The Pointer February 2022
Rector The Rt Rev Darren McCartney 028 4175 3497 suffragan1@gmail.com
The Magazine of the Church of Ireland Parishes of Clonallon & Warrenpoint with Kilbroney in the Diocese of Down and Dromore A passage that often comes to my mind is John 20. We hear of Jesus’ words spoken to Thomas. Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus uses these words to describe, those who in the future would put their trust in him. These words include you, who believe on him. He calls you blessed. I wonder have you ever given thought to these words.
He doesn’t promise us that the road ahead will be smooth and without its bumps but he is there with us.
“Come Unto Me” Joann Reed (1967)
As I study Holy Scripture I am dumbfounded at God’s grace towards humankind. Holy Scripture leaves the reader in no doubt that the Lord Almighty is a Holy God and that we as humans have introduced into the created order the problem of sin. Yet God does not simply crumple up and set light to what he has created. Rather we see his grace towards that which he made and the promise of restoration. In addition, we also learn of those who had a relationship with the Almighty. We get to see their shortcomings, their many mistakes, we see them warts and all. Yet the Almighty is always there. We see something of his great patience/longsuffering and love. Jesus refers to those who sought to believe on him and yet had not seen Him as blessed. I would like you to take encouragement from his words spoken of you, who believe in him. I want to thank you for seeking to make him the King of your lives, I wish to thank you for not giving up when times may seem tough and the road ahead difficult. I would like to remind you of the need to rest in him and his love for you, even now if your back is up against the wall. I want to encourage you to look to Jesus the author of your faith, who made himself nothing, for you and for me. He gave his everything for us, that the major problem we have with sin may be conquered. He says that he will never leave us. What a promise!
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I often give thanks to God as I remember your service and support within the life of his Church. I know that many of you give sacrificially and for this I want to thank you. May God’s name be glorified within our churches and beyond, may we remain faithful to his call on our lives. Blessings +Darren