Sharon Barr, Designated Safeguarding Lead for the United Reformed Church, reflects upon Maundy Thursday and the safeguarding link for those in churches:
John 13 gives an account of Jesus sharing his last meal with his disciples, a group of friends he had come to know during his ministry.
This group was made up of different characters from a variety of backgrounds.
The events that occurred in John 13, the washing of his disciples’ feet, Jesus predicts his betrayal and Peter’s denial, were a surprise to some.
This leads me to ask: when we bring groups of people together in church, how well do we really know them and what insight might we gain about how our relationships with them will play out?
I wonder how some of the characteristics and behaviours of the disciples may resonate with those we come across in church?
Peter was impulsive, James and John were lively and passionate, Thomas was pessimistic and intense, Matthew was sociable and methodical, Philip rather hesitant and lacked in confidence, Andrew positive and enterprising, Thomas could be self-centred and resentful, Judas was secretive and ultimately betrayed Jesus leading to Jesus’ capture and crucifixion.
To me, this illustrates that no one is perfect, not even the 12 disciples that were chosen by Jesus. Therefore, we have to expect this to be replicated in our churches, we have to acknowledge that this could lead to safeguarding situations.
When people fall short, we should show some of the love Jesus commanded in John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
We can also use the wisdom of those in placed in specific roles within the church to safeguard those worshipping in our churches. Proverbs 11:14 springs to mind: “Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.”
We pray:
Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it:
A world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
A world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
A world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
A world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
(Archbishop Oscar Romero)
Find more information about the URC’s Safeguarding Team here.
Image: The Last Supper sculpture by Peter Barnes credit Sue Adair CC By-SA 2.0/www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6709052