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Faith
www.ilkestonlife.com ILKESTON LIFE November 2021 7

Calder’s Corner an operation. sion course with Rome, and Israel
Is hand All the recent attention to detail has and Jerusalem were sandwiched,
precariously, in the middle.
elevated hand washing to a kind
washing of religious rite. Indeed, looking The religious rulers in Jerusalem
walked a political tightrope but,
back in history, especially Biblical
a load of history, we can actually see its im- whatever the cost, they were
adamant that the status quo should
portance as a religious requirement.
old flannel? In Jewish culture hand hygiene was prevail.
Disposing of this `boat-rocking`
taken very seriously, and still is!
The practice is so valued by Jews prophet would ensure the con-
ello! In these difficult days it is that it is regarded as a tenet of faith, tinuation of a peaceful existence
Ha familiar cry, `Now wash your especially among orthodox and and prolong their own privileged
hands`. But, not right away, please! traditional Jews. However, its use position as overseers of an orderly
For the moment keep reading and also protected the health of people society.
explore with me the delicate sub- living in those days. In their determination to assas-
ject of personal hygiene. For instance, for centuries, in some sinate Jesus the Jewish leaders
In the turmoil and terror of the parts of the world, food has been donned two hats. When they wore
global pandemic, ablutions have consumed directly from hand to their religious hat the divinity of
come to the fore - in particular mouth without the aid of cutlery Christ was the hot potato, and
hand washing. Every day, our - families and wider gatherings, when they wore their political hat
hands perform countless grubby physically tearing apart the same the kingship of Christ took centre
tasks besides interacting with other bread loaf and dipping into the stage. Nevertheless, their powers
human beings and, inadvertently, various communal dishes available. stopped short of capital punish-
sharing harmful germs that could In that scenario washing the hands ment – only the ruling Roman
disrupt our lives, or even end them! before, during, and even after a Authority could pronounce the Miss Diamond Derbyshire visits
The simple hand wash we routinely meal is paramount. sentence of death upon an indi-
follow has now become a whole Now, arising from the act of hand vidual.
science, with the media chock-full washing we have the metaphor: “to That is when Pilate appeared on West Hallam Coffee Morning
of advice on the how, when, and wash our hands of something...” the world stage – reluctant, fearful,
why of keeping those `pinkies` It is an idiom we use in situations even to be pitied. Pilate was torn Macmillan Coffee Morning was enjoying their coffee and cake.
clean. Today, it is not enough where our patience is exhausted between the murderous demands A in full swing at West Hallam Miss Derbyshire is the granddaugh-
to wet, soap, rub and dry, in a and we have come to the end of of the Jewish hierarchy and those Methodist Church (Mid Derby- ter of Revd Richard Hooton, an
thoughtless cavalier manner – no, our tether! The phrase originates, of his distraught wife, who was shire Circuit) when they received a active supernumerary in the Isle of
we are urged to be more serious almost certainly, with Pilate. the urging him to free Jesus because of surprise visit from Miss Diamond Man Circuit and a former minister
and deliberate in our approach; giv- Roman official who oversaw the an upsetting dream she had during Derbyshire Sian Hooton accompa- at West Hallam.
ing attention not only to the easily `trial` of Jesus, prior to his cruci- the night. nied by her mother and grandma. Those attending the coffee morning
accessible parts of the hand, but fixion. Pilate did everything he could to Sian, pictured with the coffee morn- were also able to see the church
also to lather between the fingers In early New Testament times free Christ but confronted with the ing organisers Jean Moorley and decorated for the Harvest Festival
and scrub beneath the fingernails. Israel, like many nations, was threat of civil unrest, along with Sheila Froggatt mixed with the cus- taking place the next day.
