On a global scale: St John’s Kirk contains memorials to those who died in the world wars. While war is the most obvious wrong, the news media records all kinds of hurts and injustices in our country and across the world today.
On a personal level: Those who heard John’s message would have been familiar with “washing “ as a symbol of personal repentance and cleansing, because none of us is perfect.
We hear about this in the Psalms of David.
“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Psalm 51
There are many injustices in our world today and we can pray for the strength to challenge the wrong-doing and harms inflicted on others.
"Grant us, Lord God,
a vision of Your world as Your love would have it: a world where the weak are protected,
and none go hungry or poor; a world where the riches of creation are shared,
and everyone can enjoy them; a world where different races and cultures
live in harmony and mutual respect; a world where peace is built with justice,
and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN."
St Oscar Romero
Many of the Kirk's beautiful stained glass windows are memorials to those who have died in wars. The most recent memorial window is above the west door, as you come into the Kirk.
The Black Watch Window
This window is dedicated to the Sixth Battalion of the Black Watch, which served with such distinction in France during the First World War that the French President awarded the Battalion the Croix de Guerre.
It is a two-light window, each light featuring a Black Watch soldier. On the left, the soldier is in ceremonial uniform, and is standing in front of the Archangel Michael dressed in armour and slaying the serpent of evil. On the right, the soldier is in battle dress, and behind him is St Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland.
The window is the work of William Wilson (1905-1972).
