Author Archives: 1urcher

I have a sabbatical soon. I want to explore how we use the Bible in urban areas, and as importantly how we teach our story to those who are biblically almost illiterate. I made a start in Lent. I am … Continue reading →

She will always be for me ‘that woman’. That is what my dad always called her. She was, I believe, a devout Christian. Many will recall Margaret Thatcher quoting the Prayer of St Francis, as Margaret Thatcher  came into office … Continue reading →

I will never forget the look of desolation in my dad’s eyes when he took my mum to one side and told he was being made redundant. I will never forget the sadness and the tears of that evening. I … Continue reading →

Luke 23:50-56 50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51 had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was … Continue reading →

As she cradled the battered body of her broken boy, Mary lifted her eyes to the heavens, from where help seemed not to come. Her lips moved and almost inaudibly, she whispered; my soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit … Continue reading →

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? This is a question that many, who trust in the God of Israel, have asked down the centuries in times of crisis, whether personal or corporate. Separation from God is only … Continue reading →

Denial seems at first glance to be less than betrayal. In the context of the Passion of the Christ this is understandable, for Simon Peter is restored and becomes a model of discipleship; with his belief in Jesus, as the … Continue reading →

The act of betrayal is always an intimate one. Is it possible to betray someone you do not know? An act of treason can only be committed by someone who seems to belong. One of the twelve betrays Jesus with … Continue reading →

Good Friday – Darkness captures the Light 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land[l] until three in the afternoon, 45 while the sun’s light failed;[m] and the curtain of the temple was torn in … Continue reading →

Maundy Thursday – Darkness comes Luke 22: 49-43 49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, ‘Lord, should we strike with the sword?’ 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest … Continue reading →