Sermon: John 20: 19-23 Peace be with you

This evening gives us another opportunity to reflect on the good news of Easter. And, because it’s a praise service, we get to lift our praise to our risen and glorified King Jesus. But the first Easter evening wasn’t just as relaxed and enjoyable for the disciples.

As they gathered together, they didn’t have a chiming bell to invite any and all who would come in. There was no loud, rousing music and triumphant hymn singing. In fact, they didn’t really want anyone to join them. The door wasn’t open. It was closed. Locked. Bolted. Danger outside, fear within.

Our readings today are keeping track with the events of the first Easter Day. This morning we heard of what Mary Magdalene, Peter and John saw - Mary saw the stone rolled away from the tomb. Peter and John saw the strips of linen still lying where the body of Jesus had been. John saw and believed that Jesus was alive.

Mary (in the passage we’ll look at next Sunday morning) then meets with Jesus, and goes to the disciples with the news ‘I have seen the Lord.’ Even with that eyewitness report, the disciples are still afraid. Perhaps even more afraid now than before.

Before, they might have been scared that they would be next to be arrested, tried, beaten and crucified. Now with Jesus’ body missing, the Jews might be even angrier. They might come after the disciples to get their own back.

And so the disciples are together, on the evening of that first day of the week. They have the doors locked for fear of the Jews. They’re fearful. It’s as if they’re listening out for the march of soldiers; the arrival of unwelcome visitors.

Then suddenly, in the midst of their fear, even with the locked doors, a visitor appears. A very welcome visitor. ‘Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

To the fearful and frightened, Jesus speaks a word of peace. Now, this greeting of peace was one that was common - indeed, still is to this day among Jews - they’ll often say ‘Shalom.’ But this is far from a customary greeting. Rather, it’s a bit like the Passover meal itself.

Jesus was celebrating Passover with his disciples, using familiar words, the same words used for hundreds of years, when suddenly he gave them new meaning, with new words added in. This is my body. This is my blood. So it is here, that Jesus takes this regular greeting of peace, but invests it with a new understanding of what peace means.

What is peace all about? Perhaps you’re looking forward to a couple of days of peace and quiet. An absence of fighting or stress or noise. But peace isn’t just the absence of war, it’s a positive, blessed life under God’s kingdom. And Jesus shows us what peace is all about.

‘After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.‘ Peace is possible only through the nail-marked hand and spear-pierced side. Jesus shows them the ‘wounds of love’ - the scars of the cross, the only basis for peace with God, and with one another.

And what a difference it makes to the disciples, knowing that Jesus is with them, that Jesus is alive, that Jesus has triumphed through the scars of the cross. ‘The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.’

They weren’t just a wee bit happy. Not just a tiny bit more thrilled than they had been before. They were overjoyed. An overabundance of joy as they see the risen Lord.

Are you like the first disciples this evening? Are you fearful, for whatever reason? Are you locked away, present, but still remote, reserved, trying to keep yourself safe and free from harm. Even behind your locked doors, Jesus appears. He is with you on the inside of your fear. And he speaks those same words to you tonight. ‘Peace be with you.’ Jesus has conquered. Jesus longs to give you joy, even to make you overjoyed. Because he is with you. He is alive.

Now, maybe the disciples thought that that would be enough for one evening. Jesus speaking peace and bringing transformation to them. That’s grand. Let’s sing up and go home. We’ve experienced that peace for ourselves. But Jesus isn’t finished with disciples who are just transformed. So he again speaks peace to them - peace to be shared.

‘Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”’ (21) On Tuesday evening we thought about the domino effect of God’s love - the Father loves the Son, who loves the disciples, who are to love one another. In the same way, just as the Father had sent Jesus, so now he sends the disciples.

The message of peace isn’t to stop with the eleven in the room. It’s a message to be shared far and wide, as the disciples are sent out to bring peace wherever they go. And once again, it’s peace with God that is front and centre.

