Simon Says ...

A Chagall painting - the Apocalypse in Lilac - has been re-discovered and bought by a London Jewish gallery . It is one of the few (ten?) paintings by Chagall to feature a Jewish Christ on the cross. A controversial image for both Jews and Christians, but a highly significant one. Chagall is such a joyful painter that these images stand in stark contrast. Painting crucifixes is part of Chagall's reaction to the events of the second world war. Beyond this I have only questions: Is this the only image that will suffice (as Chaim Potok 's novel might suggest)? Is this reclaiming the cry of 'Christ-killer' to be synonymous with 'Jew-killer'? I find Chagall's crucifixes to be devotional, precisely because they are Jewish in origin. They tap into the alien character of the cross, they recall the long history of Christian anti-semitism and refuse to let me off the hook as a viewer. And yet they do so with a loving touch. They are simultaneously reflecting...

Five centimeters of snow here and all has come to a halt. The kids are not at nursery, both today's scheduled meetings are cancelled and I've called off this evening's service. Instead, we've been out and had fun. Footprint patterns, snow angels, a snowman and a snow-dalek now grace our garden. Snowballs have been thrown. All in all lots of fun. Ah, well. Suppose I'd better get on with things...

1. New Year, New ... Years Resolutions. I'm rubbish at these, but I do make a few - largely fresh attempts to do things I think I should be doing already. 2. New Year, New ... Doctor. I cried at the 10th Doctor's demise. But number 11 (Matt Smith) looks really exciting. Roll on the new series. 3. New Year, New ... School. The boy starts school in September. The first stress is waiting to see which school he gets into. Parental choice? Certainly doesn't feel that way. 4. New Year, New ... Roles. As of 1st January I am a member of the Bishop's Council. I'm also starting to work as a Vocations Advisor for the Diocese. All good fun. 5. New Year, New ... Plans. There are rumours that the Bluffer's Guide may ride again, and the Bible in an Hour may be back. Watch this space! 6. New Year, New ... Organ. Well, technically restored organ. But the organ begins to return in February and will be re-dedicated in November. Probably the biggest forthcom...