On a stormy morning a large congregation welcomed Rev. David Willis to lead our service. He began with a prayer of thanks for love, for Jesus and a desire to serve. We sang Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah and Keith Harrison read to us from Luke 6 – Jesus commands us to love our enemies. How can we do that?
David began his address with Shylock’s speech from The Merchant of Venice, in defence of his rights as a human being for a debt to be honoured no matter how costly. His cold and implacable demand for payment is in total contrast to Jesus’ command. Putting aside our rights can be hard but Jesus shows a better way, breaking the cycle of retribution, turning the world’s logic on its head as exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. We must stand up for what is right but our response should be guided by love and mercy, forgiving as God forgives us over and over again. We can start with patience and kindness in small things, showing strength in mercy.
After prayers for Christian communities, the state of the world and for the sick David served Holy Communion. We sang Charles Wesley’s great hymn, And can it be, and he concluded our worship with a blessing.