Strange things anniversaries: both milestones in the years traveled and opportunities to reflect on the miles covered. Saturday, St James Day, 25 July, marked my ninth year on the ‘bishoping’ road. St James was the first of the apostles to be martyred: he is an inspiration and a challenge to my own faithfulness to Jesus and also a reminder to pray for God’s protection on myself and all of Christ’s followers.
My anniversary day was a quiet day. I spent the day at home with my beloved bride (we took time to pray and thank God for these 9 years) and writing the Diocese’s submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Community Development re the Euthanasia ‘Dying with Dignity Bill’ proposed by the Greens’ leader, Nick McKim. If somebody had put this possibility to me nine years ago, ‘Whoever would have thought …’
I received a text and an email with greetings from friends: most generous and also interesting. I did not expect a ‘ninth’ to be remembered – some anniversaries are bigger than others. But it is always nice to be remembered – I should try to get better at it myself!
Today, Sunday, after nine years and one day of bishoping, I traveled into rural Tasmania for a Confirmation Service at St Peter’s Geeveston. I had not taken a service there before. The building is user friendly. Honorary priest, Lizzie, had undertaken a faithful and dedicated preparation in all respects. Family and supporters came from near and far to celebrate this step of saying ‘Yes!’ to Jesus. That marvelous Jesus follower, Dr Dick Geeves was present. It recalled to mind, Pat, a keen Christ follower at our Melbourne parish of St Paul’s who was also a ‘Geeves’ from Geeveston. Beware! They are everywhere.
My prayer as we end the day:
Thank you, Jesus, for the life you give. Help me to enjoy the gift of life and to be generous as You are generous. Please bless, guide and guard me in my ministry as bishop in this new, 10th, year. In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear John ( should I say Bishop Harrower although I’m not an Anglican, but certainly a Christian, not for my merit but for His Grace)
My very deep thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for having shared with you some years here in Argentina and the possibility of going on receiving your teaching through this site (like a distance learning).
Thank you again and blessings to you,your family and all people from the Churchs in Tasmania, and greetings for your first nine years!
Yours in Christ.
Pablo
Well done Bishop, I’ve really appreciated your “public Christianity.”
I’m looking forward to the next nine years!
Estimado Pablo, como estas hombre! Tanto tiempo. Si no fuera por los dones tuyos con todo el desafio financiero no se donde estariamos con la editorial y el ministerio de Certeza, aun con el ministerio de la literatura cristiana en america latina. Un abrazo grandote, hermano mio. En Cristo Jesus, Juan.