Lectionary for Last Sunday of Pentecost.

The reign of Christ the King Sunday.

‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

Collect. Let us pray (that the kingdom of Christ may live in our hearts and come to our world):Father all-powerful, God of love, you have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from death to life, resplendent in glory as King of creation. Open our hearts, free all the world to rejoice in his peace, to glory in his justice, to live in his love. Bring all people together in Jesus Christ your Son, whose kingdom is with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Revelation 1:4b-8 The great feature of the Christian faith is that it is a faith which brings hope. It is not a hope built around principles but around a person whose name is Jesus Christ. The major theme of the early church was that Jesus lives and that through his resurrected life God’s Kingdom is being established even as we live in this decaying world. Across the world at the present time the shrillness of the voices raised with concern about all manner of things should remind Christians again and again that without Jesus there is no hope. It should be clear that as a race humanity will not save the world. The reason we will not save the world is that we have too many vested interests coupled with no willingness to trust others: That gloomy picture, (perhaps a little over drawn!), shows us that we need a clear and decisive leader who will lead us to a new set of circumstances. That is what our reading for this week is offering: Jesus is coming back to take charge. This will not be a piecemeal approach; everything will be renewed under his Lordship. On this return Jesus will not be at the mercy of the ungodly but with authority he will take his place as the head of the Kingdom.

In its context the message would have given encouragement to Christians who were beginning to face some very difficult times. The thought that the God who is and who was and who is to come was over every aspect of life would have helped them to endure, knowing that God would see them through to a time of grace and peace. It is that consistent message that encourages us, knowing that Jesus is still at work bringing about the New Creation that will once again place God in control. As Jesus is still at work we too should work, not using anger and aggression but with the Christian virtues of love and acceptance, forgiveness and caring, seeking true justice for all. Since the God who loves and forgives is taking control, we who trust in Him should also love and forgive.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 NRSV

Prayer. Dominion and power, glory and honour belong to you Lord God, Almighty: Through your work alone is the whole creation being renewed. Under the leadership of your Son, You are creating a place of harmony and peace: a place where all can find fulfilment as they serve under your protective care. Jesus with eager eyes we look for your coming again amongst us and we pray that we will be ready to receive you as Lord and King. Grant us patience in our time of waiting and endurance as we face the trials and tribulations that are part of life. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen  

Reading. John 18:33-37 John recalls the interview with Pilate prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. The theme of kingship is strong in John’s Gospel because for John the crucifixion is Jesus’ coronation. Pilate places an inscription on the cross probably with some irony. “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”, but it is clear from the dialogue John recalls that Pilate does not understand how Jesus can be a king.

John reveals that the Kingdom of Jesus is not from this world for it is not of this world it is from another place all together. We recognise this each time we say the Lord’s Prayer; “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. Thus the kingdom of Jesus is the kingdom that comes from God for it is God’s kingdom. It is not a renewal of the old kingdom but is of a different ethos all together. God’s kingdom is one built on love and grace, of forgiveness and acceptance. It is also a kingdom that will bring justice to everyone. The justice of the Jews always came from God and through God this justice gave rights to everyone, even to slaves. As such the kingdom that God determined to establish through the sacrifice of Jesus demanded obedience and discipline for as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer each prayer is agreeing to honour God’s will. By the time of Jesus this ideal of justice for every member of society had been largely ignored and legalism had taken its place. We see that often in the gospels as Jesus is criticized for healing on the Sabbath or releasing people from the bondage of illness or demonic possession. John’s message is clearly pointing to Jesus establishing a kingdom which honoured the truth that comes through obeying God. However obedience on our part is not possible without a renewal of our total life and it is this that leads to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Having come through death a whole new beginning is now possible and a new kingdom, God’s Kingdom can be established. As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday we focus on the new beginning that Jesus has accomplished, a beginning that will eventually bring about the whole of creation coming under God’s authority.

Both our readings for this week centre on the establishment of God’s Kingdom; a kingdom under the lordship of Jesus which will bring peace and justice to everyone. It is a message which allows us to look into the future with a great deal of hope and expectation.

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God. Romans 8:18–19 NRSV.

Prayer. Holy God, you are King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, We pray that your Kingdom will come and reign here on earth. Lord, hasten the day when your Kingdom will bring justice, righteousness, and peace fulfilling the hope of every believer. May you rule in our hearts, as your kingdom draws close and covers all of creation. Forgive us for those times when we have lived in opposition to your rule, following plans of our own imagination. Give to us the grace to follow Jesus as our King and through his power help us to live as kingdom people. This we ask through Jesus, Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Jesus, you are a king like no other, confronting the powers that be, and speaking the truth all need to hear. May your Church hear the truth, that we may witness to your justice before the nations now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 25

Hannah said: ‘My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God, who raises up the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.’           1 Samuel 2:1, 8, 10

Collect. Almighty and ever-living God, before the earth was formed and even after it ceases to be, you are God. Break into our short span of life, and let us see the signs of your final will and purpose; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 10:11-14,19-25. As we have read through the lectionary readings for Hebrews we have noticed again and again the writer emphasises that the Christian faith is much better than the Judaic rituals which in the end changed nothing. Here in this opening sentence we are reminded that the year on year sacrifices made by the priest did not resolve the issue of sin which resulted in separation from God.  But!, he writes when Christ offered himself in a once only sacrifice, the transaction that was offered perfected for all time those who trusted in that offering. A new relationship had thus begun. To remind them that Christ sat down was the signal that his work of removing sin was complete. Once the forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice is received no added sacrifice will ever be needed. Then the writer urges the readers to join the forgiven band and enter into the very presence of God. The added excitement for going into the true presence of God was, under the Jewish system, reserved for the High Priest only, but now through Jesus all who are covered by his death and resurrection  can approach this most exalted place with confidence. The writer wants every believer to share in this excitement and so encourage one another. When believers isolate themselves from the fellowship, doubts and fears can easily creep in but together in a spirit of unity problems and issues are faced with confidence because of the living presence of Jesus the Lord. Jesus has perfected a new and living way of worship and of living.

