From the Chaplain

Greetings to KWS families

A reading for this Sunday is about inclusiveness and togetherness. It is a short, sacred song of the Hebrew people, remarking on the joy experienced when people live together without conflict. It is a song rich in ancient Jewish imagery – likening this joy to the precious oil running down the beard and robes of the priest performing his ritual, and to the dew falling on the sacred mountains of Israel where God blessed God’s people.

Psalm 133

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

It is like the precious oil on the head, 

running down upon the beard, 

on the beard of Aaron, 

running down over the collar of his robes.

It is like the dew of Hermon, 

which falls on the mountains of Zion.

For there the Lord ordained his blessings, 

life for evermore.

The first line of this song could be an understatement! Most of us know how difficult it is to live peacefully together in our real lives. The joy that comes from unity is truly remarkable – no doubt as remarkable as the above images were to the ancient Jewish people at the time.

The God of the Hebrew bible who became present in the life of Jesus, reminds us to pursue this joy. It is worth the stability, peace and happiness we experience.

May God be with us as we seek peace and unity in our lives, in our communities, and in this world.

God bless you and yours this fortnight.

Rev. Dr Rosalie Clarke

https://artandtheology.org/tag/psalm-133/

William Walker (American, 1927–2011), All of Mankind mural detail, 1972 (now lost). Stranger’s Home Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Public Art Group.