Tag: Faith

A rare and joyous beauty

The Dog-Wood Rose. Photo by Gill Henwood.

“The hedgerows are arching with dog rose blooms, buzzing with bees and heralding summer.”

My friend Gill has sent me this photo of a dog-rose growing in the Lakeland hedgerow near her home. It is a sign that summer is bursting forth in our part of the world, even though June rain storms try to tell us otherwise!
The dog-rose is perfect for pollinators such as bees and later in autumn, as its blooms are transformed into rose-hips, it is a source of food for birds.

The legend that gave it its name is attributed to ancient times. It is suggested that the Roman naturalist, Pliny, encouraged a belief that the plant’s roots could cure the bite of a mad dog. Hence its botanical name is ‘Rosa Canina’. The plant was popular for treating bites from rabid dogs in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.
Another view is that the name is related to the hooked prickles of the plant which have a look of dog’s teeth. It’s thorny, unruly stems make it an ideal hedge plant, giving it a density which allows it to do it’s job of protection.
It may, of course, simply mean wild rose, of which there are several species, to differentiate it from cultivated and posher roses! Maybe that could remind us that wild beauty is a God-given pointer that Nature has its own way of painting our world with a rare and joyous beauty.

This can be related to some of the meanings of the dog-rose.
One such meaning is that of ‘Purity’, especially in a religious and spiritual sense.
It is also known for its ‘resilience’ in that, whilst having delicate flowers, it can withstand harsh conditions.
In affairs of the heart the Dog-Rose has been linked with ‘love and beauty’, in many cultures and mythologies. In Victorian times the flowers were given as a sign of affection which, if returned, suggested an interest in marriage. You can always trust the Victorians to find ways of expressing sentimentality.

Though there is no specific reference to the Dog-Rose in the Bible, it has been linked with the Rose of Sharon In the Song of Solomon 2:1, we read : I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.
Links have also been drawn with Isaiah 11: I – a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom, which has been interpreted as a reference to Jesus.
There is no real link with the Dog-Rose in either passages and the Rose of Sharon is usually taken to refer to the plant, Hibiscus Synacus.

However, in one symbolic meaning of the plant, there is a direct link with Jesus Christ. The Dog-Rose is strongly associated with Rebirth-and Resurrection. This is partly because of its association with love and purity but it is also linked with a legend about the Crucifixion of Jesus.
In this legend there is a suggestion that the tree was once very large and the wood was strong. It was thus able to be used in Crucifixion.
According to the story it was the dogwood tree that was used to make the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Because of this, it is said that God both cursed and blessed it.
It was destined to be forever small so that it could never grow strong and tall again and be used as a cross for crucifixion. Also, its branches would be crooked and twisted which would make it useless for such a purpose.
Then God also blessed it. It would produced beautiful flowers each Spring, white or pink, as a sign of Easter glory. God also made its petals in the shape of the Cross, each flower having four such petals. In the centre was a crown of gold.

Like all legends there are things that could be disputed but, legends are never made-up stories nor fanciful thoughts. They always contain a truth which, whilst sometimes clothed in mystery, leads us into a deeper understanding. God is always bigger than the words and thoughts we have of him and we would be wise to see His signs and hear His language in Nature and in the Cosmos and also in our hearts where God’s Spirit constantly dwells. So the lovely Dog-Rose has much to teach us and we who seek God’s truth have always more to learn.

In this spirit, I print below an anonymous version of the Legend.
Make of it what you will but don’t just dismiss it for it may be that otherwise you will, to quote the poet Frances Thompson, you may miss the many splendid thing.

In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
‘Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven.
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown,
The blossom’s centre wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of My agony.

[Anonymous]

Mr. G. 6th June 2025

Celebrating difference through Trust

Ruth Klauber, photo by her daughter, Sue

Celebrating Difference through Trust.

The 80^th commemoration of VE (Victory in Europe) Day on May 8^th and events surrounding it was bound to be a time of emotion for many and of quiet reflection. At a time when there are increasing conflicts around the world it is hard not to feel a sense of futility. Can we talk meaningfully about the Victory of Peace over War when humanity is seemingly locked in battles and struggles with each other. The futility is even greater when we note that a few leaders of nations are mainly responsible for what is happening. Just about a dozen men are holding the world to ransom. The real tragedy is that 8.2 billion of us are letting them. A proportion are even physically involved in fighting at the whim of those leaders. Not surprisingly there is increasing talk of a Third World War, this time with the probability of using nuclear weaponry and all the horror that brings with it.

Conflicts are being witnessed in other places where there is a battle of a differing kind. The fear of difference; racial, sexual, gender issues, poverty, malnutrition, injustice are all part of a mix in which might swamps right and bullies impose their views. Sadly, some of that fear can be laid at the feet of religion and an insistence that ‘truth’ can only exist if it is ‘my’ truth. In his book, The Dignity of Difference, the Late Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks said that “Truth on earth is not, nor can it aspire to be, the whole truth. It is limited, not comprehensive; particular, not universal. When propositions conflict it is not necessarily because one is true, the other false. He suggests that the difference is because we are coming at something from a different angle but both are only part of the truth because, he says, only in heaven there is truth; on earth there are truths.“
Something I try to remember when I think I am right!

