MARSHFIELD BENEFICE                                  

The Parishes of Cold Ashton, Marshfield,Tormarton and West Littleton in BristolDiocese.

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From the Vicar

October 2008

From Your Assistant Minister
Welcome to the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness…’! October heralds the onset of autumn as the leaves fall from the trees, the wind feels noticeably colder, and the days get shorter as we head towards winter. Many of the churches in our Benefice celebrate their Harvest festivals this month, and it is good to thank God for everything that He, in His love, provides for us through the abundance of creation. Throughout September many of us have been thinking and praying particularly about our relationship with the natural environment, and reminding ourselves that we need to treat it with respect, recognising that it belongs, not to us, but to God Himself. Now, as the evenings get darker earlier and earlier, let us remind ourselves that the very first thing recorded in the story of creation in Genesis is God’s Word: Let there be light. At this time of year, as the hours of daylight get shorter, it is good to remember the Source of the light. The sun that gives light to the world is only there because of God’s grace in creation, and it is God who set the natural rhythms of life, the seasons, the tides, the great circle of life itself, in place so that we could gaze in wonder at the amazing environment in which we live, and recognise in it something of God’s power and majesty.

In St John’s gospel the theme of light is very significant, and Jesus describes himself as ’the Light of the world.’ We, in this country, at this point in history, often take artificial light for granted – we have street lamps and illuminated shop fronts, and at home or at school or at work we can easily switch on an electric light if it’s dark outside. In Jesus’ day people could not take light for granted in the same way. All they had were candles or dim oil lamps, and so for Jesus to claim that He was the light of the world was to claim that he had the same power as the sun! But the light that Jesus was talking about, and that St John had in mind when he was writing his gospel, is actually even more awesome than the light of the sun. Jesus was claiming that his words and life revealed the truth about God in a way never done before. In and through Jesus Christ, light would shine in the world that would chase away the fear and ignorance that darken life. In Jesus the Word of God really had come, that there might be light for the whole world.

St Matthew also picks up on this theme of light – but he records Jesus telling his disciples that they are the light of the world. If Jesus is the supreme light, the source of all light, then we who are called to follow him need to reflect his light by living in ways that reveal his love and truth. As the natural daylight diminishes at this time of the year, let us respond by shining more brightly with the love and light of Jesus Christ in our hearts.

Yours in the light of Christ,
Peter Ostli-East                                                                            

 

For details about, baptisms, Weddings etc. please do not hesitate to contact the Revd Simon Drew, The Vicarage, Church Lane, Marshfield (Tel: 01225 891850). Please note that the Vicar’s day off is Friday.
Please do visit our website - www.marshfieldbenefice.org.uk