This morning’s traffic is lighter than normal for a Monday, was the repeated message on the radio as I made my way along the A14.

It was the morning after England had faced Spain in Berlin.  The assumption was that many had planned a late start to accommodate the celebration or commiseration appropriate to the result.  Time now for commiseration?

In football, as in most competitive sports, there can only be one winner.  Spain 2: England 1 is a clear statement of victory and defeat, but the all or nothing nature of competition masks much more of value.  On the same Monday morning drive, I heard an American commentator observe how many celebrated moments in our history (such as 1066 and Dunkirk) are defeats.  He observed, too, on how the recent landslide election victory which has led to our new government, was an equally massive defeat for the previous government, yet the transition from one party to another has been smooth, good manners, peaceful. His point, I think, was that learning how to lose, how to handle disappointment and loss, and come back stronger is an important skill.

For all the inevitable disappointments of defeat, there is much to be gained; much to be won.  I am not a football fan.  The Euro semi-final was the only complete football match I have watched in years.  Nevertheless, I understand that commentator after commentator has remarked how much the national team has improved and how so much of that improvement boils down to team spirit, a team spirit fostered by the manager.  The team may not have lifted the trophy but they performed to the best of their collective ability, an ability that far exceeds what the team might have been capable of a decade ago.

On Good Friday, Jesus’ followers and foes alike saw only his defeat.  His resurrection signalled victory, but not in the way they had expected it.  In the years that lay ahead they were to learn a new, living way.  Today he still teaches his followers.  The question is are we, his followers, still learning?

Rev’d Philip                                                                                      18tg July 24

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