Rector's Letter

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		The Rector's Letter June 2011

June 2011

The Rector writes:

Dear Friends,

“Be good to your children; they’ll choose your nursing home.” This car sticker made me smile. Yet, the dark humour barely conceals a disturbing vision of the future for all parents. Those who currently depend on you will eventually be deciding your future.

Underlying much of the debate about the cost to society of an ageing population, ageism, care of the elderly and even euthanasia is a particular understanding of what it means to grow old. If our identity as people is shaped by our autonomy and our activity, then the spectre of old age is likely to haunt us. Its defining feature is bound to be diminution. With each passing year, more of your contemporaries die. Hearing and eyesight begin to fail. Losses accumulate. Alongside these multiple grieves, there is a creeping reliance on other people. Anger, frustration and defiant outbursts can punctuate this transition. Victor Mildrew in the TV series “One foot in the grave” epitomises this bewilderment and irritation. “I don’t believe it.” Whilst I recognise the sadness and difficulty highlighted in this description, I wonder if there is anything from the Christian tradition that can sustain us, or offer another insight into how we might view our latter years.

Reading through Mark’s gospel, Jesus Christ moves from being proactive to being passive. In the early chapters, he is frantically busy. Performing miracles, weaving parables and preaching the Kingdom of God, the story moves along at a breathtaking pace. Suddenly, this relentless activity comes to a shuddering halt. In the concise and telling phrase, the Messiah is “handed over.” He is arrested. He is now subject to the machinations of the religious and political authorities. Whether setting the agenda or the plaything of the powerful, Jesus is obedient. In his response to what life brings, he remains steadfastly faithful to God. This constant focus on God is the pervasive characteristic of his life. May be there are parallels here for us to ponder further.

Equally, our celebration for Pentecost on 12th June, presents us with another rich theme to help our reflection on this topic of ageing. The Gift of the Holy Spirit informs us clearly that our chief aspiration as Christians is dependence on God. Counter-intuitively, and in contrast to our culture which appears to prize independence very highly (Frank Sinatra’s, “I did it my way”, heralds the prevailing outlook.), eschewing self-sufficiency and learning to rely on God mark spiritual maturity.

Indeed, we make our declaration of faith for ourselves but not by ourselves. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes and lips, as we proclaim, “Jesus is Risen.” Furthermore, our goal is that our prayers, actions and words may be inspired. In fulfilment of this aim, we are summoned to carry out every task and role whether in church, at home, at work or school, courageously in the power of the Holy Spirit. Besides developing a right kind of boldness in our Christian discipleship, by habitually asking for the Holy Spirit’s help we are safeguarded from pride.

Cultivating a childlike trust in God enables us to be obedient and to remain faithful whatever we face. As we approach the end of our lives, we can continue to deepen our dependence on God in prayer and through others. For in this and every stage of our journey of faith, we know the providential care of God, and respond in the Holy Spirit, “Abba, Father.”

With love

David Tomlinson

Team Rector of Saffron Walden

May 2011 letter

April 2011 letter

March 2011 letter

Feb 2011 letter

Dec 2010 Jan letter

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