Prayer. Almighty God, how rich is the blessing that Jesus Christ has won for us through his perfect sacrifice. May that blessing continue to touch hearts and minds and draw believers closer and closer to you. You are the true source of life. As we trust in you we receive the love and power we need to live life to the full. So in Jesus Christ we offer to you all thanks and praise knowing that each day your love constantly surrounds us. Worthy are you O Lord our God to receive universal acclimation. Amen

Reading. Mark 13:1-8. This thirteenth chapter of Mark is noted as the Apocalyptic chater. Words like apocalyptic and apocalypse have enter our vocabulary in a modern way to describe disasters but in a biblical and linguistic sense the word means “the unveiling”. In other words it is designed to reveal to us some of what the end times will be life and while there may be disasters because we know something of what to expect there is also hope. It is therefore with a sense of hope that we read this chapter of Mark. The temple in our passage was one of the great wonders of the world. It was commissioned to be built by Herod the Great around 20BC and was completed long after his death about 65AD so this is the building that Jesus and his disciples are observing. Made of polished white marble when completed it covered some 30 acres. The building blocks were 11 X 3.5 X 5.5 metres! It was magnificent and gave every impression of being able to stand forever. Jesus prediction that it would be totally destroyed would have stunned the disciples. Quickly the disciples realised that such a destruction would mark the end of everything. The temple represented the very heart of the nation of Israel. With that in mind they asked Jesus what the signs would be that would accompany the end. The signs that Jesus foretold fell into two distinct categories.  Firstly, international and natural cataclysmic disturbances: secondly there would be the appearance of anti-Christs, who would claim to be God and or Christ. These would stand against the salvation and freedom that God in Jesus Christ offered.(Revelations seems to describe a single major figure who is Anti-Christ, but here Jesus describes a plurality of figures who are working against the Kingdom of God and the salvation that Jesus has completed.)

This passage in Mark has raised much controversy, but the early church as far back as Eusebius who was born about 200 hundred years after the Crucifixion accepts Mark’s record as the words of Jesus. For us the difficulty is much more that we can get fixated on the end time and the destruction that will precede it rather than the message that Jesus was giving to his disciples. It is so easy to think that the things we can see and rely on as secure are there forever. Jesus is reminding his disciples that the plan of God is constantly unfolding and so things change. However opposition to God’s plan is ongoing until the end actually comes. As we say, “Things will get worse before they get batter!” The signs of the end time are not things that we should worry about; they are things that warn us to keep our faith in Jesus firm and fresh. Jesus alone is the Saviour who will bring us safely through the tribulations of the end time. Jesus reveals the signs of the end so that when disasters happen we should understand them as signs which encourage us to renew our hope for the return of Christ as Lord of the New Creation.

Prayer. Faithful God, through Jesus Christ keep us ever faithful to you alone. You are the one who holds all things in your hands, help us to trust in you in all circumstances. We thank you for the foreknowledge that Jesus gave to his disciples. Teach us to learn from them that we may never be lead away from the true pathway to eternal life and the wonders of your Kingdom. In you alone we trust, meet us in our doubts and fears and renew in us the hope that only Jesus can give. To you be all glory and honour, now and forever. Amen

Collect. Jesus, you see the outcome of human achievement which refuses to care for the powerless; you warn of the ruin of nations and the havoc of war. Give your people the power to proclaim the signs of the new world in the midst of the old, for you are Lord. Amen.

 Lectionary for Pentecost 24

Sentence: Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.     Psalm 127:1

Collect O God, Father of the widow and the orphan, welcoming refuge for strangers, and justice for the oppressed: uphold the hope of the poor who place their trust in your love;that the time may soon come when no one will lack the bread and freedom which you provide,and all will learn to share freely after the example of him who has given his very self, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 9:24-28. Hebrews was written as the title suggests to Jews who had converted to Christianity. As such the whole letter is emphasising the theme that following Jesus Christ is in every way more honouring to the God who made a covenant with Abraham. If you will recall, the opening chapter of Hebrews begins with the statement, “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds”. Hebrews 1:1–2 NRSV. As Christians they are not worshiping a different God but the very same God, though in a different and a better way.

