麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Rev'd Dr Mark Clavier, Residentiary Canon of Brecon Cathedral.

Good morning. A Church out of touch; tedious worship far removed from people鈥檚 daily experiences and struggles; lazy clergy pontificating on morality to increasingly empty pews; a Christianity overly keen for the approval of the Establishment. Our church today, you may be thinking? You鈥檇 be wrong. This was the 18th century.

Two men changed all that: John and Charles Wesley. With, in Wesley鈥檚 words, 鈥渟trangely warmed hearts鈥� they not only revived Christianity in England and Wales but also inspired an Evangelical Revival that would bring about social reforms and eventually sweep away the slave trade.

John is now best known as the father of Methodism, as he inspired people long ignored or belittled by an elitist Church to embrace a vibrant faith. His brother Charles adorned their Evangelical message with glorious music: the much-loved hymns that are still sung today. Together, they (and those they inspired) breathed new life into British Christianity.

Although during their own times, the Church of England could never accept the Wesleys, today Anglicans around the world celebrate their feast day. Such is our debt to those once dismissed as dangerous 鈥渆nthusiasts鈥� that we now include them in the company of our saints. In this week of Pentecost, may the same Spirit that warmed their hearts, inspire us to address our faith to the lives of the poor and the powerless.

Lord God, you inspired your servants John and Charles Wesley with burning zeal for the sanctification of souls and endowed them with eloquence in speech and song: Grant to all people boldness to proclaim your word and a heart ever to rejoice in singing your praises; Amen.