Dean Charles Tyrrell

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Sermons Archive

 

As I began to think about my words to you today, I was saddened to receive the news of the death of a friend, the Bishop of Peterborough, Ian Cundy. Ian taught me Christian doctrine at theological college and for that I will always be grateful. Ian went on in his career in theological education and was eventually consecrated as suffragan (or assistant) bishop in the Chichester diocese before being appointed as bishop of Peterborough in 1996. Elaine and I visited Ian and his wife Jo at their palace in 2006 and that visit will hold special memories for us for the rest of our lives. For the following year we were sad to hear from our friends that Ian had developed an insidious form of cancer and it was the recurrence of that last week that brought his life to a premature end. Well, premature in the sense that it was too early because he still had much to give in his leadership of the church. In all other senses Ian had lived a full and complete life, dedicated to his Lord and the Church in which he had been nurtured. 

Ian knew that his life was approaching fulfilment, I am sure of it. I read Ian’s address to his clergy on Maundy Thursday this year at the annual renewal of ordination and ministry vows. His words can only be seen as prophetic, insightful, preparing his people for the fact that he would one day leave them. It reminded me so much of the wisdom contained in Jesus’ discourse to his disciples, contained in St John’s gospel. Not that Ian would ever give the same authority to his words with those of Jesus, but what he said demonstrated a depth of understanding because Jesus had walked that way before. For example, Bishop Ian said to his clergy at the cathedral:

 

And in some words which will stay with me and challenge me to reflect about my own situation, Ian added this:

‘Last weekend I re-read the book that 25 years ago had a profound effect on my thinking about theology and ministry - The Stature of Waiting. Although I have not read it frequently during those years its thesis has remained imprinted on my mind. The author, Canon Bill Vanstone, begins by considering the almost universal use in the gospels and in Paul of the Greek word paradosis – handing over. Up to that point in Jesus’ life he has been the active initiator, now his fate is decided by others. Both the archetypal gospels, Mark and John, make it clear in different ways that now his ministry is passive – others take the initiative – and that in that change the full significance of his ‘passion’ is to be understood.’

 

This provided me with a remarkable insight. In today’s world, even in today’s church, there is so much talk about goals and objectives and visioning and revisioning. We seem to have become dominated by a new theology, the theology of successful organisational growth. It’s an obsession that, in my view anyway, if not kept under control, can take away the inspiration provided by God, and make us think that it is we who can save the church. We have the answers. It is we who will become known as great builders of the church. It is a temptation we need to resist.

 

I don’t regard myself as a strategist but neither am I the sort of person who just wants to coast along in the hope that in the end all will be well, in a haphazard way. No. In fact, saying that reminded me of Dame Julian of Norwich who declared very positively, “And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” She declared this in full knowledge that at the end of all things, God’s consummation would bring about healing, salvation and restoration to people of love. Even that is no excuse either for over regimentation of our systems or the development of a laissez faire attitude to ministry. The answer lies somewhere in between, as is so often does in the church. This is something we need to consider together in the near future.

 

Before I bring my words to a conclusion, would you permit me just one more recourse to the words of my friend? As he was concluding, Ian said,

 

 

‘Jesus Victim’ was transformed by the resurrection of God to ‘Jesus Victor’ not merely to provide a happy ending to the story but to indicate to us all the Way, the Truth and the Life which is ours through him. We too can be victors: victors over the trials and pains of life; victors of the constant barrage of temptation which comes our way; victors over the evil and misinformed machinations of some others; victors in that one day we shall share paradise with Jesus, the risen Lord of the garden tomb. 

 

And now, Christ is making us ready to farewell him at his ascension. As he said to his followers, “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate^* will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” This is the spirit in which we need to approach his pending departure. So, do come and join us Ascension Day, this Thursday, as we release Jesus to his Father with the proviso that we shall continue his life changing, life enhancing ministry to the world, to this community, to this parish. We shall do so not with slick systems in place, but open to the leading of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, we shall go forward as patients, those who are being led by the hand by others, responding to needs and wants of a broken people.

 

We do this because Christ is alive and reigns with the Father and the Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.