In the passage for today the writer is reminding his hearers that Jesus has entered the real Holy of Holies not the one constructed by human effort. Being familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures they would have understood the Tabernacle was always a copy of the true place of worship; the earthly Tabernacle was always inferior to the place of worship that God himself had prepared. Also the writer is reminding them that Jesus’ ministry as High Priest is more effective than was the ministry of the one appointed by the Jewish council. Added to that, Jesus also gave his followers a living hope that made them long for the future and his return as Saviour over all. So the writer is emphasising that Jesus has fulfilled once and for all the sacrificial system on which all Jews relied. As the Christ, Jesus satisfied every aspect of the Law and the Writings. In himself he was the prophet who declared the promises of God; he was the priest who linked them in relationship to God and he was the king who placed the whole of creation under God’s rule. Thus the writer is urging them to continue in an authentic faith which will bring them safely to the true salvation that God has promised.

Prayer. Gracious Lord, we thank you that you have sent Jesus among us to be the true Prophet, Priest and King, to bring us into true fellowship with you. We thank you for the life of forgiveness and grace with which in Him we are surrounded. May we continue as true disciples of Jesus, Lord and Saviour; ever relying on his ministry to keep us safely in your family of the redeemed. This we ask in His most precious Name. Amen

Reading. Mark 12:38-44. Usually the bible text breaks this group of verses into two sections. V38 ff reads as the rebuking of the scribes for flaunting their position and then V41-44 as the example of the extravagant widow’s offering. It has become common place to understand the “widow’s mite” as showing that God will accept even the smallest offering. While God does accept us just as we are, Jesus here is making a very different point: The widow gave to God all that she had; she held nothing back in reserve. The passage is not about how much or how little we give, it is about the state of our relationship with God. Jesus calls to the disciple’s attention an insignificant widow, insignificant because she would not have had stately robes to display, nor would she have had followers attending to her every word.

Along the wall of the court of the temple were placed 13 trumpet shaped vessels, probably made of bronze. As the rich threw in large quantities of coins they would have made considerable noise, thus attracting attention from others. The widow’s coins are described in Greek as “lepton” which translates to mean thin or light, as such they would have made no noise at all above the background sounds of the temple. Jesus however noticed her and uses her offering to contrast the religious practises of the scribes with those of someone whose whole trust was in God. So it is not about how much or how little is given but the state of each believer’s heart. With God being Lord of all everything we have and all we are belongs to him. If we take the verses all together as one teaching session it becomes more obvious that Jesus is using the example of the widow’s mite to show how a faithful follower of God demonstrates by their actions their core beliefs. Jesus criticized the scribes for their hypocrisy. By wearing clothing that announced they were religious leaders they were given privileged places at the public banquets. They also used their powerful positions to defraud widows and those less powerful, making a mockery of the justice and mercy of God. Perhaps that is why Jesus drew attention to the widow in the first place. The scribes made a great show of their religion but in no way relied upon God or even showed him respect. On the contrary they were using God as a stepping stone to secure more wealth and privilege. The widow on the other hand, by placing all that she had into the offering bowl was showing a total reliance on God. She was trusting God to provide for all her needs, even to the bread she needed to keep her alive. The contrast could hardly have been greater. Total self sufficiency on the part of the scribes compared to total reliance on the part of the widow. Unlike the scribes this widow loved God with her heart, her mind and her strength.

Prayer. Lord your word challenges us as we live such rich and privileged lives compared to the widow in Mark’s story. Help us to trust you more and more. Deepen our faith as we recognise that it is you who provide us with life and health and all that we enjoy. You alone have blessed us with the relationships that support us. As we trust in you it is your strength that protects us from those things that would move us away from you. Help us always to keep our heart and mind focussed on you. Despite all the voices that would draw us away, mercifully grant that we will keep faith in you as the anchor that fastens us secure to the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray in his name. Amen

Collect. God of the poor, you see the generosity of the poor, and you witness the greed which does not care; open our eyes to the dignity of each person, that we may work with you for the coming of your day of justice; in Christ’s name. Amen.

Collect. (For All Souls Sunday) Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical body of your Son: grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joy you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 23

Alleluia!

I will praise the Lord as long as I live. The Lord sets the prisoner free, raises those who are bowed down, and protects the stranger in the land. Psalm 146:1-2, 7, 8, 9

Collect. Let us pray (to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts): Almighty Father, whose hand is open to fill all things living with plenteousness: make us ever thankful for your goodness; and grant that we, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 9:11-14. As we read both of the readings for this week it is important to remember that at the time of writing the only scriptures would have been what we today call the Old Testament; though they would not have thought of them in that way. They were the scriptures which guided the religious practises of the Jews and so had a great influence on Christian converts from Judaism. The idea of a High Priest is slightly obscure for we have never been linked to the kind of sacrificial rituals which were the common practises of the Jews. To our modern minds it was both a bloody and messy series of rituals which linked the people to the awesome presence of God. (Reading a few chapters from Leviticus will remind you of how much blood was shed to enable one to approach God’s presence in the tent of worship.) At the very heart of these rituals was the High Priest whose role it was to prepare the sacrifices and then distribute the blood and attend to the burning or consuming of the portions. Though the High Priest was a godly man and specially appointed, he too had to offer sacrifices for himself before he could offer the sacrifices of the people. Not only that, he was charged with repeating those sacrifices regularly. This is the picture that the writer to the Hebrews is bringing to mind for the converts and then contrasting that picture with the reality of Jesus Christ’s ministry as the new High Priest. The rituals of the past were a shadow of the real ministry that Jesus now presents. His sacrifice is once for all and the purification that he gives to each believer is also once for all. The difference is that Jesus does not enter a tent here on earth but in heaven, as such he enters into the very presence of God to offer himself as the sacrifice which purifies all believers and so readies them to worship God. In Jesus Christ the old system is ending and a new and better system is beginning. Before only the High Priest could enter into the Holy Presence but now being perfectly restored all believers can enter the Presence and so truly worship.