As Jesus breathes on them, he promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. And with the action, comes the words: ‘If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ (23)

As the disciples bring the gospel of peace, they bring the offer of sins forgiven. And we still bring the possibility of sins forgiven, if we know the gospel of peace. Just as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent us to bring this good news to everyone we meet. So that they know they have a Father who loves them, that they can have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

In a matter of minutes, the disciples were transformed by the peace Jesus offered, but they were also commissioned by the peace Jesus still offers. Have you experienced that peace yourself? If not, Jesus offers it to you tonight. And if you have, why would you not want others to share in it? Peace isn’t something to be kept to yourself. It’s something to be shared, far and wide. Jesus says, ‘Peace be with you.’ And you. And everyone. Amen.

This sermon was preached in St Matthew's Church, Richhill on Easter Sunday evening 1st April 2018.

Sermon: Luke 2:14 The Christmas Truce

Almost 100 years ago, a most remarkable event took place. In the worst of times, something so unbelievable happened that it’s remembered to this day. It even featured in the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert this year.

Lieutenant David Williamson from Castlecaulfield wrote home to his father about it: ‘There was a sort of truce arranged today (Christmas Day) between some of our fellows and and Germans in front of them... Our men went across and they and the Germans exchanged tobacco and talked and sauntered round between the two lines of trenches. It was the queerest sight in the world to see two lots of men, who a few hours before were intent on killing each other (and will be again tomorrow!) talking together as if they were the greatest friends in the world. They even arranged a football match, and since I started writing this letter a telephone message has come through to say that the Germans had won by three goals to two.’

The Great War had begun in August, with the promise of being home and finished by Christmas. But the war continued, so that troops found themselves in the trenches on Christmas Day. The fighting wasn’t over, but men who were enemies enjoyed peace on Christmas Day as fighting stopped. For at least a little while, the fighting stopped, there was a period of peace. It seems too good to be true, and yet it happened.

As we hear the Christmas story, a truce is announced, and the promise of peace is given. In the skies above Bethlehem, the angels sang to the shepherds, and here’s what they said: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

The birth of the baby brings glory to God and peace to people on earth. While the Great War was paused for Christmas Day, it’s a deeper peace that the angels are singing about; a deeper peace that the Lord Jesus brings.

In our first reading, we heard of how sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. The consequences are all around us. Sin has infected and affected each of us, our personality, character, and relationships. The rebellion begun by our first parents is carried on by each of their children. We naturally rebel against God. We choose to sin in our hearts and in our actions. We have enrolled in the army of God’s enemies.

Yet to a world of rebels, the angels sing of peace. Peace among those with whom God is pleased. Peace for all who will receive it. And it comes wrapped up in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

Jesus comes into the world to turn rebels back to God. This is the message of Christmas, good news in a world of bad news. You can know his peace tonight, if you come to him. Lay down your opposition to him, turn around and receive his promise of peace.

We can have that reconciliation tonight, and take that peace with us everywhere we go, even when we deal with annoying relatives over the Christmas holidays. So let’s sing of it now, in the words of our last carol, ‘peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’


This sermon was preached at the Carol Service in Aghavea Parish Church on Sunday 21st December 2014.

Sermon: Philippians 4: 2-9 Praying for Peace

Have you ever had the experience of suddenly discovering you’re being talked about? You might be in a room with someone, and they’re on the phone, and out of the whispers you hear your name being mentioned. You wonder what it is they’re saying about you! Or perhaps it’s even happened at church. You’re sitting, minding your own business, when you hear your name. What’s being said? Why are they talking about you?

It’s one thing to be talked about when they think you aren’t listening. It’s even worse if they include you in the conversation and start talking about you. Particularly if it’s not something you’d want to be said about you!

