Today

Personality wise, especially as I grow older, I tend to prefer things to stay normal, so if someone asked me if I wanted something notable to happen today, unless I can choose what it is, I’d probably say “No thanks! – no news is good news.” 😀.

At a national and worldwide level, here are five stories in today’s news that relate to yesterday:

• Israel kills Iran’s military leader in devastating overnight missile blitz
  • Whatever side you’re on, this is extremely worrying. It prompts me to pray for peace and better relations between these two nations.
• Air India confirms 241 aboard UK-bound flight dead after crashing just seconds from take off
  • This is very sad news. The fact that one man survived has made the news, but it’s no comfort to those bereaved families. It prompts me to pray for those families and also for those who try to ensure flight safety.
• Police attacked during fourth night of unrest in Northern Ireland
  • I grew up hearing stories of unrest in Northern Ireland. Nowadays it relates to uncontrolled immigration rather than the conflict between nationalists and unionists. But rioting isn’t the answer. Sure, there are criminal immigrants, but there are also plenty of native Irish criminals. Someone on the news this morning suggested peaceful protests instead of violent protests, but surely the answer is to elect politicians who will do whatever is necessary to secure our borders. A huge number of Irish people have emigrated over the years. Since 1800, about 10 million people have left Ireland. Why shouldn’t we welcome immigrants, provided they’re not criminal types or enter illegally? I pray that our leaders will show greater wisdom and that the riots will stop.
• Trump can keep National Guard deployed to Los Angeles for now – appeals court
  • This is similar in some ways to what’s happening in Ireland. But it’s worrying that a country like the US has such difficulties.
• British-Irish Council to be held in Down to have particular focus on AI
  • AI is very helpful to me on a day-to-day level. I can ask Microsoft Copilot what a particular Bible verse means, and it generally gives me a sensible answer.

Here’s an example:

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My Question

If Jesus is God, why did he refer to the Father as his God in John 20:17?

Copilot Answer

Great question! In John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” This statement reflects both his divine nature and his role as the incarnate Son.

• Jesus’ Humanity – As fully human, Jesus lived in submission to the Father, demonstrating perfect obedience. Referring to the Father as “my God” highlights his identification with humanity.
• Jesus’ Role as Mediator – He bridges the gap between God and mankind. By saying “my God and your God,” he emphasizes that through him, believers can share in a relationship with the Father.
• The Trinity – Within the Trinity, Jesus (the Son) is distinct from the Father, yet fully divine. His words affirm both his unity with God and his relational distinction.
  
  This verse is often discussed in theological circles, and different perspectives exist on its deeper meaning. If you’d like to explore more, you can check out this analysis or this explanation. Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper!

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AI is helpful to me in all sorts of ways. But AI can be scary too. When I look at the news every day, it’s largely bad news. I just wonder what news stories AI will throw up in the future. All this causes me to pray the lines in the Our Father; “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.