Author: mrgsponderings

Witness to God

nastursiums with water droplets. Light transforming darkness.
photo: Mr G

Martyrs – God’s witnesses

We probably don’t get as excited and inspired by stories of Christian martyrs as did the early Christians. 
Of course, we in England, don’t have to face persecution for our faith in the same way that they did
—though many Christians throughout the world are imprisoned or killed for believing in Jesus Christ and living their lives as Christians. 

Last Monday, February 16th, the Church remembered Janani Luwum , Archbishop of Uganda, who died in a car ‘accident’ in 1977.  This proved to be no accident because his death was ordered by the dictator Idi Amin, the tyrant who found the opposition of the Christian Church to his harsh rule too much to bear.  Janani was a voice Amin decided to silence so his death was arranged.  He became one of the countless martyrs to the Christian faith in a century in which more Christians died than any other.

A martyrs’ death always inspired the Church in the past.  Not only did it remind Christians of the costliness of discipleship, it also stood as a witness to those who believe that we too are to stand firm in our faith against opposition. 
Today we may not live in a country where we shall be murdered for going to Church but there are many signs that Christianity no longer holds the place in British society than it did, nor is the Christian way of life all that popular.  In a sea of indifference, witnessing to God is as powerful today as it was in the face of active persecution.

One of the most inspiring stories of martyrdom comes from the early days of the Church.  In 155AD, St Polycarp was put to death by a Roman Governor because he refused to renounce his belief in Jesus.  He is remembered today, February 23rd.  He had been Bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor for 40 years when the Roman Emperor demanded that Christians turn away from Christ and swear that only Caesar was lord.  Polycarp refused and he made what has become a classic statement of faith:

“Eighty and Six years have I served Him and He has done me no wrong. 
How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour.  I am a Christian.”

Polycarp paid the price for his witness to Jesus and the account of his martyrdom swept through the Christian world becoming a strength for many others who faced persecution.  He became what TS Eliot said in his play ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ – one of those who was used by God for his love of men, to warn them and to lead them, to bring them back to his ways.

Though we may not be put to death or imprisoned for our faith, it isn’t true for everyone today. There is plenty of evidence that people of faith suffer for what they believe and even in countries like the United Kingdom we are still called to a life of witness against a background of indifference, ridicule, unbelief , hatred and verbal opposition.
When we are up against it and our faith is under attack it is in the martyrs lives (and deaths) that we can find a strengthening of our own faith.  We are reminded that ordinary Christians with faith like ours refused to deny that faith even when it was costly to keep it.

During Lent, Polycarp can be our inspiration too.  We serve God because he has blessed our lives (and so done us no wrong but rather done us good!) and so we can be proud to call ourselves Christians.  If during Lent we meditate on just how much good God has done for us and resolve, therefore, to serve him as witnesses in the world, whatever the cost, then Lent will become a time in which our faith is made more strong and when we are led back to his ways—the way of self-giving Love.

[Mr G. 23rd Feb 2026]

PS> Though this article is written from a Christian standpoint, other religions are called to witness to God and also to lead costly and sacrificial lives. Let all who love and are loved by God share in showing the meaning of that love to a world so desperately in need of it, and of God.

Thanks be to God

with thanks to Snoopy!

A wise friend once said to me that it only costs the price of a stamp to thank people for something they have done for us or a kindness they have shown to us. Saying Thank You can seem a small thing to do but it can make a world of difference to the person receiving thanks.
Today we might do this via email, WhatsApp or telephone but sending and receiving a greetings card is still rather special.

Kindness is something which is too often lacking in society and it’s all too easy to take people for granted.
That is particularly true about God. We take his love for us for granted and we can fall short of thanking him for his goodness to us.
That is something that I think as we approach Lent.