Prayer. Gracious Father we thank you that through Jesus you have given to us the gift of worship. In your presence we humbly bow before you, reminding ourselves daily that it is only through the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are granted access to your glorious presence.  You are the great Creator and through you we are sustained in life; help us to keep our hearts and minds centred on you; that our lives will give you due praise and honour. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who gave himself once for all. Amen

Reading. Mark 12:28-34. In answer to the question, ‘which is the most important commandment’; Jesus quotes the Shema which is the central statement of the Jewish faith.  The Shema reminded the worshiper that there is only one God and this God is to be loved with everything you are and everything you have. It was a prayer that encouraged everyone to love the Lord with every aspect of their life. For us today we might think that this was simply a common sense response; of course we should love the Lord with all our heart and soul and mind. However in the context of Mark’s Gospel Jesus comment was far from common sense it was confronting. At the time there was a huge debate raging amongst the Pharisees concerning which commandment was most important. One suggestion was was that the command which afforded the greatest penalty for failure to keep it was most important. Some of this debate is probably reflected in Mark chapter seven. Jesus lifted the religious debate from the academic or theoretical to the practical reality of our relationship with God. How we live before God is more important than which rule or law we think is worth keeping and conversely which law or laws we can overlook. Jesus’ answer reminded his hearers that the love of God was where the discussion should begin. The scribe understood what Jesus’ answer implied when he responded by saying that love for God was more important than the tradition. ‘Burnt offerings and sacrifices’ signified tradition, and tradition was put in its right perspective when love of God was the primary focus. Jesus was saying that the debate moved the focus away from God and on to our decision making. For us today this passage reminds us that it is easy to get sidetracked with side issues. Some things are important issues to be discussed but all issues must be viewed through our love of God and our response to God. To do anything less is to fail in the essence of our faith which is to love God because all that has been done on our behalf.

Prayer. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord He is God; it is He that hath made us, and we are His, His people, and the flock of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; give thanks unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy endureth for ever; and His faithfulness unto all generations. (Psalm 100:2–5)

Only to you Lord God will we offer our thanksgiving and praise for only you have brought us to this time and this place. Only you have shown us the mercy and abundant kindness which has brought us to the completeness that we find in you. In you alone do we have the forgiveness that sets us free; and through you alone are we living in the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who was wounded for our transgressions and it is by his stripes that we are healed and linked eternally with him. Therefore we humbly offer you our prayers of thanksgiving, knowing that without him we would be lost. Now in your mercy hear our payer and give to us that peace which passes all human understanding. We come in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Merciful and tender God, the words of Jesus draw us, for we cannot deny their truth; to love is to live. May your Spirit inspire us to abound in love to you and our neighbour, that we may find life in serving you; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 22

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and freed me from all my fears. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who take refuge in him.       Psalm 34:4, 8

Collect. O God, light to the blind and joy to the troubled, in your only-begotten Son you have given us a high priest, just and compassionate toward those who groan in oppression and sorrow. Listen to our cry; grant that all may recognise in him the tenderness of your love, and walk in the way that leads towards you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 7:23-28. The High Priest was at the very centre of the sacrificial life of the Israelite community. Essential though it was to the worship life of the community it was not everlasting for each time a High Priest died a new one had to be chosen and installed. Jesus however continues for ever and so he is able to execute his priestly role eternally: thus those who are saved through his priestly ministry are equally saved eternally. As the writer says, Jesus is able to continually make intercession on their behalf. All those who trust in Jesus can confidently know that they are eternally secure in Him.

When the former Aaronic High Priest was preparing to offer sacrifice on behalf of the people, he had to separate himself for seven days in order to be purified before God. Jesus has no need to ever stand apart for his single offering of himself on the cross prepares him for his priesthood, purified for all times. Think how great a leap forward is the priesthood of Jesus when compared to the sacrificial system the Hebrew tribes relied on. As we think about that transition we can have great peace knowing that we have a perfect High Priest who on the one hand knows every aspect of human life and struggle and yet lived that human life, holy and blameless. Hallelujah; What a Saviour.

Prayer. All thanks and praise to you Lord God for sending Jesus to be the great High Priest who continuously applies to us his great salvation. We thank you for the peace that is all encompassing, passing all understanding; His mercy gives us complete assurance of an ongoing relationship with you and with all the company of heaven. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may live lives which are honouring to the Lord Jesus Christ. Unite us in one great fellowship of faith and love: We pray in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; One God for ever and ever. Amen

Reading. Mark 10:46-52. In this final miracle Mark depicts Jesus accepting the Messianic title of Son of David. This was a clear change for consistently Mark had recorded that Jesus demanded that his identity be known only to an intimate few. Throughout his Gospel Mark has emphasised the coming Kingdom. This announcement had been on the lips of Jesus from the beginning. (Mark 1:15). Suddenly Mark has Jesus openly allowing the title to be used. The crowd however are not happy with the title for it referred in Israel to the King and the coming Kingdom. Due to Roman occupation this title could lead to serious consequences as it would have been counted as an act of sedition against the authority of Rome. Mark is preparing the way to the cross.

