February 2026

Today’s reading from Genesis, the story of Abram obeying God’s command and setting out on a journey without knowing its destination reminded me of a session we had in Synod in 2017. The topic was the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese. One speaker explained that he instinctively wanted a road map of the journey – the A, B, C & D as he put it – but that he had learned that A was enough and that, if you set out, B, C and D would follow. I warmed to his words because I too...

“Go on have another one. These chocolates are lovely and what harm will it do any way?”

“Just one kiss won’t hurt and who will know?”

“I know I can’t really afford it but ...”

Life is full of temptations. Every day we are faced with choices between doing the right thing or indulging our selfishness. Today’s readings are all about temptation and the problems it can cause if we don’t resist. Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent led to the fall of humanity and it took Jesus’ crucifixion to make things right between the Creator and the creation...

One often hears some folk described as ‘the salt of the Earth’.  A familiar phrase often used to describe a thoroughly decent, unpretentious person, perhaps a bit rough round the edges but good, nonetheless. To be referred to as ‘the salt of the Earth’ is a compliment and not an insult. 

Salt is a very plenteous chemical. We find it deposited underground, in vast caves; in the sea water covering the globe and within most living creatures and quite a few inorganic objects. It has, I believe, even been found on other planets!

Salt - is simple chemical compound, sodium...