Critics and Doubters.

Yesterday’s news was dominated by scenes of celebration in the Middle East. Israeli hostages returned home from Gaza; Palestinian prisoners and detainees were released. US President Donald Trump took centre stage as the first phase of his peace plan was acted out.

Critics and doubters speak of issues of trust with Trump, Hamas and Netanyahu; it’s a ceasefire, not peace. Key details need to be negotiated and agreed. Fighting could restart. For now, at least, there’s temporary relief.

On Saturday we visited York. By the cathedral there was a plaque to ‘Elizabeth Montagu (1780-1800), Founder member of the Bluestocking movement’.

Mid-18th century women were only involved in practical, non-intellectual activities. Elizabeth Montagu and her friends formed a literary discussion group. Blue stockings, worn in everyday life, referred to the informality of the gatherings and the emphasis on conversation rather than fashion.

Critics and doubters questioned the desirability or possibility of women taking part in any educational activity…

Our car radio reminded us: yesterday would have been Margaret Thatcher’s hundredth birthday. A phone-in discussion regarding potential celebrations and the legacy she left brought predictably varied, polarised opinions.

The ‘Iron Lady’ was not without wit or humour. I particularly enjoy: ‘If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.’

And of her critics and doubters: ‘If my critics saw me walking over the Thames they would say it was because I couldn’t swim.’

This morning, reading Acts 2. …Fifty days after Jesus’ crucifixion, his disciples are together indoors, scared, uncertain, apprehensive. They hear a strong wind… observe tongues of fire on each other… go outside speaking foreign languages boldly, empowered…

Critics and doubters say they’ve had too much to drink… Peter addresses the assembled crowd… The Christian church, as we know, it is born.

Donald, Elizabeth, Margaret and Peter each faced doubters and critics. We all interpret unfamiliar or extraordinary circumstances through the lens of our existing knowledge and prejudices.

We decide whether we join the critics and doubters.