The Synoptic Gospels all include the healing of a blind man, though in Matthew the healing is of two blind men. It is only in Mark that the blind man is named. Perhaps this suggests that Bartimaeus was known to the congregations to whom Mark was writing his account of Jesus’ ministry. This point may be being emphasised as Mark notes that Bartimaeus followed him on the way, remembering that believers were originally called, “follower of the Way”! Despite the crowd trying to silence him Bartimaeus will not desist as this presents him with his one opportunity to achieve his desired goal. When Jesus asks him what his need is Bartimaeus addresses Jesus in a very personal way; Rabbouni, My Teacher! It is much more personal than simply Rabbi, Teacher. This title will be used again in John’s Gospel when Mary greets the resurrected Jesus in the garden. (John20:16). In the healing of Bartimaeus, Mark is describing a deeply personal faith in Jesus Christ and is assuring his readers that Jesus does not disappoint. Due to the miracle Bartimaeus’s whole way of life will change. Mark is reminding his readers that the ministry of Jesus is life changing for all those who trust in Him.

Prayer. Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you brought sight to the blind and hope to the despairing; today in our world there are many who are crying out for comfort and mercy; and so we pray for our world, continuing to be locked in a struggle to overcome the virus which has gripped us all. We thank you that as the Great Creator we can look to you for the guidance we need. We know through Jesus that you are a just and merciful God in whom we can trust; and so we pray, grant us the peace that helps us place our whole trust in you. Give to us the confidence to look towards the future with hope; knowing that you are the one who is always walking ahead of us; help us to follow where you lead. Above all Lord, help us to be equipped and ready to serve in your name wherever we are. Trusting in your strength alone may we live to honour you in all circumstances. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. O God, energy of compassion, we praise you; you found us in rags, and opened our eyes, that we may proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 21

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Collect. God our Father, you have revealed your love for us in the cross of Christ.  Grant us grace to take up our cross each day, that, in the company of our Saviour, we may gladly do your will and attain to life in all its fullness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 5:1-10. When we think of the High Priest it is for us simply a title to an office; however the High Priest was the very centre and focus of the worship life of Israel. His ministry was the fulcrum on which the whole religious system pivoted. So important was this office that no one would dare to take that role without the defining call of God. Even though being called by God every high Priest had his own unique failures. The writer to the Hebrews described these failures as weaknesses. These weaknesses are part of the man’s nature and therefore as he cannot change, he too, like all the other worshippers offers gifts of atonement on his own behalf as well as theirs! Jesus on the other hand having been appointed by God has no such weaknesses yet has faced every temptation without failing. Though Jesus has no weakness he understands the pull of temptation and so is able to sympathise with each believer. Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus like every human being struggled with disobedience (v7) yet by relying on God was able to withstand the pressure and remain totally true to God. Therefore as the True Man Jesus is able to understand fully the human plight and also stand in our place before God.  The office of High Priest was a role which applied particularly to Israel. He regulated the sacrifices and also brought God’s messages to the people. He was the one who stood between the people and a holy God. The writer to the Hebrews introduces the thought that Jesus as High Priest belongs in the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the king and priest of Salem and as such provided for and then blessed Abraham. (Genesis 14:18f) Salem under the kingship of David was destined to become Jerusalem. By introducing this new theme the writer makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is the universal High Priest whose ministry is available to everyone. 

Prayer. Holy Lord we thank you that Jesus is the true Saviour of all humanity and that all are under his care. We thank you that we can have great confidence in his ministry; trusting in him to bring us into fellowship with you. We thank you for your great provision which brings life and hope to every believer. As we meditate on this portion of your word may we find our trust and faith renewed in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: Recognising that He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit: One God for ever and ever. Amen

Reading. Mark 10:35-45. The way that Mark has laid out this whole section of his Gospel is very telling. In 10:v31, Jesus reminds his disciples that the first will be last and the last will be first. Then in verses 32-34 Jesus makes what is his third announcement of his sacrificial death on the cross. Immediately after this announcement comes the request from James and John to be considered for future leadership. Mark is reminding his readers that despite the deliberate teaching of Jesus the disciples have found his teaching hard to grasp. Though Jesus has announced that only with God’s help can anyone even enter the Kingdom of God James and John are striving for positions of leadership and then one supposes, of privilege! Even without fully understanding, the two assure Jesus that they can be like him and suffer the same consequences. With patience Jesus does not rebuke them but does refer to the authority of the Father who himself will choose who will have greater authority. That response alone should tell James and John how leadership under God’s authority is to be exercised. It is the other ten disciples who get angry perhaps fearing that they will be left behind in preferment. By choosing to deal with James and John in an angry manner they too show a failure to understand the true ministry of Jesus. Jesus however uses the incident as a teaching moment, reminding the disciples of the true purpose of his ministry. Jesus ministry was to change our status from people wanting always to be served into people who are both willing and eager to serve others. Jesus accomplished this by making us right with God and through that we become inheritors of all the blessings that God bestows. When those blessing are recognised as being real, then service to others becomes possible. The authority which comes from God gives us authority to serve rather than an authority to make others serve us. Mark is reminding his readers that in this respect even those who know about Jesus still have a long way to go. Indeed it is only those who truly understand what Jesus has done on our behalf who can begin to learn how to serve others in God’s Name.

