The face-value of a penny black is one (old) penny. A used penny black might fetch £40. A faultless unused penny black is worth a six-figure sum. Rare coins are often of similar worth. Face-value is not everything. King Duncan in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ spoke of a traitor when he said: ‘There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face’ while Marlowe spoke of the witchery in a woman’s face that could launch a thousand ships.
Our understanding of the human scene depends on one of Shakespeare’s preoccupations: the difference between appearance and reality. When we look at dreams of liberty, we find that whatever the label, political regimes of any political hue can fall into habits of repression, coercion and ruthlessness. Dictators, whether of a Marxist or Fascist kind, look remarkably similar when they are seen by those on the receiving end of such political power. Often the promise of jam tomorrow goes along with unconcern about the present generation in the programme to bring in a Golden Age.
Jesus advised us to be reticent about our religious practice (Matthew 6.17). He told his followers that when they fasted, they should avoid making it public. They should wash their faces and keep their religion to themselves. This is an attractive trait in our religious faith. To put it crudely, it pays off in the long run. Observers notice a worth that endures rather than superficial enchantment that is for the moment. They certainly don’t like having religion thrust upon them.
We have to cultivate self-awareness. It comes down to ‘What you are is shouting so loud I can’t hear what you say.’
ALNWICK CHAINS
Inspired by the words of John Newton’s hymn, Paul Scott, Vicar of St Michael’s, Alnwick, writes about making the most of the chains falling off after lockdown. ‘As we make our way into our new unrestricted post-pandemic life and allow our chains to fall off, let’s not try too hard to strive for perfection. Rather let us aim to grow – in contentment, in faith, in hope and in love.’
An escape from lockdown is an opportunity. We’re venturing into new territory. We can help each other. As far as this blog is concerned, we invite you to share ideas. Humpty and I welcome contributions to our letters page. It hasn’t been crowded so far. Does that mean all our readers agree with us? It can’t be. We’re also inviting you to send a picture of a project or event that is or will be coming into play in your church. (Be careful about safeguarding issues. Be sure subjects of photographs know what is happening.) Send photos to the email address on page one.
The strength of the C of E is to be found in the parishes. And as Humpty might say, better to build a wall than fall off one. Let’s hear about your post-lockdown initiatives.
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