All Saints’ Church

Dear Neighbours,

I wonder how many of you made a 2025 New Year’s Resolution. I am rather embarrassed to admit that I have never done this. Why? Because I fear that I would fail to keep the promises I’ve made, even if only to myself.

I remember reading, Religion for Atheists, by Alain de Botton. He argues that while claims made by religion are false, some aspects of religion are still useful and can be applied in secular life and society. Interestingly he feels comforted by religious architecture, words, and music.

He writes about why in his experience we need saving... from ourselves!  He talks about the HPTFTU, that is our High Propensity to ‘mess’ Things Up. It is no secret that Christians get down on their knees Sunday by Sunday to say sorry, or in churchy language to confess their sins.

When Peter, a disciple asks, if forgiving seven times is enough, Jesus responds “not seven times, but seventy times seven.” The number seven in the bible alludes to perfection or completeness. Imperfect though we are, Christians are called to be perfectly forgiving.

Jesus, nailed to a cross shows us how that’s done, as he speaks to those people who were complicit in his dying; “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Resolutions are so much easier to make than keep. Perhaps, this New Year I should simply try to be more forgiving.

Wishing you many blessings in 2025

~ Vicki