From the Rector

Dear Friends,

The Crayle Sermon 2024

Esteemed and distinguished guests and community members, today, we are gathered here not just in celebration of faith but in acknowledgement of the profound legacy left by Sarah and Ann Crayle in the 17 hundreds. Their vision and generosity have made a significant difference in the lives of those who are on the margins of society, originally by providing clothes and bread, but also the bedrock of this Crayle service, and indeed this sermon.

Sarah, in her unique foresight, bequeathed 40 shillings to be given to the preacher, a request which is still honoured, and if you are wondering, it is a symbolical amount, for what she termed a 'useful and practical sermon'. A sermon that not only honours her memory but also provides tangible wisdom for our lives. It's a significant challenge, and I stand here, inspired by her vision, to meet it, especially as useful and practical are not always words necessarily associated with sermons, but I shall try my very best.

We turn our attention today to the Gospel of John. This text is not just a cornerstone of religious doctrine; it is a rich tapestry of inspiration, applicable to all, regardless of our diverse beliefs or backgrounds. Its words resonate beyond the walls of this church, into the very heart of our community. The Gospel begins with a statement of profound depth: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' A local poet and member of this congregation once wrote, and I paraphrase:

Words do not exist on the basis of a textbook or achieved through a degree in literature. Words are only alive on the backdrop of THE Word of the Lord and only exist because he made it so. He wrote it so. He sang the very first tune of the most powerful poem there is, the Word of God.

In this Gospel of John, 'the Word' is not merely a symbol of divine wisdom or truth. It represents an inherent order and logic in the universe, a foundation of shared values and truths that bind us, irrespective of our faiths. It calls us to make decisions guided by wisdom and to act with the awareness of a greater good that transcends our desires.

John eloquently speaks of a light that shines in the darkness, a light that the darkness has not overcome. This light is more than a metaphor for hope and understanding; it represents the very essence of goodness that exists in our world. We witness this light in simple acts of kindness, in our efforts to understand each other, and in the resilience, we show in the face of adversity. It shines brightly in our schools, where young minds are nurtured, in our public services that uphold our community’s well-being, especially as they face increasing challenges to deliver them, and in the heart of every volunteer contributing to the betterment of our society, for which this church should play an important role.

The passage introduces us to the figure of John the Baptist, a man who came to testify about the light. He was not the light but was a witness to it. This is emblematic of our roles in the community. We, too, are called to bear witness to the goodness around us in a non-tokenistic way – to celebrate our community's achievements, to speak up against injustice, and to shine a light on what unites us, rather than what divides us.

Furthermore, the text from John speaks of the true light that gives light to everyone and does not discriminate. This light can be seen as a symbol of universal truth and moral clarity. In a community as diverse as ours, it reminds us of the importance of full inclusivity, understanding, and respect for different perspectives. It challenges us to ensure that every voice is heard and valued and to create a space where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. It ensures there is a space at the table where all are seen and welcome.

John’s Gospel also talks about the power to become children of God, born not of natural descent, nor human decision, but born of God. This transcends religious boundaries, suggesting a spiritual kinship among all people. It invites us to see beyond our differences and to recognize the shared humanity and dignity that connects us all. We are far stronger together, than we are divided.

Finally, John’s Gospel speaks of the Word becoming flesh, bringing hope and truth into tangible reality. Amidst societal erosion, at our peril, and in the context of our civic life, this is a clarion call to action. It is not sufficient to merely speak of values and ideals; we must embody them in our policies, in our community initiatives, and in our relationships with each other.

As we reflect on these verses from the Gospel of John, let us remember that we are more than just a collection of individuals. We are a community, united by shared values and a common purpose, through social cohesion. It is a fundamental aspect of any thriving community, as it plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious and stable community. It is a measure of the degree of connectedness and solidarity among individuals within our community, regardless of cultural, ethnic, economic, or social backgrounds. The importance of social cohesion cannot be overstated.

To foster social cohesion, we must work collectively to build trust, promote inclusivity, and address underlying social, economic, and political inequalities. Encouraging dialogue, multiculturalism, and community-building initiatives are essential steps in nurturing and maintaining social cohesion. Ultimately, a cohesive society is better equipped to address the challenges of the modern world and provide a higher quality of life for all its members.

May the light, mentioned in the Gospel of John, guide us in our civic duties and responsibilities, illuminating our path towards a community that is inclusive, compassionate, and vibrant. May we all be inspired to bring these words to life, not just in our conversations but translated into our daily actions and interactions.

Together, our challenge is to continue the foresight and legacy of Sarah and Ann Crayle into the 21st century.

I would like to end with a very apt prayer from Teresa of Avila:

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks

Compassion on this world,

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,

Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,

Yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which

He looks compassion on this world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

 

The Revd Preb. Joseph Fernandes

Rector of Acton

 

 

 

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