Prayer. Almighty God; Creator and Ruler of all that is: By whose power the whole of creation is created and sustained, we thank you for sending Jesus among us to be our Saviour. Through him we become inheritors as your children. Holy Lord, help us to use the privilege that is ours for the good of all and for service in the Kingdom that Jesus came to establish. May everything we do be honouring to the One who lived and died and rose again for us. To you be all glory and power now and for ever. We pray in Jesus name. Amen

Collect. Foolish as we are, Lord Jesus, you have claimed us as your own; help us so to love you, that we desire above all else to share your way, and to walk with you in costly service to the world; in your name and for your sake we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 20

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Collect. Your word, O God, cuts through our pretence; we are unable to hide from you. Guide us to know our secret faults, strengthen us to put them aside, and make us grateful for all you give us; this we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 4:12-16. When we hear of the Word of God our mind goes quickly to the printed word we find in our Bible. The printed word of scripture is living and active just as Hebrews says: Yet we also need to understand that the God of the Hebrews was always recognised as a God who speaks. Read through the writings of the prophets and you will come across phrases such as, “the word of God came to me”. It is this word along with the written word that the writer to the Hebrews is describing as living and acting. The author also reminds us that this living word critiques every aspect of life with the precision and the severity of a two edged sword. Hebrews challenging description links with the urgency of the previous verses which urges the readers to make every effort to, “enter the rest of God”.(v. 11)  The “rest” is being able to participate in the finished work of God; in this case the finished work is all that Jesus Christ has achieved through his death and resurrection. The inference is that in the past both Jews and now Christians have not given proper attention to God’s word. The word is not just for hearing but obeying. As the writer is addressing Jewish converts they would have understood that the exile and the ensuing subjugation under the Romans were considered to be due to the nation’s disobedience. Their failure to obey God’s word had lead to God’s judgement.

The writer is emphasising the need to take God’s word seriously. Taking God’s word seriously helps the believer to understand that the status of Jesus Christ. It is His authority which makes it possible for the past to be resolved. With this resolution a new and fulfilling future is now available. Through Jesus Christ, God in his mercy is willing to both forgive and welcome those who believe. God knows all things and it is his word which uncovers all things; therefore, as nothing is hidden all can be forgiven and so each believer can approach God with confidence, knowing they will receive God’s mercy. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”. John 14:15. NRSV

Prayer. Lord Jesus keep us ever true to you and to your word. Give us ears to hear your directions, and to attend obediently to your commands. May all our work be done to please you. May our love and obedience to you bring others more surely into the influence of your love. Keep us open to the demands of your word and grant us the gifts of your Spirit both to hear and to obey. Grant that we may see the results of your coming among us not only in ourselves but in the lives of those around us. May your will be done and may we trust in your power to fulfil what you have ordained. Grant that all that is done in your name bring the fruit that you desire. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Reading. Mark 10:17-31. Mark’s story of the rich man questioning Jesus forces us to think about who are the “rich”? If you have regular employment, a secure roof over your head, and always have enough food to eat each day then in the time of Jesus you would have been among the “rich”. In other words Mark’s message is really directed at us.

Let’s think about the man’s encounter with Jesus. Initially the man approaches Jesus quite humbly as he kneels before him and by calling him “good” he is referring to him as godly. He is not simply acknowledging Jesus’ integrity but recognises Jesus as being an inheritor of eternal life; the very thing that he desires. Jesus accepts the acknowledgement but then reminds the man of the need to fulfil the commandments that direct how one should live in relationship with others. His response pleases Jesus for Mark records that Jesus loved him. Keeping these commandments fulfil his obligations to those around him. This is the way a person who honours God should live and Jesus affirms his disciplined lifestyle. However the questioner is taken aback with Jesus’ next statement; Give away all you have! Every person who can provide for themselves can quickly come to believe that it is their own efforts which have brought them to that secure position.  Scripture reminds us that this is a false premise;  “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:7   Life and the abilities we use in life are all God’s gifts to us. The man is shocked at Jesus’ statement for it reminds him that he has to make a choice: either he will rely on his possessions or rely on God. Sadly the man leaves Jesus grieving for he knows he is unwilling to pay the price, his possessions have a strong a grip on him than his longing for eternal life. The man was prepared to fulfil his duty towards his neighbour but not to fulfil his duty towards God.

As the man departs Jesus then challenges his disciples who like the rich man are also shocked with his statement. Perhaps the disciples would not have classed themselves with the poor! Many of the disciples had families at least who ran small but yet successful businesses. Remember some of them left their boats and nets and the hired hands and Matthew as a tax collector would have been used to a significant income. (c/f Mark 1:18-20) This would have been a live issue for the disciples, no wonder they questioned Jesus’ statement.

This is a statement which confronts many of us today. Sometimes the gospel and its message are simply linked along with a number of things that make up our lives. Jesus is saying above everything else our love and duty to God must come first. From Jesus statement the disciples recognise honestly that this is an impossible task. Jesus’ assurance helps them find a way to an answer; “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” (Mk 10:27). Only total reliance on God will bring one to the place of eternal life.

