Thursday after Epiphany

A story to make you smile. Two young elopers from Germany have been stopped by police from running away to Africa to tie the knot. Guards at the Hanover Railway Station were suspicious of the two young elopers who had sneaked away from their parents’ homes in the early hours of the morning and were waiting for a train to the airport. They were “very much in love” said a spokesman and wanted to go to Africa because “it is warm.” However, being aged only 5 and 6yrs of age, and accompanied by the girl’s 7 yr old sister as a witness, they didn’t get as far as they wanted. The police were called and they convinced the young children that they wouldn’t get very far without tickets. They were later reunited with their parents. The story is a rather cute one of course with a happy ending, although it could have ended disastrously and dangerously. Thank goodness they are safe. At only five or six I would imagine they have a lot to learn about love and romance and getting married. For now, they have to be put their plans on hold. They will have to wait some time before they tie the knot!

The reading from the first letter of St John, at first glance, seems to be tying us up in knots. But the letter tells a love story – the story of God who is not just loving or loveable but is love itself and who is very much in love with the people he has created. His love was revealed, says St John, when he sent his Son into the world so that we could have life through him. The reason we love one another and the reason we know what love is, is because God has loved us first. And if we say we love God the proof of that will be in how we love one another. But now we really do seem to be getting all wrapped up in knots, and love is sounding quite complicated. So much for tying the knot!

A crucifix was recently removed from the outside of a Church in Horsham, Sussex. It was removed because many people thought it was a rather scary and frightening image and, it is said, put off people going to Church. I’m not sure how the work of art worked for people. But the image, as scary as it is, is one that reveals the love of God as proclaimed in the letter of John. It may not be totally understood by people who don’t understand the Christian story. It may not connect with people who are looking for a happy ending and don’t know what the ending of the crucifixion story is. But like it or not, the work of art demonstrates the love of God as told by John in his letter. The crucifixion is not cute or tidy because love and life is not cute and tidy. But in the midst of our untidy life it’s nice to have a news story that makes us smile. Need something else to make you smile? We don’t have to wait for God to tie the knot. He’s already done that in Christ.

Readings: 1 John 4:19-5:4; Luke 4:14-22
The illustrations of the homily may be found here and here