Imagine, for a moment, that you are a lady called Euodia. Or, that you’re a woman named Syntyche. You’re part of the church in Philippi. You gather on that Sunday morning and discover that Epaphroditus has made it back home from visiting Paul. He had taken a gift from the church, and now he’s back. He’s even brought a letter from Paul. There’s a hush as the letter is read out. And then, out of nowhere, you hear your name. Paul has written about you. And, it’s in the Bible! How amazing, to get your name in the Bible, which the church will read for the next two thousand years.

Oscar Wilde once said that the only thing worse than being talked about was not being talked about, but in this instance, it might have been better to not be talked about. You see, Paul mentions Euodia and Syntyche, not in order to say how great they are, but in order to ‘entreat’ them to agree in the Lord.

They weren’t getting on. We aren’t told specifics, but it’s serious enough for Paul to address them directly. They had both worked with Paul, laboured side by side with him in the gospel, but now they’ve fallen out. So Paul appeals to them to agree, to come back together.

Throughout the letter Paul shows the importance of partnership, being together in the Lord, setting each other as more important, following the example of the Lord Jesus. The theory is wonderful, but Paul won’t rest with the theory. He wants to see it bring change in the lives of the disciples. Euodia and Syntyche are mentioned by name. They need to agree. Do we have any Euodias and Syntyches in our congregation?

Could it be that this word to Euodia and Syntyche is actually a word to us as well? We can work beside them for the gospel, we get stuff done, but actually, we haven’t gotten on for years?

Even if your name isn’t Euodia or Syntyche; and even if you aren’t being addressed in those early verses, we find that each of us is being spoken to in the remainder of the passage. Paul returns to another of his themes as he commands the Philippians (and us) to ‘rejoice in the Lord always.’ And just in case you haven’t got it, he says it again: rejoice!

Perhaps as you hear his command, the barriers have already gone up. How could I possibly rejoice when I’m dealing with this? I don’t feel like rejoicing with the news I heard this week... Does Paul really know what he’s talking about? But remember, he’s sitting in prison. Is he making sense? Well, he urges us to ‘let your reasonableness be known to everyone.’ So how is this rational? How is this reasonable, to rejoice, no matter what is happening?

The answer comes at the end of verse 5. This isn’t just something to remember on the First Sunday of Advent. This is something for every day of the year. ‘The Lord is at hand.’ When troubles come, we tend to isolate ourselves. We imagine we have to work it all out ourselves. But Paul reminds us that the Lord is near, at hand, as close as our hand is. This changes everything!

Because the Lord is near, we don’t have to be anxious about anything - instead, use that emotional energy positively, by praying! The Lord is near, the Lord will hear. In prayers, supplications, requests, we come to the Lord. But we also come with thanksgiving - remembering what has already been done and given.

As we do this, as we pray, we have this promise: ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ We can’t make sense of it; we can’t reason it out; but God’s peace comes in the midst of mess, in the thick of troubles and trials, to guard our hearts and minds.

Perhaps you’ve already experienced this peace. You have come through a trial. Those watching don’t know how you have coped. You can’t even explain it yourself. You just know that the Lord was near, that his peace was given to you. This is what’s on offer, more and more, as we pray rather than worry.

Alongside our praying, as we bring our concerns and worries to the Lord, Paul gives us a second strategy for rejoicing. We find it in verse 8. ‘Finally brothers, whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise - think about these things.’

What is it you feed your mind on? What is it you spend your time watching or reading or listening to? When your mind is in neutral and you’re having a little day dream, what is it you find yourself focussing on? What preoccupies your thoughts?

Most of us probably enjoy a bit of gossip; some tasty morsel about the misfortune of someone else. Or plotting the downfall of an enemy. Or feeding our minds with hate and envy and wrath. But are these things healthy? Helpful?

We rejoice in what is good. We become like the person or thing we worship. To break the cycle of negativity, we are to take every thought captive. When you find yourself thinking of something, stop, ask yourself - is this true? Is it honourable? it is just and pure? Train yourself to think about the pure and honourable and true.

