This week we added a money bag to our Lenten cross to represent Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Rev. Helen Kirk reminded us that in Lent we are accompanying Jesus on his final journey. Jill and Neil Barnett, our organists, read to us from Exodus 34, Moses descends from Mt Sinai, and Luke 9, Jesus’ transfiguration.
Jesus’ glory in transfiguration, said Helen, came between two very different occasions – Peter refusing to accept Jesus’ suffering that was to come and the events of Holy Week when God’s glory was realised in frail flesh in a messy world. Like the disciples we struggle to make sense of it all. We can see God in unexpected people, in their kindnesses, humility and respect. We are commanded to listen to Jesus, to learn of his love, grace and hope and to reflect his glory.
We sang In Christ alone my hope is found and Helen prayed for love and grace in our messy world, in leaders at all levels, for the future of our churches and for care for those we know to be in need. Then we received Holy Communion and ended our worship with Charles Wesley’s great hymn – Love divine, all loves excelling.