Seeker

In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve got used to maintaining social distancing. We try to stay 2 metres apart from people outside our households, except in certain permitted circumstances. As humans we are adaptable. Keeping apart from others is becoming a way of life. I feel concerned about the adverse effects of that on people’s mental health. Most of us have adapted, but staying apart from those we would normally be physically close to isn’t natural. Humans are created as social beings. We need each other. I support the rules, for my own and others' protection, but long for them to end. While we continue to find ways to live with a pandemic, I draw comfort from the knowledge that God doesn’t distance himself from us. One of my favourite sentences in the Bible is from James 4: 8  “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” That sounds as if we have to take the initiative in bridging the distance between ourselves and God. Thankfully, we don’t. If we want to to ...

On 31 October 1517  Martin Luther , a German Roman Catholic priest and theologian, one of the key inspirators of the Protestant Reformation nailed his 95 thesis to the chapel door of the University in Wittenburg. In doing so he challenged the corrupt practices of the church of his day and called for debate on those issues. Some Protestant churches observe today as Reformation Day. The Church of England commemorates Martin Luther today. So, remembering him, if you enjoy organ music, listen to this magnificent work based on Luther's hymn, 'Ein Feste Burg ist Unser Gott' (a mighty fortress is our God). Luther's original words are based on Psalm 46. Here is Willem van Twillert playing Max Reger's Phantasie uber den Choral, 'Ein Feste Burg is unser Gott', Opus 27 on the organ of Grote of Magdalena Church, Goes, The Netherlands. I love the way the organist needs not one but TWO stop pullers to assist him!