The white smoke... the baited breath... the announcement in Latin... the ceremonial robing and first public appearance... the expectations thrust onto the shoulders of this man who can never go back to what he once was...

There is a really good little blog post here that responds to the news.

I do not envy Pope Francis his role/task one iota, one jot, one tittle.  To be the figure head for the largest single Christian grouping on the planet, to have to try to shape and lead such a diverse community, and to do so in the public eye.  A very tough call.

But I do pray for him, that he will be able to maintain his integrity and vision amidst the clamouring voices that will assail him; that he will not become disillusioned or disappointed; that he will be supported and encouraged by those of all theological hues within the Roman Communion, and respected by those outside of it.  Above all, I pray that he will be able to hear clearly what God's Spirit says to him, and have the courage and strength to follow that leading, though it be surprising or risky.

Because of how my brain works, I realise I said nothing about the appointment of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury.  My prayers for him match those for Pope Francis.

Adults

About 20% of the population in the developed nations consume 86% of the world’s goods.

Give £1 if you replaced an electronic item this year, instead of getting it repaired.

I could just be quite smug today, as I have not replaced any electronic items in the last twelve months, because none were faulty or broken.  I wonder, if this challenge is aimed not so much at repairing broken things (a lot of electronic stuff is designed so that it can't be repaired) or even about replacing items that are no longer meeting the need (e.g. a very old television to which a digibox could not be attached) as about 'designed obsolescence'?  Most electronic equipment is designed with the expectation that it will be replaced in, maybe, at most, two years.  New generations of mobile technology, new releases of software that are not 'downward' compatible and so on.  And of course these industries are major employers... Oh dear, it's all way more complicated once you start to think about it!

Just for your amusement, this is the mobile phone I have for work use (and it does everything I need):

My pledge

Today - zero, but some thinking!

Total - - £25.85, five prayers, one rant, one memory and one e-petition signed

This week is proving quite demanding, not overwhelmingly so, but pretty comprehensively.  I realised yesterday that it is now likely that I will be working straight through until Easter Sunday with, at most half a day off.  That's not so unusual for ministers, but it made me think.

Life is fragile, and life is precious.  There have been many reminders of that in a week that, but for the grace of God, could have been very different.  Tragedy is only ever a few steps away, and it is just as well we have no way of knowing if or when our path will bring us to that place.

Much of the stuff I am dealing with is not for public consumption, mainly because it is confidential, so you will have to wonder!

God who has shared the depths of sorrow and despair

Who has experienced the fragility of human life

Who has wept at the graveside of a friend

Who has stared into the abyss

Who has been through the mystery of death

Comfort all who weep

Embrace those who ask 'why?'

Strengthen all who are numb

Vulnerable God, hear our prayer.