Spoiler alert - a bit political. An angry post!

Truth. 1 Esdras 4:38-41 "But truth endures and is strong forever, and lives and prevails forever and ever. With it there is no partiality or preference, but it does what is righteous instead of anything that is unrighteous or wicked. Everyone approves its deeds, and there is nothing unrighteous in its judgment. To it belongs the strength and the kingship and the power and the majesty of all the ages. Blessed be the God of truth!” When he stopped speaking, all the people shouted and said, “Great is truth, and strongest of all!”

Reflection. Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth." Pilate did not understand that 'truth' was standing right in front of him. Yesterday our Prime Minister stood at the Diapatch Box in Parliament and apologised for a breach of Covid regulations. And yet, it was nor an apology. It seems you and might have misunderstood the rules about gathering with others outside. When is an apology not an apology? When we hear, 'Sorry, but...' The PM suggested that 'technically the party was within the guidelines.' It is naughtmarish to me when leaders 'gaslight' people. It is the antithesis or truth.

In May 2020, I conducted burials at which very few family members were able to be present. The families concerned had a double level of grief. Is the PM now saying that if I had taken wine and cheese and picnic food to the graveside, more of the family could have attended, as I would have been working. A cemetery becomes a garden-like extension of my workplace. Of course, this is lunacy.

Read again the passage from 1 Esdras above. "Great is truth, and strongest of all." Truth endures and will transcend this dark moment in our politics. Of course truth will prevail for Jesus is the truth.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, we hold the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie, close in our prayers.  This must be a difficult time for them. In the name of Jesus, who is the way, truth and life. Amen.