And above all, train yourself to think much about the Lord Jesus - the one who truly fulfils all these categories. It is as we think of him, and pray to him, and practice the things that are commanded in his word by his apostle, that we discover that God is with us.

There’s a lovely turn of phrase Paul uses here. As we pray to him, the peace of God will be with us. And as we think on him, the God of peace will be with us.

Paul sets before us the way to pray for peace - peace with God, peace with one another, and peace within. The Lord is indeed near. He hears our requests. He answers them for his glory and our good. Let’s pray to him now.

This sermon was preached in the Brooke Memorial Hall, Brookeborough on Sunday 30th November 2014.

Remembrance Sermon: Romans 5: 1-11 Peace With God

After years of fighting across Europe, with devastation on an unimaginable scale, the guns fell silent at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918. We gather today on Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to Armistice Day to remember all that happened. 9 million had died. But on that day, eventually, peace had been achieved.

For a time it had seemed impossible. The conflict seemed to go on and on, the two sides facing one another in the trench warfare, but now peace was here.

The outbreak of peace was welcome news. The surviving soldiers could return home. The conflict was ended. The war to end all wars had finished. Peace was the result.

In a world of war, with conflict seen on our TV news nearly every day, we long for peace, whether that’s in our province or in our homes; our work or our hearts. The desire for peace is strong. And in our reading today, Paul declares the good news that war is over: ‘Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1) For those who are justified by faith, the rebellion against God has ended, there is now peace.

You see, our reading comes in the middle of what Paul is saying. He starts off in Romans by declaring that we are all in rebellion against God. We have taken what he gives and have used it against him. We have turned away from God - whether we are religious or not. No matter how respectable we may look today, the fact is that we have declared war on the Creator of the universe.

In return, God has set the penalty for our sins. Each of us are sinners, fully deserving God’s wrath. As Paul writes in chapter 3, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We might aim for it, but it’s like an arrow that doesn’t hit the target. We all fall short.

But the good news is that Jesus Christ has come to turn us around, to announce the message of peace. As we trust in him (put our faith in him and what he has done), we can be justified - that is, it is just-as-if-I’d never sinned. Rather than being in rebellion, we are welcomed in. We have peace with God - no more hostility, when we simply come and bow before him.

Now, when you think of it, that would be great in itself, wouldn’t it? Your sins wiped out. The assurance that they don’t stand against you any more. They’ve been dealt with. But there’s more. You see, God doesn’t just deal with our sins and grudgingly let us just inside heaven, as the least he can do. No, we receive even more: ‘through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.’

There’s two things there - we have obtained access to God’s grace - it’s not that our debt is cancelled and we now sit on the breadline, but rather, our debt is cancelled and we’re given millions into our bank account. God’s grace is credited to us, we are given out of the riches of his grace.

But even more than that, we have the hope of what will happen in the future - the certain and sure sharing in God’s glory. What a turn around! This is the amazing offer of peace with God that is extended to us today. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, as the hymn puts it.

Now all that sounds great, doesn’t it? Of course you would rejoice in being justified, in having peace with God, receiving his grace, and the promise of hope. But then Paul says something that is a little bit strange. ‘And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings...’ Now why does he say this? He shows that God can use all things, even our sufferings, for his glory and our good.

‘knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.’

It’s not that Paul was a bit weird and loved feeling miserable. It’s not that he quite enjoyed suffering. But rather, he points to the process that can happen as suffering brings endurance, and character, which leads to hope. It’s all guaranteed, Paul says, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

But how can we really know that God loves us? How can we be sure that it’s love? We see it by his actions. At this time of the year we hear many stories of bravery and courage. Let me tell you about Billy MacFadzean.

Billy was a young man in Belfast when the First World War began. He joined up with the Ulster Volunteers, but never came home. On the morning of the Battle of the Somme he died, and received the Victoria Cross:

‘For most conspicuous bravery near Thiepval Wood, on 1st July 1916. While in a concentration trench and opening a box of bombs for the distribution prior to an attack, the box slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Pte McFadzean, instantly realising the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the bombs. The bombs exploded, blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew his danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment's hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.’

