What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Not drowning but thriving – sermon from 10 August 2014

     

    Turn your eyes upon Jesus
    Look full in his wonderful face
    And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
    In the light of his glory and grace

     

    When I was growing up – that’s exactly the kind of thing that I would have been singing on a Sunday morning.

    And it came to mind when I was starting to think about what to say about the gospel this morning.

    You see, the gospel reading that we have today tends to lead to sermons which represent that kind of mawkish sentimentality that suggests that Jesus will solve everything.

    I’ve found in life that Jesus doesn’t solve everything. If he did, the world would already be a very different place.

    I’ve learned that if Jesus does anything he calls us to build that better place not simply with him but with people of goodwill wherever we find them.

    Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

    That’s the thing about this passage – the evangelist lays on that sentiment with a trowel. Peter leaps out of the boat and starts to sink – only when he looks at Jesus is he safe. And thus, so many sermons will say – we need to fix our eyes on the saviour and all will be well.

    Well, I certainly think that Jesus can be a brilliant inspiration and I look on him as Saviour and Lord.

    But when I look at Jesus I find that he is looking at the world and asking me to gaze with compassion upon it with him. (more…)

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3 responses to “Shelly Marsh”

  1. liturgybuff Avatar
    liturgybuff

    And the lights!! They look like they fell off the back of a casino.

    Reply
  2. Gary Avatar
    Gary

    I can think of another priest on whom satin high heels look magnificent. But his identity shall remain a secret for now!

    Reply
  3. Kenny Macaulay Avatar
    Kenny Macaulay

    Perhaps not the best week for a comment like that Lay Clerk, although I think I know who you mean, and a couple of others too!

    I was in the next door parish, St Matthew’s Possilpark when St James was being built. As I remember it, there was quite a bit of pressure from The Diocese to be fairly traditional. Remember, many didn’t want to lose their Springburn roots, or traditions. Pressure too to put in stained glass from St Andrew’s by the Green. I remember at the time thinking that I would kill for a building like it, Bernie Inn or not! My wee church had just been condemned by the same Diocesan Architect/Surveyor, who was also advising on Bishopbriggs. St Matthews is still going strong btw!

    Reply

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