Bob Warwicker's blog

After yesterday’s lovely sun became more fitful, we have rain this morning. I’ve not so far been for a walk, although yesterday’s downhills have left me with some aching joints.

From the Lectionary for Sunday,
“21:28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’
21:29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went.
21:30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go.
21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.””
This snippet from Matthew’s Gospel, admittedly taken out of its context about the relationship between Jesus’ people and Pharisaic Judaism, did raise for me a completely separate question.

Yes, I want to answer, “the first” as well – but the way the media work in the twenty first century, people are more likely to favour the second son. We love to hear ‘all words and no action’ if those words suit our pre-existing beliefs.

… or rich people have feelings too.

More on this later, maybe.

Another fine day, and here for a short break among the redwoods.

From next Sunday’s lectionary, in Philippians… “2:5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 2:7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 2:8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death…” I believe that this is what Mr Johnson was asked to read during yesterday’s BoB memorial service.

We were at loggerheads today…

These were audible from somewhere in the distance. It seems as if the shooting season is going with a swing, as if there were nothing up with the country. Meanwhile, a local school has sent all its children home because of COVID in the kitchen. I know the economy needs to be kept going in some way at least, and there are difficult decisions to make. But other sectors of the economy remain in deep trouble without much prospect of help – and I’m sure there are other ways of getting foreign exchange than shooting parties.

Sad to hear from over the pond that Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died. Another light has gone out over there. It is starting to be dark.

There’s a kind of momentum in our heads that makes it hard to change our minds or our ways. It’s like trying to turn round an oil tanker. It was a while before Jonah was ready to criticise the Ninevites, but once he did want God to punish them, he wasn’t ready for God to forgive them. Nobody expects divine mercy. Its chief weapons are love, surprise, something else I can’t remember, and fanatical devotion to forgiveness. The need at the moment, as the pandemic evolves, is for nimbleness, to make quick responses to a changing situation. Why the pubs are still open beats me. Can’t we afford extended furlough for some in the hospitality industry – not all other industries need it? I suppose the downside of closing pubs is more drinking in homes, with no social control, and even worse domestic violence. It’s not easy, running a country.

Much excitement in the household today, as Janet went on a walk and saw the Lammergeier. It was big and magnificent.

Sunday’s lectionary letter gives us an idea of the struggle it sometimes is to be a Christian. Sure, there is peace to be had, and a burden that’s light unlike that imposed by the Pharisees. But it’s hard sometimes too, and we should assume that it’s our fault when we make that discovery.

Weather here glorious and not too hot. Neither of us saw many people on our walks. It is a working day after all.

A wwalk in the clouds today, just like when I was younger. Not so far, though, Flouch to Fairholmes ; thank you to Janet for doing the car stuff. Here is a pillar of precious peat left behind after people like me have worn it away.

Good TV show on Sunday about extinctions. As with climate change, it’s unlikely that useful action will happen. It’s the tragedy of the commons yet again. Capitalism doesn’t cope well with effects on people who aren’t party to the contract. We do deals, and meanwhile the people of a far-off island drown. There is no allowance for future generations. Capitalism can be tweaked to account for these things, but not as long as nations are in competition, and that isn’t going to change this side of the kingdom of God. So we do our best to apply sticking-plasters without being able to cure the disease. People can use purchasing power to buy ethical stuff, but not enough people who want this have enough purchasing power, and if you’re facing the choice between feeding your kids and not feeding them, you’re not going to worry about the source of your food.

Hey ho. “KBO” as Winston Churchill used to say.

The early morning was gently warm for a walk up the Trail. No novice balloonists today.

Last Sunday’s reflection that I listened to in church about the unforgiving servant was good, and I couldn’t help thinking about public life, where we’re inconsistent about rules (just like that household was inconsistent about forgiveness). The government doesn’t have to obey the law, but we do, it seems. The argument about protecting the UK’s vital interests is nonsense as well. What could be more vital than preserving the progress towards peace in Ireland? Imagine how much blood has flowed, how much sweat and how many late night coffees there’ve been and how much energy has been expended by people trying to make peace – all to be undermined in a stroke of national vanity.

Came across this on the early morning walk. I wondered why it took so long to take off, then the penny dropped. What with the supergrid, the Ringway glidepath and a wind heading straight for several populous mill towns, this isn’t going anywhere. It must have been a practice. Ballooning may be the image of freedom, but everyone who does it has to learn sometime. Also, you can only go up or down. If there’s wind shear, I guess it gives you some choices over route, but not many.

Later in the morning there was a big shooting party out. It’s a Monday, a working day. These people can’t all be retired like me. I thought rich people were supposed to be super hard-working!

Good walk around the east slope of the Woodhead Pass. Saw the Lady Cross on the old Salters’ route.