged and traditionally in white. He may be descending towards the Virgin, or standing or kneeling before her. In early examples the angel holds a sceptre tipped with a fleur-de-lys, an attribute of Gabriel, but later he holds the lily.

Mary is often shown with a book open at the celebrated prophecy of Isaiah (7:14), ‘A young woman is with child, and she will bear a son . .’

The dove usually descends on a slanting ray of light that touches the Virgin’s head or breast, delicately suggesting the moment of conception.

The Collect for the Feast of the Annunciation.

We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The flooding in Europe is dreadful - just awful. I posted this prayer on another site so will share it here....

Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by the floods in Europe.

We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength.

Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope.

Bless the work of relief agencies and those providing emergency assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.

Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Cx :-)

I have also been thinking of those on the continent whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastating floods. I am hoping my German friend and her husband are OK. I don’t think there is major flooding where they live but as she now has dementia communication with her is difficult. I email her through her husband from time to time as she can no longer understand how computers work. Perhaps I’ll email him to check that they are safe. My thoughts are with everyone affected.

There are so many world problems to occupy our minds but can you spare a small thought for the walkers on the MacMillan marathon hike. The hike was planned for last July but was postponed because of the pandemic. The walkers include my dil and her sister who are walking 26 miles in Northumberland. The temperature there is currently 27 degrees. I’d struggle to walk a couple of miles in that sort of heat, let alone 26! Dil and sister have so far raised about £800 for this worthy cause.

Enjoy this God-given sunshine and take care to stay safe everyone.

Hello all

Thank you for another interesting week Cynthia.

Remembering the people in Germany and Belgium who are coping with the devastation of the heavy rainfall and floods. Praying for all who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost their homes and been traumatised by their experiences, and for all the services who are helping out at this time.

Good morning :-)

To end our week of promises, promises.....



The Promise

There's a promise in our sorrow
and a blessing when we sigh.
There's a light beyond the shadows
and a cleansing when we cry.
So when we are discouraged,
and face tremendous grief;
it is during those times of trouble,
that the heavens send relief.

With our heart in tune with Jesus,
our source of joy and peace,
be mindful of His promise,
that all suffering He would cease.
He's cried our tears of sadness;
He's felt our every pain,
He's walked our path before,
all glory to His name.

Seek forbearance in the hardships,
or when we fear or roam.
Cast your burdens on the Saviour,
and He'll come and take us home.
For He is our great Redeemer
our only true best friend,
He promised he would never leave,
He'll guide us to the end.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Promises, Promises

For many of us, the first time we encounter important promises, is at our baptism.
A reminder of what those promises were and still are today:

“Will you pray for this child, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?”
“Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?”

The parents and godparents answer: “With the help of God we will”.

Godparents are then asked to turn away from all things that are against God – the wrong in their own lives and to stand against the wrong in the world.

Then they will be asked to turn positively towards Jesus, the companion and guide for the amazing journey ahead.

The thing is, have we kept these promises?

Lord, we bring before you our children and Godchildren for whom we have made important promises in the past. Help us to remember that it is never too late to turn towards Jesus – no matter what age we are. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

That hymn was a new one on me too Vera.........thanks kandj.


What God Hath Promised
Poet: Annie Johnson Flint

God hath not promised
skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways
all our lives through;
God hath not promised
sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
peace without pain.

But God hath promised
strength for the day,
Rest for the labour,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.


Cx :-)

An interesting theme again this week Cynthia. Thank you.

I didn't know that hymn kandj, so I have learnt something new today.

Hello all

This week's postings have reminded me of words from this old hymn I sang in church very many years ago.

Standing On the Promises.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest I will shout and sing
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus
Standing, standing
Standing on the promises of God, my Saviour
Standing, standing
I'm standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. (Chorus).

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord.
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword
Standing on the promises of God. (Chorus).

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Saviour as my all in all
Standing on the promises of God. (Chorus).

Sending hugs to all in need today.

Good morning :-)


Promises, Promises

A promise from Jesus:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it”.

It seems like an incredible contradiction, but we are told that we will only find life when we stop thinking about ourselves and stop chasing the things we believe will bring us life, and instead, follow the creator of life, then we will discover life as it was designed to be. Lord, help us to put you first in our lives. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Promises, Promises

A promise from Jesus

“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away”

Here, Jesus tells us that he will not send away those who come to Him. If we come to him, we will find him waiting with open arms. Christ’s invitation extends to everyone, and he accepts all those who follow him. Thank you Lord.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Yesterday, we heard the rather unsettling story of King Herod promising to give Salome, who had danced for him, anything she wanted, which led onto the beheading of John the Baptist. In the sermon I heard, our Lay Reader spoke of making and keeping promises…or not. One thing we can be sure of, is the fact that what God has promised us, that promise will be kept.

Promises, promises

Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

This promise from our Lord has helped millions of weary Christians. We are not promised an easy life, but we are encouraged to hand our worries, our problems and our difficulties over to God, and He has promised to take care of them. Thank you Lord.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today

Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as pass our understanding:
pour into our hearts such love toward you
that we, loving you in all things and above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Very simple yet thought provoking postings this week Cynthia. Thank you so much.

Heavenly Father
Thank you that you don't forget your promise to hold us all in the palm of your hand. Teach us patience and understanding and give us all a willingness to see your beauty that is all around.
Amen.

Good morning :-)


‘I’m not going to believe in God because I can’t see or hear Him’. Maybe we have said this ourselves or heard others say it. This is a lovely piece about how we may be missing out……….


The man whispered, "God, speak to me"
And a meadowlark sang.
But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, "God, speak to me"
And the thunder rolled across the sky.
But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said,
"God let me see you."
And a field of flowers bloomed.

But the man did not see.
And, the man shouted, "God show me a miracle."
And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.
So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let
me know you are here."
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.


Lord, help us not to miss out on a blessing simply because it isn't packaged the we expect.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
God won't ask how big your house wase; He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the designer clothes you had; He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
God won't ask what your salary was; He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
God won't ask what your job title was; He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of our ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had; He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived; He'll ask how you treated your neighbours.
God won't ask about the colour of your skin; He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation; He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven and not to the gates of Hell.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



One day, God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on. He decided to send an angel down to Earth to check it out. So, he called one of His angels and sent the angel to Earth for a time.
When he returned, he told God, "Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are misbehaving and 5% are not."

God thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion." So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time too.

When the angel returned he went to God and said, "Yes, it's true. The Earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving and 5% are being good."

God was not pleased. So, He decided to e-mail the 5% that were good, because He wanted to encourage them, give them a little something to help them keep going.

Do you know what that e-mail said?

No?

Oh, so you didn't get one either?


Cx :-)