Plenary, 28 Feb 2001

Meeting date: Wednesday, February 28, 2001

Official Report 379KB pdf

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Time for Reflection

To lead our time for reflection we welcome Rev Archie McPhail from Campbell Street Associated Presbyterian Church in Oban.

When Jesus of Nazareth was questioned, he often avoided giving a direct answer. Instead, he sent the questioner back to first principles. For him, the basic principle was the character of God, whom he called "Righteous Father".

Relationships are at the heart of what God is—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus took people back to the most basic of all relationships—the relationship with one another and with God.

"In the beginning God made them male and female"

was his answer to a question on sexuality.

"Our Father in heaven"

opened his model prayer.

When Jesus criticised the clergy of his day for majoring in trivia, he pointed to two aspects of God's character. He said:

"You have neglected judgment and God's love."

Our emphasis on inclusiveness and individual rights must seem to him a less than adequate foundation for life. Intolerance of moral judgments ignores God's character and distorts reality. Asserting our rights often denies God's love to others. On the other hand, when we judge ourselves and receive God's forgiveness, we are more likely to love others and respect their rights.

Jesus was concerned to re-establish our relationship with God. Gathering the wayward is inclusiveness according to Jesus; giving them freedom as God's children is his goal. According to him, his crucifixion was God's judgment on humanity.

"He bore our sins in his own body".

He saw that as a warning, for God does not change; and an opportunity, for it opens the door to forgiveness and help. He gives us the right to pray, saying:

"Whatever you ask in my name I will do it."

Can we pray for one another?

Gracious God, help us to honour your name.

We give thanks for the men and women here whom you have given to lead our nation. As they carry our burdens may they know your strength. We ask for your care for their persons, their families, their homes. Give success in their work, for their sakes and ours.

We pray for all who influence the spirituality of our people, especially our young people. May our work be informed by the realities of life, guided by the teaching of Jesus, and helped by the Spirit of God.

Forgive us when we exclude you from personal or national life, and when we seek to justify our own evil or the evil of others.

May all of us who shepherd this nation be able to say,

"The Lord is my shepherd."

We ask in Jesus' name.

Amen.