Records were broken when at 11 am on Bank Holiday Monday as temperatures peaked at their highest levels since 1999. This had nearly everyone flocking to the beaches, parks and other open spaces just to take in and enjoy the sunshine which was so welcome following the wet and cold winter we’ve had. A note of caution however, as according to the forecasts there are some changes on the way which may well be a relief as it’s back to work and school for the rest of the week!
We often use familiar terms about the weather. ‘There’s a storm brewing’ or a ‘calm’ before the storm are often heard to describe our uncertainly about the future. Another is ‘fair-weather’ as far as friendship is concerned. Life, of course, is often made up of calm and storm and when things are tough that’s the time we need our friends. A true friendwould never falls into the ‘fair weather’ category always being there for use specially when we need them the most. Friendship reflects our faith in those we have come to know in a special way and that, of course, works both ways. Through thick and thin despite the possibility of differing viewpoints or opinionswe don’t call it a day especially when something needs to be said which no one else could or would say. It was Helen Keller who said ‘I would rather walk with a friend in the dark than alone in the light’ – and that says it all.
Jesus enjoyed the companyof family and friends. The first miracle of his ministry was at a wedding receptionand was an act of simple friendship. The wine had run out and so Jesus turned water into wine saving the host the awful embarrassment of letting down his guests at such a special time. He needn’t have done it. Did such an oversight even deserve a miracle? Jesus thought so – and the best wine was served. His disciples soon became his friends and they then witnessed the amazing transformation his friendship brought to outcasts and those who thought that life had given up on them. Jesus also spoke of the greater love of life giving self-sacrifice for the sake of others – this he did for us on the cross that we may know the eternal friendship of God. The cross is the greatest symbol of love and forgiveness. We have a friend and His name is Jesus.
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