During the Summer months the Old Testament Lectionary readings are focussing on the Patriarchs and give snapshots of the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. The stories show how, starting in Genesis chapter 12, God makes a fresh start after the Flood and Tower of Babel episodes and choses Abraham and his family to bring blessing to the nations. This promise is ultimately fulfilled through Abraham’s greatest descendant, the Lord Jesus himself.
Each story shows how God chooses ordinary undeserving, flawed individuals like Abraham or Jacob to advance his plan of blessing and salvation. Following God’s promise to Abraham, the Patriarchs experience famine, war, temptation to compromise and family disharmony and yet through it all, God remains sovereign and advances his plan.
In Genesis 13 an interesting phrase is used twice. In 13:10 it says that Lot ‘lifted up his eyes’ and saw the beautiful and lush land of the Jordan Valley and chose that region when he and Abraham separated. He made this choice even though the inhabitants of that valley were known to be godless and wicked.
After Lot leaves, in 13:14, God tells Abraham to ‘Lift up your eyes and look from the place you are’ and see the land that God had promised him in faith, even though it was not yet his.
These verses are comparing normal vision with spiritual insight. When Lot ‘lifted up his eyes’ he only saw the material blessings he could obtain in the Jordan valley and was not thinking about spiritual considerations. This would get him and his family into a lot of trouble (excuse the pun) a few chapters later.
Abraham by contrast has the spiritual insight to see with the eye of faith what God is doing. When he lifts up his eyes, the land he sees is not lush and fertile like the place Lot chooses, outwardly he only sees the stoney and dry hills around Hebron. Nonetheless, by faith he knows that this is the place of God’s blessing and promise. He is able to see beyond his present circumstances.
The question for us is whether we are going to be like Lot or Abraham? Are we going to be guided only by what we can see around us, or have the spiritual insight to lift up our eyes and see beyond our present circumstances to what God wants to do in our lives?
We can become focused on the problems in our lives: wars and conflict on the news, disappointments, financial concerns or relationship difficulties. All these can blur our spiritual vision and keep us inwardly focussed.
But like the Patriarchs, God has chosen us, flawed as we are to serve him and advance his plan of salvation. We need to take our eyes off our circumstances and problems and intentionally focus them on Jesus and his promises and then we will begin to experience healing, restoration and fulfilment. As Hebrews 12:2 states, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Make this Summer an opportunity to undertake a spiritual eye test!
Flower Arrangement Demonstration
The fund-raising flower arranging demonstration evening with Julie Magee in Cootehill church hall on Thursday 21st May was a huge success. The hall was filled to capacity and Julie’s demonstration was greatly enjoyed. A big thank you to Karen Pepper and Pam Johnston who organised the event and for everyone who contributed to making it such a fantastic evening. Proceeds will go to All Saints Cootehill and Dernakesh church repair funds.
Ordination Service
Revd. Michael will be ordained as a presbyter / priest on Sunday 5th July in Kilmore cathedral at 4pm, along with Revd. Gail McNeill. Please keep Michael and Gail in your prayers as they prepare for this special day in their lives. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.
Killeshandra Institution
Congratulations to Revd. Sam Peilow who was instituted as Rector of Killeshandra on Friday 5th June. It was a most enjoyable evening full of joy and celebration. We send Revd. Sam, his wife Georgina and the two girls, our prayers and blessings as they begin this new phase of ministry in the parish.
Mother’s Union All Ireland Communion Service
It was great to take part in the Mother’s Union All Ireland Communion Service at Cavan Parish Church on Thursday June 4th at 11am. Bishop Ferran preached the sermon and special thanks go to Revd. Faith Sithole and Canon Richard Waller for leading the service. The refreshments afterwards were greatly enjoyed by everyone. During the service the Mother’s Union ‘Prayers for Everyday’ leaflet was distributed. This is a lovely little resource of prayers for different occasions and I would recommend getting a copy.
Parish Prayers
We continue keep the following parishioners and friends of the parish who have been unwell in our prayers as they recover from illness. We are thankful that Patricia Smyth continues to regain strength following her illness at Christmas. We are also delighted that Susan Deacon, is back home and making progress following hospitalisation and rehabilitation for a fractured ankle. We also continue to keep the following parishioners in our prayers: Roy Grindle who has been unwell in Brabazon Home, Sandymount. Kate Donnelly as she settles in Lurgan. Norman Foster’s brother, Ivan, recovering from a stroke, and his sister Ruby, following a major operation. May the Lord bless them all with his comfort and healing touch.