The Vicar's Letter - 01/02/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is widely believed that ‘No one is above the law’ in any free and democratic society, but experiences shows that this may not always the case. Some individuals can present themselves as those who cannot be tied to the rule of the law that everyone is required to abide by. They live in disobedience and refuse to commit to what is generally acceptable. Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of baby Jesus in the Temple, as described in Luke 2:22-40. In reflecting on this festival, we can clearly see the importance of obedience to the law, and more specifically, about obedience to God’s law. Mary and Joseph understood this importance and took the baby Jesus to the temple to do what the law required. They knew that Jesus was special, a promised Messiah, a baby who came from God, and yet they obeyed what the law required of them, like everyone else in that society. Through this parental obedience, Jesus fulfilled the Jewish Law, (Exodus 13:2). This, perhaps, is where the Old Covenant comes into contact with the New Covenant. So, as we thank God for this day, let us also think about obligations that our faith places on us. Not just as legal obligation or religious ritual, but also as a spiritual reference point for what is daily required of us, and what is generally acceptable for a fruitful Christian life.

Rev Jairo Nyaongo