Wed 23rd June

The book of Ecclesiastes shows us two ways to live, the way of wisdom, and the way of folly; the way of love, and the way of hatred; the way of calm, and the way of unhappiness.

It says:

"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools."

Ecclesiastes 7:9

When we become angry, it can be a power to drive us to protest, to reform, to protect others. But its power is great, and can take away our good judgement and self control.

May the anger in your life be such as to give you purpose, rather than robbing you of your reason.

Have a good day,

Steve Franklin

Vicar of Crookham

O Lord,

give us such self control

that the great potency of our emotions

may not hinder or disable us,

but rather drive and energise us.

Amen.

Tues 22nd June

In most school classes, groups of friends, army units, or any other gathering of people, there is at least one person who doesn't fit in: they are too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, have ginger hair, or perhaps are just awkward in their manner.

As I say, this person tends not to fit in; or at worst they become isolated, victimised and bullied.

Occasionally there is someone who will try to reach out to this person. A rescuer who tries to befriend the outcast. They will speak to the person when others won't, involve them in activities, and protect them when needed, making the effort to help.

But what tends to happen is that the rescuer simply becomes the new victim, and everybody turns on him.

Today is Saint Albans day: Saint Alban was the first British martyr who, to protect a Christian priest from persecution, dressed in his cloak and took his place, and was executed.

Each of us may find the opportunity to protect others, but often this can involve the danger of becoming the new victim, the next outcast.

May we find the courage to help others.

Have a good day.

Steve Franklin

Vicar of Crookham

Dear God,

Bless and protect all those who are lonely,

especially those who are made lonely by others.

Amen.

Fri 18th June

And thanks for all your answers to my question about freedom.

These months of lockdown have focussed our thoughts on the simple things:

Visiting family, concerts, theatre, and holidays abroad.

We think about the big freedoms: of speech, thought, movement, self-expression and being able to make choices about our lives.

Seeing the limitations on the lives of others make us aware that ‘not being bombed’, ‘not being coerced by a repressive government’, and ‘not living in fear’ are important.

It was pointed out that our freedoms are not absolute, but restricted, often by law, to allow for the freedoms of others. Paying taxes seems like an infringement of our personal liberty, for example, until we remember that it is for the benefit of all.

We treasure our freedom, and count ourselves fortunate to live in a country that is freer than others, but we also value the freedom of other people.

Have a good day.

Steve Franklin

Vicar of Crookham