At a time when so much in the world is dark and negative, life can exist in a state of gloom and emptiness.
That can only ever be part of the story. There are many things that happen which are much more positive. There are also people who make our lives happy and hopeful, joyful and full of kindness.
So, one thing which can help us to change the balance from despair and sadness to joy and gladness is to spend time on giving thanks. In particular we can use the period of Lent as a time of thankfulness to God.
At the beginning and end of each day we can identify something that has happened recently and for which we can thank God.  Maybe write these things in a notebook which build up into a special kind of prayer book, or maybe use post-it notes.

We can offer our thanks in a very simple way. During a time of quiet,  perhaps only a few minutes, you can tell God your thanksgiving.  It may be for some personal action of God’s grace in your life or for something good that has happened to you or you may want to thank him for taking care of you through a difficult period of your life. You may simply want to thank him for the way he continually blesses you and holds you in love. It may be a thanks for what others have contributed to your life, or for a kindness to a friend or relative. It may be for a new insight into the working of God’s love and grace.

Basically we want to Thank God for his many blessings to us—blessings which far outweigh anything negative in our Life.
We continually rejoice at the way God showers his love and grace upon us and how God blesses our efforts to live out the Gospel and try to live a corporate and individual life of discipleship. We try to serve God as best we can and He guides, strengthens and rejoices in that service.
The Book of Common Prayer has a prayer of General Thanksgiving which we might pray. This prayer can gather your thanks to God. Here’s a modern version.

Almighty God,  Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us
and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world  by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray,  give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves
to your service, and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness  all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Or something quicker,
a prayer of Dag Hammarkjold (a former General Secretary of the United Nations )

Dear God,
For all that has been, Thanks!
For all that will be, Yes!

[Mr. G. February 14th 2026]

Ordinary Time?

Photos by Gill Henwood of Hellebore & Rhododendron in her Lakeland Garden

The short period between the end of the Christmas Season (at Candlemass on February 2nd) and Lent, is known in the Church as ‘Ordinary Time’.
As far as Nature is concerned this is very far from the truth. In the Western Hemisphere and particularly in Europe we are moving into the season of Spring. Though in many parts of Europe it has been a particularly stormy and wet period of late, there are many signs that there is new life emerging from the earth.

The photos which my friend Gill Henwood has sent show “hellebores in full flower and an early rhododendron.” She says that “both were budding before Christmas and, so far, have weathered frost and wind”, not forgetting hares which have turned their attention towards other plants this year!
The Christmas Box plant has been wafting  beautiful scent throughout Cristmastide.  The aroma is fabulous even on dark mornings and dark night walks in the garden. For Gill, this is  a reminder of the Frankincense of Christmas.

The ‘Greening’ of the earth which Gill’s photos point to is being experienced through the emergence of buds and bulbs shooting on branches and in the soil. Crocus and daffodil are close behind. My tulips are pushing leaves through the top of the pots, seeking the breath of light and life. This morning, near the church path, buds and a dusting of green spoke to me of God’s amazing creative activity. This Winter has been harsh for many and the world situation is so dire that there is a need for us to re-focus.

Right on cue we can fill our lungs with a breath of hope and wonder.
We can find joy in the singing of the birds and soon the animal kingdom will fill our fields, forests & woodlands and gardens with new life. Bees and butterflies, insects and worms will populate our gardens, hedgerows,lakes and ponds. So much new life and growth will teem and swirl, dance full of life and reach to heaven as the trees prepare to become shade and homes and hiding places for all manner of creation..

And we? The Spirituality of Nature lifts our souls from creation to Creator.
All this is gift from our giving God!
And in a mutual thanksgiving, our part is to be custodians and stewards of the earth, living in deep friendship with Creation, Nature, and with all who allow us to share this earth with them.

As the poet Rumi reminds us:

In this earth,
in this immaculate field,
we shall not plant any seeds
except for compassion,
except for love.

Such a giving from God leaves no room for anything from us but compassion and  love for all.
Hardly an Ordinary Time!

Woodland by Gill Henwood

[Mr G. with thanks and love to Gill Henwood for her wonderful photos
and comments.]