The abundance of life

John 10.10, the last verse of Sunday's gospel, is one of those iconic bible references, like John 3.16. It's interesting to note how people refer to these verses, how they put them to use, often to support a pre-formed theory or position. Who was it who coined the phrase: a text without context is little more than a pre-text?

John 10.10 is that famous line: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly". And who could suggest that, when Jesus offers us life in abundance, we might sneer at the offer. However, this phrase bears a little more investigation.

Immediately before we read "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly".

This raises two further thoughts. First, who are 'they'? The passage is all about sheep who follow their shepherd; sheep who come into the sheepfold by the gate; sheep who know the voice of the shepherd. Secondly, what is the 'life' that Jesus promises. The passage makes it clear that the sheep are protected from "thieves and bandits" who "steal and kill and destroy".

All too often, it seems to me, this phrase of Jesus is used to confirm some soundbite theology that all those who are in the sheepfold are - or should be - protected from sadness, grief, loss and pain: 'the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune'. The theory goes that faithful sheep will be wrapped up in some kind of Christian cotton wool, cocooned from the unhappier realities of life.

I don't think that is what Jesus is saying. There is an offer of protection from malice and evil. But even this is figurative and doesn't seek to deny the truths that we all know and experience ... that some people do do bad things. So, for me, this is in the same realm as the words of the Lord's Prayer when we pray "deliver us from evil".

The shepherd image is well known throughout the Hebrew and Christian scripture. Maybe the most emblematic passage which informs our understanding of the Lord being our shepherd is Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.

He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

A delightful, comforting, idyllic image of the Lord as our shepherd. But - as I'm sure many have spotted - that's not the whole psalm; that's not the whole message; that's not the whole theology.

Again, we are in danger of falling prey to soundbite theology.

It is in the two missing lines that the roundedness of human existence - "the abundance of life", if you like - is acknowledged:

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.

Dan Tyndall

28 April 2023

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Sermon on Sunday,10th August 2025

By matthew.buckmaster • August 10, 2025

Preached by the Revd Laura Verrall-Kelly, Associate Vicar

Interregnum Information

By Laura.Verrall-Kelly • August 7, 2025

Keeping You Updated During the Interregnum As I prepare to go on maternity leave at the end of August, I want to share some important updates regarding our Sunday Services and communication during the Interregnum period. We’ve taken time to consider what is sustainable and meaningful in this season of transition, and while some of the changes have been difficult, they are intended to ensure we can continue to worship together well. Service Changes 8am BCP Eucharist We’ve made the difficult decision to pause this service during the vacancy, following a PCC vote (with 3 votes against). This is due to the limited availability of clergy to cover two Eucharist services on a Sunday. We’re grateful that this decision has allowed us to secure strong cover for the other services. If you’re looking for an early service, the Cathedral offers Morning Prayer at 7.40am and BCP Eucharist at 8am. This change to the 8am will happen from the beginning of October. Mattins & Evensong These will continue with support from a growing team of Lay Leaders. If you're interested in helping lead, please speak to Simon Goodman. Please note: bespoke online orders of service will no longer be produced weekly. Instead, we will use a standard booklet and hymn book in church. Online viewers will receive a standard order of service plus a document with Bible readings and hymns. 10.30am Sung Eucharist Some small changes are being made to simplify things for visiting clergy: Notices will be read by a Church Warden, Duty Warden or Church Representative Communion distribution will return to queue formation A Gradual Hymn will replace the Responsorial Psalm - there is simply not the resource to produce a weekly or termly Psalm hand out in church. We’ll use a standard “Eucharist during the Vacancy” order of service (in booklet form), with hymn books provided in church. As with other services, online resources will mirror this setup. These changes to the 10.30am will happen from the 17th August. Christingle Service Due to the scale of this service and the planning it requires, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause it this year. Without full-time clergy to oversee preparations and lead the service, we don’t believe we can deliver it safely or well. We know this will be disappointing, but this service will be back. Ongoing Communication Thanks to Chris Duncan and Sam Love, we will continue to send out a weekly email during the Interregnum. I’m very grateful to both of them for stepping up to support in this way. We know some of these decisions may not affect everyone, while others may feel them more deeply. We don’t expect universal agreement, and that’s okay — your questions and thoughts are welcome and valued. All we ask is that feedback is offered with kindness and respect for those who have worked hard to make these plans in a short space of time. Thank you for being part of this community and for your ongoing support as we navigate this together.