Admittedly, everyone is extremely subjugated to Rome and governed accusations that he was disloyal to tomers and posed for photographs The event raised £760 for Macmil-
busy these days, and, for most of by the Caesar of the day. Kings Caesar, he capitulated and Jesus with the volunteers and friends lan Cancer Care.
us, `How To Wash Your Hands were appointed by Caesar and his was condemned to crucifixion. But
Correctly` does not really come wrath was felt if a pretender in any not before Pilate called for water
high on the `bucket list`. But, of his dominions was enthroned and, in front of the bloodthirsty,
conversely, I must confess that I am without his approval. So, when baying crowd, washed his hands
guilty of washing my hands often Jesus was proclaimed a king and he saying, “I am innocent of this
and in a meticulous manner. In fact, preached the kingdom of heaven, man`s blood. It is your responsi-
my family used to liken my routine the religious hierarchy of the day bility.” Pilate washed his hands of
to a surgeon preparing to perform was enraged - Christ was on a colli- Jesus and walked away.
That gospel scenario in the Bible
is a real challenge because I find
Remembrance myself making comparisons
between Pilate`s final action and
Sunday Services my own attitude toward Christ.
Physically, I turn on the tap a
dozen times a day, using soap and
water to adhere to hygienic advice,
Residents in Erewash are invited to join the parade can assem- yet, spiritually, as water flows over
to pay their respects to our fallen ble at West Gate no later than flesh, I cannot escape the thought,
war heroes at Remembrance 10.15am. At 10.30am, the parade, “Have I too, `washed my hands of
Day Services in Ilkeston and Long headed by the Long Eaton Silver Jesus` and walked away?”
Eaton on Sunday 14th November. Prize Band, will march towards Ken Calder
This year’s services, organised by the High Street, through the
the local branches of the Royal pedestrianised area to the War New Cubs Lily. Bailey and Toby are invested at an
British Legion, will begin with Memorial outside of St Lau- Introduction to Catholic Christianity open evening in Kirk Hallam. See story on Page 9.
a parade before people gather rence’s Church. Mass will be Interested in the Catholic Church? - Our Lady and St
at the war memorials for the held in the church at 9.30am and Thomas Catholic Church, Ilkeston is going to begin
service and to lay wreaths. The the civic party will proceed from running an introduction to Catholic Christianity for
Mayor of Erewash, Councillor the church to the Market Place adults.
Donna Briggs, will attend the where the service will begin at The sessions are appropriate for those who wish to
Long Eaton service and the Dep- 10.45am. enter the Church (RCIA) and those who are explor-
uty Mayor of Erewash, Council- The Mayor of Erewash, Council- ing faith. Whether you are baptised, non-baptised, a
lor John Sewell, will attend the lor Donna Briggs, says: member of another Christian or faith community, or a
Ilkeston service. “We hope that people in Ere- Catholic who has just been away for a while and just
For the Ilkeston parade people wash will join us for these special wants a refresher you would be warmly welcomed.
are asked to assemble at South services to remember the many We will be exploring all aspects of faith such as:
Street car park no later than brave armed forces personnel Is there a God? Who is Jesus? What do Catholics
10.15am. The parade, headed by who fought for our country. I believe and why? What is the Church? How do we
Ilkeston Brass, will march to the would also encourage everyone pray? How do we know what is right and wrong?
Cenotaph at 10.35am. An invita- to support the Poppy Appeal and there will be plenty of time for questions.
tion has been extended to those which launched on October We will meet every 1st Saturday of the month in the
not parading to join the morning 28 and wear their poppy with church hall (just behind the church, off Regent Street) Children of Kensington Junior Academy in Ilkeston
service at St Mary’s Church, at pride.” beginning on the 4th September at 4:30 pm, and brought toiletries to their Harvest Festival last month
10.00am, before proceeding to More information on the Poppy every subsequent month at the same time and place. instead of the traditional fruits of the earth. The sham-
the Cenotaph to join the service Appeal can be found at www. Our address is Our Lady and St Thomas of Hereford poos, shower gels, toothpastes, etc. were then donated
and wreath-laying at 10.50am. britishlegion.org.uk RC Church, Regent Street, DE7 5RF, Ilkeston. to the local charity Every One Eats for distribution to
Fr. Andrew
In Long Eaton anyone wanting people in need. What a great effort by the school!