Billy gave himself for his friends. Seeing the danger, he willingly gave his life for them. What an amazing sacrifice. The love that he showed to die for his friends was incredible.

But what Jesus has done is even more incredible. Billy died for his friends, but Jesus died for his enemies. ‘For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.’

As he goes on to say, ‘But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.’ The message isn’t: clean yourself up and then we’ll see about making things better. No, the message is that when you were at your worst; when you were still fighting against him, Christ died for you.

The Lord Jesus, who had committed no sin dying for sinners. He gave up his life so that we might have eternal life. A demonstration of his great love for us.

It’s the message of peace. An invitation to receive his love, to lay down your weapons, and be welcomed in. And it’s there at the cross, the place of the ultimate sacrifice, where everlasting peace has been guaranteed, if you’ll but come.

This sermon was preached in Aghavea Parish Church on Remembrance Sunday, 10th November 2013.

Sermon Audio: Psalm 46

Last Sunday morning being Remembrance Sunday, I preached from Psalm 46: Refuge and Strength. Here's how it sounded.

Sermon: Psalm 46 Refuge and Strength

Charles Blondin was a famous tightrope walker. He made a name for himself by crossing the Niagra Falls many times on a tightrope. Massive crowds would come along to watch him perform his amazing feats. One day, he was about to set off, pushing a wheelbarrow across the tightrope, when he asked the crowd a question. ‘Do you believe that I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?’ The people quickly responded, ‘Yes, yes, you are the greatest tightrope walker in the world! You can do anything!’ Okay, he says, ‘Get in the wheelbarrow.’

I wonder if you had been in the crowd that day, would you have got in? It’s one thing to believe something is possible, in theory, when there’s no pressure. It’s quite different when it’s for real. Does the belief hold true? Is the faith genuine?

As we gather on Sunday mornings, we’re not just indulging in fairy stories. We don’t gather to feel good about ourselves for a wee while. Rather, we come together to declare what it is we believe about God. We remind ourselves and each other of the truth that we have received, and which we believe. But just like Blondin’s barrow, it’s not enough to just say we believe it. Does it hold true? When things are difficult, can we depend on God, or was it all just pious, religious waffle which won’t actually help or make a difference when it really matters?

Take Psalm 46, our reading today. The opening verse declares some things about God. They’re comforting things, reassuring reminders: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ It’s a bold declaration about who God is, and what he is like. It’s a great verse for today and each day, something to recall every morning.

God is our refuge - a place of safety and shelter - whether it’s a mountain refuge where climbers can take cover in a storm, or a place where those in danger can be protected. The Lord is like a refuge; and is also our strength - the one who gives us power when we are weak. As well as those emergency times, this verse reminds us that God is also ‘a very present help in trouble.’ Like the RAC slogan: ‘There when you need us.’

Verse one is something that we can declare. But does it hold true when we face times of trouble? Does it make a difference to our lives when we need him most? Or are these just nice sounding, but empty words? Let’s examine the psalm.

If you have opened your pew Bibles to page 529, you’ll see that Psalm 46 breaks into three sections (1-3, 4-7, 8-11). We’ll see that the message of each of these three sections is loud and clear: God is with us as our refuge.

Have you ever seen one of those disaster /apocalyptic movies? A few years back there was a film called 2012. It showed what could happen if freak weather was unleashed on the world - and included a memorable scene where the city of New York was flooded in October 2012 - something which happened last week... A few years ago, Kevin Costner starred in a film called Waterworld - no, not about the swimming pool in Portrush, but rather about a massive worldwide flood due to global warming.

It’s a bit like the scene in view here - mountains shaking in the heart of the sea, waters roaring and foaming. This autumn we’ve been looking at the creation - this is as if creation is going in reverse, dry land consumed by the waters. Yet the writer declares: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change...’ Even in the worst case scenario, we don’t need to fear, because God is our refuge and strength. What a great declaration of faith and trust!

