The Church Of The Holy Rood -- Wool, Dorset, U.K.
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The Church Of The Holy Rood -- Wool, Dorset, U.K.
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From The Revd Rhona Floate, The Vicarage, Wool, 01929 462215
Did you get what you voted for?
Last month saw the end of 13 years of Labour government as the General Election brought a result that was full of surprises and led to the formation of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. Whether this is the start of a new era in British political life remains to be seen. What we do know is that it will be no easy task for this new government to lead us through uncertain times with many challenging decisions to be taken. The business of an election involves us in a very uncertain enterprise: We have to weigh up the claims, policies and trustworthiness of the candidates and then make a decision that will have far-reaching consequences. What happens thereafter is out of our hands and we do not always get the person or the policies we voted for. I was reflecting on this with a group of people about ten days before the election, as we considered a passage from John’s gospel (chapter 12), in which Jesus makes it clear to those around him that they have to make a decision about him, based on what they had seen and heard. There are parallels with our democratic processes, in that we have to weigh up the claims, policies and trustworthiness of Jesus, and make a decision. The big difference is what happens as a result: In this decision we will always get what we voted for. Vote for Jesus, and that is who you will get. Vote for Jesus and you will receive the things that he promises, not least the promise of eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit to equip us for living the life of faith in the here and now. Vote for Jesus and he will take you on an adventure with its full share of surprises, but through it all his purposes are always for your good. If you haven’t made your mind up about Jesus, then this is a good time to consider his manifesto and decide. And a final thought on our new government. Will it find the resources, the inspiration and perseverance it needs to make this coalition work in the interests of the country as a whole? I sincerely hope and pray that it will, just as I have prayed for each and every government of this country, regardless of political hue. Your friend and parish priest,
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