Worship - 17 November 2024

Summary of this week's theme

As we conclude our year of reading Mark’s gospel on (most) Sundays, we reflect on Jesus' final days near the newly completed temple in Jerusalem - a marvel of beauty, yet a structure Jesus foretold would soon fall. This temple symbolised the glory sought by God’s people, yet Jesus emphasised its impermanence: ‘Not one stone here will be left on another.’ His message was clear: while sacred spaces are meaningful, they are ultimately temporary. 

What truly matters is not the building but the people and what lies in our hearts. This reminder speaks to us today, especially as we take pride in our own places of worship. Just as the disciples admired the temple, we cherish our churches, preserving them and valuing their history. Yet, as Jesus reminds us, we must recognise that these buildings are only a vessel, not the essence of faith. My young child once said, ‘We are the church, Daddy. That is just a building.

This precocious wisdom underscores the point that the church is its people, defined by our actions, compassion, and commitment to each other’s well-being. 

This call to immediate action resonates in contexts of safeguarding and accountability within the church. Following a week that has once again highlighted cases of abuse and institutional failures, as documented in the Makin report, we are reminded that safety in the church is created by people - by individuals who care, listen, and protect others, particularly the vulnerable. True safeguarding isn’t about protecting an institution’s image but offering comfort, recognition, and care to those in need. Abuse, when it happens, cannot be erased, but honest acknowledgment is essential. 

The church's mission is to provide safety, both spiritual and physical. Our buildings may shield us from the elements, but it is people who ensure emotional security. Safeguarding is a collective, Christian calling. In a world where institutions often prioritise self-preservation, Jesus’ words remind us that these structures are transient, while God’s love and our duty to uphold justice and compassion are eternal. 

As we continue our journey, let’s remember that, although everything around us may change, God’s love endures. We are called to work towards justice and compassion, contributing to a world where God’s love and peace prevail. While Jesus’ words remind us that nothing we see here is going to last, he gives us advice, and encourages us to hold on to this lasting truth: God’s love will always endure.