Scene two moves us from geographical tumult to political turmoil. The focus shifts from the earth to the city of God. A city under attack, as the nations are in uproar, the kingdoms totter. God’s people are in danger - should we be afraid here?

Instead of the chaotic sea, we’re drawn to the river flowing in the city of God, an important water supply. But more important than the resources, we’re told that God is in the midst of the city, and therefore it will not be moved. So even if the nations attack, God will be our help - ‘he utters his voice, the earth melts.’

While the words are different, the idea is the same at the end of the section - here’s the summary: ‘The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’ It’s the other way round from verse 1, but it’s the same theme - God is with us, God is our refuge.

Scene three takes us to the battlefield after the war. God has defeated his enemies. Wars have ceased. God gives peace to his people. The weapons of war have proven useless against him, they are destroyed. The writer is showing us how foolish it is to oppose God - we simply cannot win against him.

Then suddenly, unexpectedly, God himself speaks in verse 10. This is both a rebuke to those who would oppose God, as well as a comfort to those who are trusting in him: ‘Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.’

To those who oppose God, who fight against God, who have rejected God (and let’s face it, that’s all of us), it’s a call to lay down our weapons, to realise how foolish it is to fight against God, the one who rules over the whole earth.

Instead, we need to hear these words as those trusting in the Lord, in the real world of danger and trouble. You see, so often you hear this verse taken out of context as a cosy meditation, on a retreat in a posh hotel, surrounded by luxury, as if it’s just asking us to pause for a moment to remember that God exists. But look at the context - this is God’s word to us when things are dangerous and difficult; when we’re fearful and frightened. It’s in this context that God speaks: even though you want to fight or take flight; ‘Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.’

When we receive this reassurance, it’s only right and proper that we respond, in the only way we can - by trusting in the Lord, as we find that he is with us, he is our refuge. Whether in times of change, war or peace, ‘The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’

As we come to our final hymn this morning, a version of this very Psalm, the challenge is there: can you make these words your own? Can you say God is my refuge? And as you say it (and sing it), will that make a difference to you this week in the difficulties you face? It’s time to get in the wheelbarrow, and turn words into deeds, and trust the Lord as we declare: ‘The Lord of hosts is with me, the God of Jacob is my refuge.’

This sermon was preached on Remembrance Sunday, 11th November 2012 in Aghavea Parish Church.

Book Review: Son of Hamas

The Middle East is a place like no other. It's hard to know if anyone truly knows what is going on in the conflict. Despite some attempts to make comparisons between the Northern Ireland peace process and the search for peace in Israel and Palestine; indeed, with many in Northern Ireland lining up to take sides based on questionable alliances and allegiances, it's probably best to admit ignorance of the entire thing.

On holiday, one of the books I read was Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef. You've probably heard of Hamas, but who is it, what does it do, and what are they trying to achieve? Yousef has a 'most unique perspective... I am a son of that region and of that conflict. I am a child of Islam and the son of an accused terrorist. I am also a follower of Jesus.'

Yousef shares his family history, as well as his own story. His father was one of the founders of Hamas, passionate for returning people to the teaching of the Qur'an. Yet in the situation of Palestine and the conflict over territory and religion, Hamas felt that something had to be done. 'Hamas was largely animated by religious fervour and the theology of jihad, while the PLO was driven by nationalism and the ideology of power.'

Yousef's personal story is remarkable, being under surveillance by the Israeli authorities and the American special forces, being arrested, and all that follows in prison. I can't really say much more without spoiling it for you if you're going to read it, but let's just say that it's a white knuckle ride through times of trouble and terror.