As we read this passage today this is a sobering challenge for it reminds us that God demands our complete trust in every aspect of life. Trusting God is our first and necessary response. Then we have to trust Him as we use the gifts and possessions that he has allotted to us. There is no place for self pride in our relationship with the one who is Lord of All.

Prayer. Lord God our Father, you have revealed your love for us in the cross of Christ. Grant us grace to take up our cross everyday, that, in the company of our Saviour we may gladly do your will and attain to life in all its fullness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Uniting in Worship.)

Holy Lord we thank you for all the blessings that you have poured out on our lives. We thank you for the privilege of knowing you through Jesus our Lord. Help us to always keep the sense of your call upon our lives, that in all things we may follow the path that you have prepared for us. As we walk trusting in you may every part of our lives be fruitful. To your honour and glory, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Let us pray (for God’s forgiveness and for the happiness it brings): Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry towards the eternal life you promised and to share in the joys of your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 18

Our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.      Psalm 124:8

Prayer. Almighty and most gracious God, in your mercy we wait on you; we wait for health and strength and for that living breath, that gives us life. We wait for your forgiveness, for well we know that often our thoughts and deeds are not honouring to you, we trust only in our Lord Jesus as we wait. We wait on you to fill us afresh with the blessing of your Spirit, that the light and peace of your love will assist us to worship you with love and reverence. We wait on you to give us the guidance and grace to live out a full and faithful witness to all that you have accomplished through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Now as we read and meditate on your word we wait on you to give us wisdom and understanding that our hearts and lives might be changed with the knowledge and wonder of your love for all. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Amen (Isaiah 33:2) 

Collect. Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us in all goodness, and keep us in your great mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. James 5:13-20.  We know that many of the books in the New Testament were letters written to the various churches or church leaders in the decades following the resurrection of Jesus. As such they were written to both teach and encourage Christians. As James brings his letter to a close he offers a word of encouragement to the scattered churches to whom he is writing. His strong emphasis is that in all circumstances we should pray; pray to both thank and praise God, as well as to request what we need from God. Following on from his exhortation to pray James uses the phrase, the prayer of faith. Much has been written about what the prayer of faith might mean. Let us first think about what “faith” means. There are many definitions but my favourite one is, “Faith is acting on the facts”. The facts are that all the books in the New Testament are written because Jesus lives and his living has changed everything. Through the resurrection a believers’ whole outlook has been changed, life takes on a different meaning. However that means very little if the way we live is not changed; as a well known song states: “Because He lives I can face tomorrow”.  Accordingly, the prayer of faith is the prayer which trusts God in every circumstance because Jesus has been raised and lives. Jesus is our righteousness, (1 Corinth 1:30),  and so we can trust God to always do what is right on our behalf. The prayer of faith is not only linked to a prayer for healing for James says this prayer will save the sick. So in James’s mind it is more than a call to cure a complaint but is a prayer to bring restoration and wholeness to the person for whom the community is praying. James projects a real confidence in community prayer reminding us that prayer changes things as was observed in Elijah’s prayer. The final exhortation from James is to care for one another so that no one will be lost. His vision is for a close-knit community caring for one another and all surrounded by prayer

Prayer. Almighty God from whom every family in heaven and earth is named. be for us a guardian and a guide, now and always. May our homes be places of shelter and welcome, giving comfort and protection to those in need. Guard us from forgetting your call upon our lives, let us be true disciples as we journey together. In all we do may our lives reflect your goodness and grace. Bless and encourage us all to live and work together in a godly harmony which honours the healing and wholeness you have through grace given us. We do not present our requests before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercies. O Lord, hear we pray; O Lord, forgive us all; O Lord, may our earnest cry receive your gracious answer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Mark 9:38-50. These last few verses from chapter 9 have seen many additions and alterations during the formation of the New Testament and so it is helpful to consider prayerfully the side notes that your bible will highlight. The passage falls into three sections; verses 38-41; verses 42-48 and then verses 49-50.

V. 38-41. John of all the disciples is recorded as having the closest personal relationship with Jesus. (John 13:23) Perhaps it was this relationship which caused him to be so defensive about someone who was casting out demons? In response Jesus reminds all the disciples that no one can use Jesus’ power to heal unless he has the Spirit of Jesus in him. The exorcist, by casting out demons is working for the Kingdom of God by the power of the Spirit. Furthermore Jesus is making it clear that those who are not against him are for him. Sadly this simple truth in the history of the Christian Church has often been ignored and even today is still ignored. One only has to watch Christians on Youtube, fighting in the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to see a good example of how partisan Christians can be. Other believers in Jesus are not our enemies, even if they don’t believe exactly as we do.

V. 42-48. The “little ones” may refer to the child that Jesus has embraced or it may simply refer to precious new believers. Whatever the case, Jesus is reminding his followers that the nurture of believers is of paramount importance and nothing in our attitude or behaviour should hinder another’s growth in grace.  However we might read it, the consequences of careless action are dire. Gehenna is a place of burning and equates to a rubbish heap which is both rotting and burning: a good place to keep away from!

