Minister's letter, June 2010

Hidden Treasures

Dear Friends,

For 400 years the library of the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace has kept its treasures largely hidden, through riots, upheavals, an execution and the Blitz. But in recent weeks the library has opened to the public for the first time.

The exhibition includes a vast array of books and manuscripts, plus some unique and extraordinary items: The leather gloves worn by Charles I at his execution. A book of hours discovered in the tent of Richard III after the battle of Bosworth. The scribbles of James I in the margins of a book pleading for religious tolerance. The enormous manuscript of the 12th century Lambeth Bible, which would have been in use at the Canterbury Cathedral at the time of Thomas Beckett’s murder in 1170. And a warrant for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587.

This collection is held by the Church, but its importance is such that it is now being shared with others. What about us? What treasures do we have that have been given not solely for our use or enjoyment, but for the benefit of others? We may have certain qualities, such as a joyful nature or a patient personality. Perhaps we have particular skills, like the ability to listen to others or to resolve conflict. We may have the gift of time or a home that we can use for hospitality. We certainly have the priceless treasure of the good news about Jesus Christ, which so many people desperately need to hear.

So the list of our treasures is endless. Everybody has something to offer, and each person has a combination of gifts that is completely unique to them. So let’s not hoard our gifts, or hide them away. Let’s freely offer them to God in order that others might be blessed, and let’s affirm the gifts of other people too.

Yours in Christ,