The most excellent gift

On Saturday, I stood on St Martin’s Place, waiting for a taxi. Above the sounds of central London, the loudest noise came from a couple of street preachers. I listened to them bewailing the corruption of the world and the sinfulness of those walking by. I saw one couple challenge them. They were given a leaflet which they promptly deposited in a bin. I felt very sad – not because I disagreed with some of what they said about the state of the world but rather because the overwhelming emotion coming across was rage and anger. It’s not for me to judge their motives, but it feels reasonable to question their methods.

I was once told that all preaching needs TCP. Not the bottle of antiseptic, but Truth, Clarity and Passion. I think that’s correct but I don’t think it’s enough. What about love? How can love be left out?

I’m reminded of the story in Luke 9: 52ff

‘On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them.’

Some versions have ‘…rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what spirit you are of, for the Son of Man has not come to destroy the lives of human beings but to save them.”’

The following Collect focuses it so well for me. The words are uncompromising.

Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Jeff Claxton