V. 49-50. Salted with fire has a number of meanings. One is that every believer will be tested as with fire, some to be purified some even to be lost to the faith. Or it may be that believers will have to suffer in order to avoid sin.  Salt often was part of a covenant agreement and was a symbol of fidelity and reliability. Salt also was symbolic of the eternity of God’s covenant relationship with his people. (Exodus 30:35-36). Once salt had lost its saltiness it was no longer salt and so was worthless. The Hebrews had access to huge salt deposits from the shores of the Dead Sea. The top layers of salt were often changed through chemical action and so were of no value. To suggest that a believer could lose their saltiness is a warning to be alert in matters of faith. It is the saltiness of our faith which gives us peace and allows us to live in harmony with one another. (Col. 4:6)

Prayer. Almighty God, to you alone do we lift our hands and hearts in praise and worship; for you alone are worthy to receive all thanks and praise. Only through your mercy can we find true and lasting forgiveness. It is only in you that healing and wholeness are available to us. By your grace we are welcomed into the fellowship of all believers and so know true joy and peace now and always. To you the God of glory and Grace we bow in reverence through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Collect. God our joy, save us from tunnel vision and scarred hearts; grant us the singleness of purpose and the generosity of spirit which belong to your kingdom; this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer. Lord make us bold to run the way of your commandments, and help us to stand still before your presence, that, leading lives of quiet confidence, we may bear witness to your grace and carry your power into the world. Let your light shine through us, that all may see good works in us and give glory to our Father in heaven. So direct our lives, that in the end none to whom we have failed to show mercy and love may accuse us, and we will be received into the eternal habitations; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen (The Minister’s Prayer Book)

Lectionary for Pentecost 17

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord.                    Psalm 1:1-2

Collect. You show us a child, Jesus, to show us how to live; save us from our false ambitions and desires, that we may receive the pure heart which comes with true wisdom; this we ask in your name. Amen

Reading. James 3:13 to 4:3, 7-8a Martin Luther is said to have described the Epistle of James as an epistle of straw. This was because of its heavy emphasis on law and behaviour and there is some justification for that criticism. However there are also many passages which provide wisdom for practical Christian living and the section of scripture set down for today’s reading is surely one of them. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (Verses 7-8). Striving to resist the devil or even trying to always do what is right in only our human strength will inevitably end in failure. Even if we did manage to keep all the rules the pride in our achievement would torpedo our “righteousness”. James advocates two major principles: Firstly to submit ourselves to God. Our existence as a Christian is dependent on relying only on what Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Because of our ongoing disobedience, before the righteousness of God, even our good deeds are of no account. (Isaiah 64:6) Being submissive does not come easily or naturally so it will always be a conscious decision. We must recognise that God’s way is both right and just. Secondly we are to draw near to God. In order to draw near, we must recognise the love and the grace of God. Life itself is an amazing gift of grace. (Lamentations 3:22-23) For each day of our lives God’s grace covers us and helps to guide us through the day no matter what that day brings. Once we recognise that covering of grace which gives us both strength and hope we long to be near to God.

Prayer. Holy Lord, in hope and with great expectation we begin this new day. You are a faithful God whose love touches every life and like the sun brings light and life to all. Grant that we may live as your children today, graciously walking with you in love and forgiveness. May each life we touch today know the warmth of your acceptance and love. Protect us from the dangers that are all about us, keep our hearts and minds pure through your continuing presence; may we not be ashamed to be faithful ambassadors for Jesus Christ and by your power, may all we do for you today point the lost and broken to you the eternal shepherd of the flock. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

Reading. Mark 9:30-37. Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for the climatic purpose of his ministry. It is a climax that will shatter them, and so his love for them demands that they be fully informed. By saying that he did not want anyone outside the twelve to know, Mark is hinting at Jesus’ popularity in Galilee and so is trying to keep the crowds away. However the reality of the task that is set before him is so removed from the disciples understanding that they fail to grasp the meaning of his message. As they are intent on personal aggrandizement perhaps it is pride that is preventing them for hearing the truth about God’s action in the world. Sad as it may seem it is these very things which can get in the way of our hearing the true message of Jesus even today. We often place as of first importance things which from an eternal perspective have no significance at all. By using a little child to illustrate his point Jesus is reminding them not only to be selfless but to recognise that they have no rights outside of him. In our society little children are treasured and cared for assiduously. In the ancient world the reality of child mortality meant that while loved and treasured little children had no rights at all. In some cultures children were not named until they were several years old. In Jewish culture a male child for example had no right to speak for themselves until they were recognised at their bar mitzvah. Until then they were the sole responsibility of their fathers, the fathers were even responsible for their children’s sins. By placing a child into their group Jesus was making the point that only the father could speak for the child, therefore the child was totally subject to the father. Jesus himself was solely reliant on the Father. (John 5:19) Can a disciple be any different from the Master?

Prayer. Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for your continuing care we give you all thanks and praise. Your love and grace hold us safe and give to us the confidence to face life events knowing that you are always with us. By your grace may we have the humility of a child and fully trust in you knowing that you know our needs better than we know ourselves. We thank you that you sent your Son to be the Saviour. By your promise all who look to him find the healing and wholeness that is needed. Help us to turn away from every thought and action that would weaken our love and trust in the salvation that Jesus brings. By your strength may we be true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, living only to honour him. This we ask in his most precious Name. Amen

Collect. God and Father of all, you have willed that the last should be first, and you have made a little child the measure of your kingdom.  Give us that wisdom which is from above, that we may welcome the word of your Son and understand that, in your sight, the greatest of all is the one who serves.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.