FR JULIAN'S WEEKLY BLOG
08/02/26
‘Be sure your sins will find you out…’ It’s not just former politicians or ex-Royals who may consider that saying with a certain sense of irony! It actually applies to all of us, as individuals and as a society. Jesus tells us that nothing that is hidden will not be revealed (Luke 8. 17). As we approach Lent with Ash Wednesday on the 18th, we may well start to think about what we have said or done, or failed to do, actually has an effect on others.
We don’t like the idea of sinning, and we may purport not to like sinning. It is, after all, tempting, which is why we do. However, we might think that not everything we do really matters in the scheme of things. But it does. Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion states that for every force in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction. If you push something then either it will move the same amount it’s pushed, or else (usually) will set up a counter force, such as when you push a heavy door – it fights back!
It is the same with sin. Something is not wrong just because the bible or the law of the land says so, it is because what we do has consequences on others, be these people, the planet or the environment. One day we will have to own up: now is the time to start thinking about doing so.​
01/02/26
Have you noticed it’s been raining recently?! Storm Chandra (who thinks of these names?) has wrought its worst at the beginning of the week, leaving parts of Taunton impassable because of localised flooding. Pictures appeared on social media showing flooded footpaths, parks and roads; the Tone was flowing very rapidly and very much higher. Long-term residents will recall the floods of 50+ years ago, when the ‘leigh Roads were underwater before the river was diverted underground.
The power of water is sometimes underestimated. Those who have survived flooded properties will know that the water isn’t like tap water, but is full of mud, refuse and sewage as all the infra-structures become inundated. Water of course is very much present in the Bible – the Flood, the Exodus and further Jordan accounts. Of course, we think about the baptismal purpose of the Jordan as well as its being crossed.
Water cannot ultimately be controlled by humans; we have to learn to respect it. Water, and we have it in abundance, is a sign of life. And water, symbolically and practically is a sign of cleansing. All these attributes are also attributes of God. We can’t control him. We cannot create life. And we cannot cleanse sin. So as we await the next inevitable storm, let’s reflect on this.​