News & Updates

Weekly email for February 13th, 2026

I wonder what your best celebrity encounter story is? Like the time I sat next to impressionist Alistair McGowan at the theatre, or Olympian Beth Tweddle on the train or met footballer John Barnes coming out of the chippie. What is interesting in all three of these stories, is that they are essentially things that people do around me all the time, but it is who it is that offers significance to the event.

There are times when the identity and authority of a person makes something that happens everyday transform into something entirely extraordinary. Take, for instance, crucifixion. In the early part of the 1^st century of the Common Era, this was a regular part of life in the Roman Empire. A demonstration of power, authority, law and order over a subjugated people. But, when Jesus is on the cross, the outcome is entirely different. Rather than Rome’s authority being demonstrated, it is the power and authority of God that is shown. Rather than the people being subjugated, they are set free form the burdens and shackles of sin and shame, redeemed as the people of God. Who is on the cross matters enormously.

Perhaps that is why, just before Lent each year, the crucial question of Jesus’ identity is asked and answered as the Lectionary offers us the chance to read about the transfiguration. It is an incredible moment in Jesus’ life where his full glory is revealed for the disciples and us to see. It provides evidence to the questions that we wrestle with, who is Jesus? He is the Son of God, the Messiah. This truth will be essential when we come to walk alongside him in his passion, his crucifixion and the resurrection. It is the truth that changes everything.