Thoughts for the Day

As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

'The date when Christians first came to England is not known, but there were British bishops at the Council of Arles in the year 314, indicating a Church with order and worship. Since those days, Christians from England have shared the message of the good news at home and around the world. As the world-wide fellowship developed, incorporating peoples of many nations and cultures, individual Christian men and women have shone as beacons, heroically bearing witness to their Lord, some through a simple life of holiness, others by giving their lives for the sake of Christ.' (From 'Exciting Holiness')

Today we remember those who have gone before us, Christians who have lived lives of faith, and who may only be known to God. Although we are looking at the Saints and Martyrs of England today, those of you living elsewhere might like to remember the Saints and Martyrs from your own country. In our reading from John's Gospel Jesus prays just before his crucifixion, for those disciples he has sent out and also "on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word", and that surely includes us!

For almost 2,000 years Christians have always faced the possible threat of ridicule, torture, or death for the sake of the Gospel. You might like to consider the lives of three people (see 'Further Thoughts below'), and thank God for their work and life.

Collect

God, whom the glorious company of the redeemed adore,
assembled from all times and places of your dominion:
we praise You for the saints and martyrs of England,
and for the many lamps their holiness has lit;
and we pray that we also may be numbered at last
with those who have done Your will
and declared your righteousness.
Amen.