Then I said: listen every one of you in the royal family of David. You have already tried my patience. Now you are trying God’s patience by refusing to ask for proof. But the LORD will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel. Even before the boy is old enough to know how to choose between right and wrong he will eat yogurt and honey and the countries of the two kings you fear will be destroyed.
Isaiah 7: 13-16

Reflect on the word IDENTITY for a few moments.

The courteous attendant at the desk greeted him.
“Good evening, sir! How may I help you?”
“Good evening! I’d like a room for three nights please.”
“Certainly sir! Could you please fill this form for me? And if you would, could you please give me your credit card so I can complete your check-in?”
“I am sorry, but I don’t use credit cards. I will pay in cash.”
“Oh! Well, sir, then may I see some identification? A driver’s license, perhaps? Or an identity card?”
“I don’t drive. We just got in on the Inter-State bus. Don’t you believe me when I say that I will settle my account with cash before I leave?”
“Well Sir, I am sorry but the Management does require proof of identity if you don’t have any credit cards or acceptable identification. Perhaps a smaller motel may accommodate you. I am sorry sir.”
The Attendant looked across at the next customer.
“Good evening sir! How may I help you?”

No one paid much attention to the man as he walked out into the street with his pregnant wife beside him. No one offered to help them.

Proving our identity is normal in our technologically savvy society. When God offers us proof of identity do we continue to ask for more proof?

You never question my identity, God. You never ask for proof of who I am. I accept and celebrate your presence.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

I love you, LORD God and you make me strong.
You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector,
The rock where I am safe, my shield,
My powerful weapon, and my place of shelter.
Psalm 18: 1-2

You are the living LORD! I will praise you.
You are a mighty rock.
I will honor you for keeping me safe.
Psalm 18: 46

Reflect on the word ROCK for a few moments.

A rock brings many memories to mind:

I remember little rocks on the edge of the school playground; the stinging pain when one was thrown at me; the rocks over which I tripped when camping in summer and the bruises that needed band aids when I was pushed.

Years later I learned to see rocks differently. I now know that rocks contain a beauty of their own. The minerals and the energy that live in them are essential to the environment. They give balance to the ecology and provide a place of safety for many creatures in forests and waterways. They are an integral part of Planet Earth.

My childhood perceptions of God have changed. Knowledge gives me strength. Yet sometimes I wonder if I understand and honour God as an adult should, or is it with the lingering perceptions of a child.

God of Strength and Energy, you are sometimes referred to as a Rock and a Refuge. I pray that I will remember to “honour you for keeping me safe.”

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

In the beginning was the one who was called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shinning in the dark, and the darkness has never put it out.
John 1: 1-5

Reflect on the word LIGHT for a few moments.

The news media seems to have perfected the art of packaging violence to grab attention. We see human faces contorted with grief and hear the gun shots that pursue them. We see fear on the face of an unarmed suspect gunned down by sharp shooters. We can recall the devastation of a fire started by an arsonist as it ravages a city block or engulfs farms and bush.

Yet we know that darkness can never extinguish the light. There is light in the face of a rescue worker, a police officer taking risks to protect a bystander, a fire fighter walking out of the flames with a child in her arms, a light shining from the open door of the Shelter welcoming the abused woman to safety. No. Darkness cannot extinguish the light.

We need to see beyond the darkness of the violence that seems to engulf our world to the light of compassion, mercy and courage that can never be extinguished.

With your Word you created the world, God. Let me be upheld by the light you shine that penetrates darkness.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

Celebrate and sing!
Play your harps for the LORD our God.
He fills the sky with clouds and sends rain to the earth
so that the hills will be green with grass.
He provides food for cattle
and for the young ravens, when they cry out.
The LORD doesn’t care about the strength of horses or powerful armies.
The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love.
Psalm 147: 7-11

Reflect on the word GOODNESS for a few moments.

How much I take for granted each day!

The sun and moon keep their appointed way. Clouds cause rain to drench the earth. Birds and beasts, flowers and trees always color the world. The seasons follow each other. The rhythms of creation are not dependent on human inventions.

Why then do we build more technology that destroys creation? Arm nations to conquer through violence and power? Pollute our environment? Go to war over the ownership of land and water?

Do I recognize your goodness each day? Or worship you as my God if I do not honor the work of your hands? Or walk past the person sleeping on the pavement while I stay preoccupied with my own needs? Can I sing of your goodness and love when I take you for granted most of the time?

And yet you continue to create and re-create, to heal and make whole, to care abundantly for us.

God of all creation, my God and my Creator, forgive me for taking you for granted and for failing to honor your Holy Name!

---

© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

Shout praises to the Lord! He is good to us, and his love never fails.
You should praise the LORD for his love
And for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink;
To everyone who is hungry
He gives good things to eat.
Psalm 107: 1, 8-9

Reflect on the word THANKSGIVING for a few moments.

I stand before you, God, in wonder!

You created the heavens and the earth. You created humankind to experience the richness of relationships with each other and with you

Alone by choice or circumstance, I realise that there is power when breaking bread at a table. My table is always laden with food and often surrounded by family and friends. Sometimes I don’t pause long enough to give thanks for your provision and goodness to me.

I wonder if into all your goodness we have introduced greed and need. Have we created economic structures that drive people to be lonely, hungry and isolated? Is it hard to give thanks when someone has so little or nothing to be thankful for?

I take so much for granted when I walk through a supermarket with a laden trolley, when the huge malls lure me with dazzling buys, when Internet shopping makes it so easy for me. I am thankful for the resources I have and yet, sometimes there is a nagging doubt in my mind. How can I offer the gift of thanksgiving to those who seem to have so little?

God of Broken Bread, I stand with thanksgiving and love for all you have given me. May I not lose sight of those who have been pushed to the edges of society.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.