Christian Comment with Peggy Ludlow Vicar of Rodborough Parish Church
I LOVE walking, and here in Stroud walking along the canal has become one of my delights.
The easier, lighter days bring new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
As I explore and plod on, one step at a time, I often wonder about the wanderings of Jesus.
How many miles he must have walked, the itinerant preacher, and what a state his feet must have been in!
I rarely imagine his face: just a profile, a keep-going kind of face.
I want to take hold of the Gospel accounts and – well, and travel with them.
By foot, of course, since that was how Jesus got about – the best way, because we meet with others when we walk.
Time to greet each other and pass the time of day.
In this season of Lent, if we are willing, we can tread the steps along the Via Rosa, and follow the way of the cross.
Its power brings up extraordinary questions for us about who Jesus is.
Jesus 'set his face' towards Jerusalem and the events that led to his death: there was no turning back, just the city ahead.
What a journey, and what a place to visit in our hearts and our imaginations!
It takes us on the way of the cross, willing to leave our certainties about life for the frailty of God.
In these weeks you will pass posters on notice boards about services, and maybe eat some chocolate eggs.
The time of year will not escape you, but its story might.
This season offers everyone an invitation: to read the story, or to join others in our churches; to wander into a church building this month, and to seek peace and quiet.
Faith is a journey: it takes a delight in small things.
In searching, in not giving in, it goes those extra steps and, like the very best journeys, rewards those who dare to step out.
Where will your spiritual wanderings take you this month?
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