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From the newsletter ... |
"Houston, we have a problem."
Anyone who has seen the film Apollo 13 or who can actually remember that ill-fated space flight will be familiar with those words, the first indication to a watching world that something had gone wrong on board the craft. Like many other phrases spoken by the famous at critical moments (for example, "there can be no white-wash at the White House") it has passed into the language; it is often used by people who are frustrated that modern technology doesn't do what it's supposed to - in my case, when the computer decides to crash! The story of Apollo 13 is one of heroism and ingenuity. "We have a problem" was a masterful piece of understatement; in fact, they had a potential catastrophe on their hands. The journey to the moon abandoned, the mission had a new priority, to return the occupants of the crippled space craft safely to earth. Although I have seen the feature film, my most vivid memory of the event was the live BBC coverage of the capsule's re-entry into earth's atmosphere. For several minutes there was a radio black-out, and no-one on earth knew whether the craft was safe, or had been burnt up by the intense heat of re-entry. The studio presenters (including Patrick Moore, I seem to remember) were literally on the edge of their seats with anxiety during those minutes. And when the silence was finally broken by the voice of the astronauts announcing their safe arrival, the sheer relief and joy in that studio was overwhelming. "We have a problem." The Bible has a similar point to make to us. Not a breakdown of space technology, but of moral and spiritual integrity. Not a problem affecting just three men out in space, but affecting the whole human race. Not a life-threatening separation from our home planet, but an eternal separation from our God. And the problem? "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). Easter is a time of year when we celebrate again the heroism of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. His was the rescue mission that saved us. His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins. His resurrection to life on the third day declared that all his life and mission had been true and from God. We have a problem. But it doesn't have to be. Jesus Christ is alive and available to all those who turn to him. We shall be worshipping him and celebrating his work for us this Easter. You are most welcome to come and share with us.
Cogges Parish | Other articles | Following issue © 1999; Published in Cogges Parish monthly newsletter, number 239, April 1999 Apollo 13 photograph copied from NASA digital image collection cogges.pcc@comlab.ox.ac.uk |