Reflection for Saturday 6 March 2021

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

This past week we have been reflecting on the CROSS, and for many of us the hymn above will be sung at many times during the next few weeks, especially as we approach Good Friday.

The words sum up everything life giving that comes to us by God through the self sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

These words hold a special place in my heart, for they were the words that struck deeply into my very soul on a Good Friday 25 years ago.

I had heard the call to ministry of Word and Sacrament, but had been running in the opposite direction, anxious about the future. Most of it financial worries if I had to give up work, but also doubting my ability to go to study at university, having left school at fifteen with no qualifications.

That year on Good Friday, after a three hour service of reflection at my local church, the hymn, the Wondrous Cross was sung and my heart was pierced.

I collapsed in tears and made my mind up to answer the call and God has held me in the palm of his hand ever since.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life"