PEACE is what we are probably all hoping and praying for; in the Ukraine, and in Russia, in Gaza and Israel, and in the many, many other areas of the world where conflicts still endanger lives.
Edmund Burke famously said
'Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it. '
I think that pretty much sums up the Ukraine/Russia, and the Israel/Gaza conflicts, all the other conflicts that come and go in the News. History is a complicated business, takes a lot of untangling and a lot of learning.
Which brings me to today's Collect;
BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
I firmly believe skilled teacher is firstly a skilled learner. To learn, we need to hear, read, mark (pay attention to) and inwardly diges,t (reflect upon) the subject - in my case music, and specifically playing the piano - before we will ever be useful. It takes time and patience, and a readiness to persist and struggle with the subject.
Likewise, this collect is encouraging us to read and listen to the Scriptures, and other books which help widen our understanding of God's plan. Reading, hearing, engaging with, paying attention to the Old and New Testament helps us get a handle on the way the God's plan, in spite of the way humans continually go 'off-piste' is working out through history, through the present, and into the future.
The birth of Jesus was heralded by angels announcing 'Peace on earth, and goodwill to all men'. I'm just continuing to hope and pray for this.
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