This week of remembrance has therefore a deeper meaning than gratitude and thanksgiving. It is also a time of going forward with new resolve and with a seeking of a new attitude and deeper sense of care for each other. This means that we must seek the well-being of others, with compassion, a sense of justice and kindness. Celebrating, not fearing, difference.

This came home to me when a lady called Ruth Klauber was interviewed on the BBC programme on Bank Holiday Monday.

Ruth is 101 years old and in 1933 her father brought his family to England from a Germany which was just becoming ruled by the Nazi party. He had read Hitler’s book ‘Mein Kampf’ and realized what was happening, not least to Jewish families such as his.

His daughter Ruth settled in England and when War broke out, she decided to join up to share in the fight against Hitler and his dictatorship which was already destroying those in German society who were different and considered ‘impure’. Amongst them of course were Jewish people but also gay people and Romanies.

Ruth joined the Royal Air Force where it was suggested that she might be a cook, or a batwoman, someone who looks after officers’ uniforms! She said ‘no’ to these suggestions so they said, “well, you can be a flight mechanic”. Which she thought might be interesting so that is what she did.

In 1942, she joined an RAF crew fixing the bombers that helped the Allies to turn the tide of the war. These included Lancaster Bombers and she, with a handful of women worked alongside male mechanics. She spoke of working with people from different backgrounds but everyone got on with each other. They grew to trust each other’. This became a key to how we might live and work together on common tasks.

Ruth said,“We all got on together and I just wish we could learn to trust each other. People couldn’t waste time emphasizing differences. We had to learn to work together and just get things done.”

Ruth then had something to say to us today:

“I do think that difference is what people fear and that’s something we have to think about, how we can make it possible (to get on with each other) when there isn’t a common enemy – we need to trust each other more.”

She has lived a long time and has a deep insight and wisdom of the human condition. She is a voice with that common-sense authority which is born out of a life which has been forged in times of persecution, and making the most of things. When she tells us that we must learn to get along with each other and TRUST one another, she speaks to us from the heart. We should listen to her.

A Ponder Quote :

“Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being, is always a good first step towards a greater understanding.”

-Queen Elizabeth II – Christmas message 2018

Amen to that.

[Mr G]

{}{}{} for more information about Ruth Klauber, there are many articles about including from the Jewish Chronicle.

All Hail the Lamb

detail from : Adoration of the mystic lamb, from the altar-piece of Ghent Cathedral
Belgium. [photographed by Mr G.

The Ghent Altarpiece

In the early 15 century two Flemish brothers, Hubert and Jan van Eyck produced one of the great masterpieces of western art: the Ghent altarpiece known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. It is a multi-panel painting that can be displayed both open and closed, revealing different scenes and levels of detail. When closed, the altarpiece primarily displays the Annunciation, while opening it reveals the intricate and vibrant “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” scene.

Although of outstanding artistic and religious significance it is surrounded by controversy and speculation, not only from art historians but theologians as well. It is currently undergoing a time of restoration and research which is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

In total the altar piece is constructed from 18 separate panels. Its main panel depicts the Lamb of God on an altar set in an expansive landscape surrounded by figures in various groups. These include Old Testament judges, Knights of Christ, holy pilgrims and holy hermits; saints of both the Old and New Testaments. Above this lower central panel there is a depiction of God, with Mary to the left and John the Baptist to the right. In turn, they are flanked by the figures of Adam and Eve.
The Altarpiece was completed in 1432 and it is a truly great work of art; one of the most influential paintings ever painted.
The panels depict biblical scenes as well as a portrait of Joos Vijd who commissioned it and his wife Elisabeth Borluut.

At the heart of the painting is the Mystic Lamb, seen on the central altar. It symbolizes Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made for humanity. From a wound on its chest, blood pours into a chalice which represents Christ’s sacrifice and its commemoration in the Eucharist.
Around the altar, in various groups are gathered those who gaze on the Lamb in adoration. The Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist are contrasted with the figures of Adam and Eve with a depiction of God in the panel above that of the Lamb.

The painting has had quite a difficult life and has been described as the most stolen piece of art in history. It has also been hidden when iconoclasts and others would have preferred to destroy it.
On the morning of 11 April 1934, Ghent woke up to news of a disaster. Two panels of the Altarpiece, ‘The Just Judges’ and ‘John the Baptist’ had been stolen from St Bavo’s Cathedral! This daring theft has grown to become one of the most fascinating art robberies of the 20th century. It remains unsolved. The panel of John the Baptist was returned later anonymously but that of the ‘Just Judges’ remains at large! There is a hope that it will be found in due course, meanwhile a copy takes its place.
As if that wasn’t enough the painting was stolen by the Nazi’s in 1940. Hitler wanted to establish a museum of culture in his home town of Linz. Whilst plans for the building were completed, the painting, along with many others, was kept safely in a salt mine in Austria, which also guaranteed its preservation.
When the Allied troops were getting near, there was a plan to dynamite the salt mine but such a disaster for the art heritage of the world was averted by the residents who lived near the mine.