As has already been mentioned, Yousef is now a Christian, having been invited to a Bible study in Jerusalem, and through the book we see how he is transformed in his words, thoughts, and actions. If anything, it's slightly disappointing in how little he talks of his conversion and how he explains it, and yet, his analysis of Islam is perceptive and illuminating:

'...the other side of Islam. Islamic life is like a ladder, with prayer and praising Allah as the bottom rung. The higher rungs represent helping the poor and needy... the highest rung is jihad... few look up to see what is at the top... A moderate Muslim is actually more dangerous than a fundamentalist, however because he appears to be harmless, and you can never tell when he has taken that next step toward the top.'

This is a fascinating and tense insider account of the turbulent times of the recent middle East. The story commands your attention, and helps to explain what is really going on, and what is needed for a true and lasting peace in the region.

Blue Monday

How are you doing today?

Psychologists reckon that today is the most depressing day of the year. And so soon into the year as well! Seemingly it is a combination of the weather, the amount of post-Christmas debt (and the time delay until pay day at the end of the month), the time since Christmas celebrations, the time that New Year Resolutions generally fail, having low motivational levels, and the feeling of a need to take action. The day has been dubbed 'Blue Monday' by some.

Thankfully, the only thing blue in my life is my car! Yet for many, this may be an especially difficult time, as December credit card bills arrive taking into account the Christmas spending, especially on Santa's presents. The temptation may be to only pay the minimum amount, but in the end, Christmas will be much more expensive, and the debt will be around for longer. Experts recommend paying off credit card bills in full each month, to avoid high charges and the development of interest.

Yet for the Christian, no day is more depressing than another - in fact, no day need be depressing at all. Rather, each day is a new day to rediscover the love of God in fresh ways. Amazingly (and perhaps slightly ironically), we discover this in the book called Lamentations:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Armistice Day : Peace in our Time?

Today is the 90th anniversary of the ending of World War One - the Great War. The guns fell silent and peace came to the world. Or not, as the history books are quick to remind us. As has often been said, this was supposed to be the war to end all wars, and yet on our troubled island, the conflict was not long in starting again.

You see, in 1914, Ireland was divided into unionists and nationalists. Some wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, and some wanted to have Home Rule - probably the best they were likely to get short of full independence. When the war began, both sides sought to prove their loyalty to the British, and to have leverage over the government when the war ended, so that the British would honour their claims. The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and the Irish Volunteers both signed up to the war effort. Meanwhile, some of the Irish Volunteers stayed behind and launched the Easter Rebellion in 1916.

So on the 11th of the 11th 1918, peace was meant to have arrived. Yet, as we perhaps forget all too easily, Ireland would soon see not one, but two wars within the space of five years.

The December 1918 General Election showed a massive surge of support for Sinn Fein, and those MPs held a meeting in Dublin where they declared themselves to be the Parliament of Ireland - the Dail Eireann. The very same day that the first meeting of the Dail was held, was the day that the War of Independence started, with the murder of two RIC men in Soloheadbeg in County Tipperary. Less than two months of peace, and Ireland was at war.

The British Government moved on with the Government of Ireland Act 1920, which created the two Home Rule Parliaments in Belfast and Dublin. Only the Northern Ireland Parliament ever sat under this Act, as the Dail claimed to be the rightful assembly for the rest of the island.

To return to our main theme, though, it appears that history is repeating itself, as we can learn from the end of the War of Independence. Michael Collins and several colleagues travelled to London to sign the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921, which recognised Dail Eireann and also promised a Border Commission to evaluate the final border between the South and the North. Yet Collins, in the end, was not speaking for the whole republican movement - dissidents existed even in 1921.

The Republican movement was split between those who were pro-Treaty, and those who were anti-Treaty (holding out for the whole island's independence). The War of Independence was over, but the Irish Civil War began, and would see two years of bloody conflict.

If anything, this period in Irish history reminds us that yesterday's IMC report is not surprising. The republican movement always seems to divide when there are agreements to be reached. The dissidents are still active. Peace in our time? Let's hope that on this Armistice Day, ninety years since the end of the Great War, Ireland will not be plunged into war yet again by the Real IRA or the Continuity IRA.