成人快手

Good morning. 鈥淏eware the Ides of March鈥� is the warning delivered to Julius Caesar by the Soothsayer in Shakespeare鈥檚 play. Of course it refers to a historic event which took place on this date in 44BC when Julius Caesar was stabbed to death before the Roman Senate 鈥� led by the arch conspirator Brutus. Caesar Augustus would succeed Julius 鈥� but not before a civil war had been fought and countless more lives lost, including the assassination by Augustus of 300 senators whom he perceived to be a threat to his power and position. One death triggered a world of suffering. But perhaps the promise of great power produces this kind of ruthless amoral behaviour which makes us imagine that the normal rules don鈥檛 apply to us.聽
Caesar Augustus would live on, eventually dying at the age of 75 in AD 14. But during his long life and reign, another man was born in one of Caesar鈥檚 more obscure Provinces. Jesus of Nazareth would also die a violent death, betrayed by a friend. But we remember the death of Jesus, not because of its violence 鈥� which was horribly cruel - but because of its significance. For he is the Prince of Peace 鈥� the bringer of healing not discord, the one who, through the shedding of his own blood brought forgiveness and grace to us all.聽
Prayer. Lord, we remember those who govern us, asking for the generosity of grace to be shown in their actions to their supporters and foes alike. May our Parliaments, Assemblies and Councils be known for honouring truth and justice and God鈥檚 generous rule. Amen.聽