Today, the Altarpiece has its own chapel in the Cathedral where it can be viewed freely. It is an amazing work of art but it is much more.
For the believer, there is a strong sense of being led into adoration not just of the painting itself but of the resurrection it signifies.~The Lamb is one of the powerful symbols of Easter not only because lambs are themselves signs of new life at this time of year, but also because in Christian art, the Lamb depicts Christ Jesus, risen from the dead and glorified.
As I sat before the painting, in contemplation, the only response I could make was to be still and pray, giving thanks for all that God in the Risen Jesus has given to me – and the unstoppable and unconditional love through which He saves and redeems me and you.

In Christian symbolism, the lamb represents Jesus, “the lamb of God” (agnus Dei). (Jn 1:29, Rev 5:12) Standing with a banner, the lamb represents the risen Christ triumphant over death. Standing with a cross and a gash in its side, it symbolizes the passion of Christ. Seated on a throne or a book, the lamb represents the judgment of Christ. Because the lamb is humble, gentle, and innocent, lambs are often engraved on the tombstones of children.

Paschal triumph, Easter joy,
Only sin can this destroy;
From sin’s death do thou set free,
Souls re-born, dear Lord, in thee.
Hymns of glory, songs of praise,
Father, unto thee we raise.
Risen Lord, all praise to thee,
Ever with the Spirit be.

{final verse of the hymn : At the Lamb’s High Feast we sing}

[Mr G] Easter Friday 2025

Pope Francis speaks to us before Jesus takes him to heaven

*John Dugdale, Christ the liberator. Morton St NYC*

Pope Francis’ Easter Message 2025

Christ is risen, alleluia!

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!

Today at last, the singing of the “alleluia” is heard once more in the Church, passing from mouth to mouth, from heart to heart, and this makes the people of God throughout the world shed tears of joy.
From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear unexpected good news: Jesus, who was crucified, “is not here, he has risen” (Lk 24:5). Jesus is not in the tomb, he is alive!
Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge. Evil has not disappeared from history; it will remain until the end, but it no longer has the upper hand; it no longer has power over those who accept the grace of this day.

Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted; not one of them has been lost! In the passion and death of Jesus, God has taken upon himself all the evil in this world and in his infinite mercy has defeated it. He has uprooted the diabolical pride that poisons the human heart and wreaks violence and corruption on every side. The Lamb of God is victorious! That is why, today, we can joyfully cry out: “Christ, my hope, has risen!” (Easter Sequence).
The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! + Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.
All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.
Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. Easter is the celebration of life! God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again! In his eyes, every life is precious! The life of a child in the mother’s womb, as well as the lives of the elderly and the sick, who in more and more countries are looked upon as people to be discarded.

What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of our world! How much violence we see, often even within families, directed at women and children! How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!
On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!

I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible! From the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Resurrection, where this year Easter is being celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox on the same day, may the light of peace radiate throughout the Holy Land and the entire world. I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. The growing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation. I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!

Let us pray for the Christian communities in Lebanon and in Syria, presently experiencing a delicate transition in its history. They aspire to stability and to participation in the life of their respective nations. I urge the whole Church to keep the Christians of the beloved Middle East in its thoughts and prayers.
I also think in particular of the people of Yemen, who are experiencing one of the world’s most serious and prolonged humanitarian crises because of war, and I invite all to find solutions through a constructive dialogue.

May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

On this festive day, let us remember the South Caucasus and pray that a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon be signed and implemented, and lead to long-awaited reconciliation in the region.
May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.
May the risen Christ, our hope, grant peace and consolation to the African peoples who are victims of violence and conflict, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan and South Sudan. May he sustain those suffering from the tensions in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, as well as those Christians who in many places are not able freely to profess their faith.

There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.
Nor is peace possible without true disarmament! The requirement that every people provide for its own defence must not turn into a race to rearmament. The light of Easter impels us to break down the barriers that create division and are fraught with grave political and economic consequences. It impels us to care for one another, to increase our mutual solidarity, and to work for the integral development of each human person.

During this time, let us not fail to assist the people of Myanmar, plagued by long years of armed conflict, who, with courage and patience, are dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Sagaing, which caused the death of thousands and great suffering for the many survivors, including orphans and the elderly. We pray for the victims and their loved ones, and we heartily thank all the generous volunteers carrying out the relief operations. The announcement of a ceasefire by various actors in the country is a sign of hope for the whole of Myanmar.

I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the “weapons” of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!
May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions. In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenceless civilians and attack schools, hospitals and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity.
In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever (cf. Easter Sequence). He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new (cf. Rev. 21:5)!

Happy Easter to everyone!

+ Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5).

Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (NRSV)