This month’s ‘Premier Christianity’ reflects on Artemis II’s moon voyage: ‘…Alongside the scientific milestones, the journey was marked by moments of faith.’
It describes pilot Victor Glover’s faith… Jeremy Hansen’s Easter message ‘…the teachings of Jesus were always a very simple truth of love…’ Reid Wiseman, despite not being a ‘religious person,’ concluding there was ‘no other avenue for me to explain.’
I’ve been in discussions where folks with rigid polarised views quote clichés, saying that science and faith contradict each other.
The article concludes: ‘Where matters of faith and science are usually framed as being in tension, this scientific exploration into space wove both together throughout the journey.’
In the Easter narrative Peter promises to follow Jesus whatever the cost… denies knowing him… runs away in shame… meets the risen Jesus… is restored. Preachers describe the contradictions in Peter’s character with well-rehearsed lessons that almost become clichés.
This morning’s Lectio365: The Greek word for charcoal fire ‘anthrakia’ occurs just twice in the New Testament. Peter warms himself by an ‘anthrakia’ when denying Jesus; Jesus cooks the beach breakfast on an ‘anthrakia’.
‘Jesus recreates the exact environment of Peter’s failure but this time he is not in the presence of accusation but in the place of restoration.’ At the anthrakia Jesus brings together contradictions and clichés with healing, forgiveness and restoration.
Yesterday morning my good friend John died. The writer, actor, director, was only 56. Conversations with John often contributed to my morning musings.
A tribute describes John: ‘…someone who gave so much of himself to the stage and the local arts community… a passionate friend and believer in the power of storytelling… Those who worked with him, knew him, and loved him will remember his warmth, his kindness, his thunderous laughter and the way he encouraged others to believe in themselves…’
In John’s passing we see contradictions – love, appreciation, gratitude… sadness, questions, grief. Clichés trip off the tongue about death, passing and a life well-lived.
Yet somewhere, between the contradictions and clichés, we remember John.
malcolmsmusings.org 
A very fitting tribute to a wonderful man. He will certainly be remembered by so many.
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He certainly was one of the good guys, Sammy. He touched the lives of many in many ways.
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My condolences for the loss of your friend, Malcolm. Thank you for sharing his tribute.
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Thank you, Nancy. He helped ind influenced many people, particularly through his theatre work..
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What a lovely tribute to John, Malcolm. May your precious memories carry you through your grief.
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Memories of John will remain with many, many people, Dana. He gave a lot to many, many people.
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My heart goes out to you, Malcolm, on your loss.
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Thank you for your kind thoughts, Joy.
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I’m sorry for the loss, Malcolm. My heart hurts for all who loved and knew him. Between the contradictions and cliches, yes–
Jesus brings ALL of these to restoration–with forgiveness and love. To our fellow men who make a difference despite the contradictions or cliche’s–God bless you. Just as the life of your friend, John, contributed so much encouragement to others.
Malcolm, the Lectio365–I too, use it daily. Morning, Mid-Morning, and Evening. After I read this I thought of the times that Jeus has visited me–in the most routine of places–around a fire (when I had the “veil” on for a while) and other places–not to shame me, but to restore and heal the root.
I absolutely am enthralled with this latest NASA crew, Malcolm. A fine group of people! Thank you for being one of the good ones too!
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It is good that Jesus meets us in the ordinary and everyday, Karla – in our grief, in space travel or when fishing! And it’s always for the best!
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Amen Malcolm!
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