Lectionary Readings       November 8.   Part 2

Reading. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 This letter to the Thessalonians was written around 50 AD and many years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a long time to reach back and grasp what prompted Paul to write this pastoral note for those who were grieving. We know that there was unrest in Thessalonica so maybe some believers had been persecuted or it may have been that the expected imminent return of Christ had not happened and so because of doubt, a fear of death itself was being felt. Whatever the issue Paul makes a pastoral comment to assure the church in Thessalonica that all believers are secure in Jesus Christ. His main emphasis is that just as Jesus died and rose again and now reigns with God in heaven, there will come a time when Jesus will return. On his returning Jesus will bring with him those believers who have died. It is this link between the life of the believer with the life of Jesus that promises that those who have “fallen asleep” will be awakened to return with Christ in a triumphant celebration. While we live this earthly life and we believe that Jesus lives then our life is connected with the life of Christ. When we die our life in Christ lives on for Christ himself lives on. (Gal 2:20 & Rom 8:11) Paul is anxious to assure the believers that all this remains in place and to encourage them to look forward to the return of Jesus with undiminished hope. He contrasts that hope with those who have “no hope”, (Eph 2:12), who are those who do not believe in God or the lord Jesus Christ. “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s”. Romans 14:7-8 (NRSV)

Prayer. Holy Lord we give you all thanks that you sustain life in all its forms and uphold the whole creation with your mighty power. We thank you for the joy of living and for the hope with which we can face each day, knowing that you are the one who gives to all the gift of life. Today we pray for those who mourn; for those who have lost loved ones and feel the pain of separation. Bring comfort and assurance to them; as they grieve may that hope in you continue to be a strong support. By your Holy Spirit give to them and to us, the courage to look ahead to the future you have prepared for all who love you. For those who have fallen asleep grant that they may rest secure with you until that time when all your faithful people will be gathered into your New Creation. You are a faithful God and so we give to you all thanks and praise, for all that was and is and is to be. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 25:1-13 The parable of the ten bridesmaids is once again an insight for us of the kingdom of heaven. Because it was a familiar scene the hearers would have been able to understand the picture that Jesus was describing.  A man and woman were betrothed for a year before marriage. Once the year was up the bridegroom would come to the bride’s home and they would marry and then together return to the home of the groom. As there was no designated time for the wedding the aim was for the bridegroom to surprise the bridal party by arriving to find them unprepared. Thus one had to be both alert and also equipped. If the bridegroom arrived after dark he could only be greeted by bridesmaids who had lights, for it was against the law for a woman without a light to be out after dark. Jesus’ hearers would have understood all the wedding customs which prevailed at the time but they would also have understood that this was a story that carried a hidden meaning about the kingdom.

The idea of the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven was very familiar. The Jews believed and understood that God, Yahweh, was King. The kingdom was not simply a place but an acknowledgement of the authority that God had as the Creator. Other kingdoms like Rome, dominated the people and treated them unjustly. Therefore the Jews lived with the hope that one day the time would come when God would establish his kingdom supreme over all other kingdoms. Israel would be a great nation once again. The kingdom of God, summed up the complete hope of Israel and so Jesus’ description of the kingdom would have immediately grabbed the attention of his hearers. With the prophetic voice of John the Baptist and the ministry and preaching of Jesus this seems to be a time of heightened expectation that God was on the move. Jesus’ points regarding the kingdom would not have been lost: The kingdom will come at a time that no one will expect: There is a need to be prepared for the kingdom whenever it comes: Those who fail to prepare will be excluded.

The Jews considered entry into the kingdom as their heritage and so Jesus is presenting a significant challenge to his hearers. It is no less a challenge of those who now choose to follow Jesus, they too need to be prepared and ready. “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (NRSV)

Prayer. “To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed”. Daniel 7:14 (NRSV)

You O Lord reign on high and to you we bring all our praise. Under your care we rest at peace and enjoy the security of your salvation. Keep us ever faithful and aware that at your coming the whole world will bow before you. And so we lift up our hands and hearts and cry “Come Lord Jesus, come!”  Establish your throne among your people and teach us the ways of obedience that we may serve you always. Amen.

Collect. O Christ in whom we hope, you summon us to watch for the reign of God, and you charge us to be ready; help us to wait with eager patience and prepare by daily seeking your will now and for evermore. Amen.

Lectionary Readings          October 25    Part 2

Reading. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 In Philippi Paul and Silas had been beaten and put in the stocks over night by the authorities without a proper trial. Acts 16 recalls the mistreatment and the subsequent embarrassment of the magistrates who had imprisoned Roman citizens. While Paul mentions this ill-treatment he quickly moves on to a celebration of the gospel. He reminds the Thessalonians that it was not received through great oratory, clever words or in order to receive money. The gospel came in power through the approval of God and had resulted in changed lives, renewed hope and a future that surpassed any struggle that had to be faced. Thus Paul is celebrating with them and rejoicing that they have been so richly blessed. His emotion is overflowing towards them and Paul, Silas and Timothy are truly delighted to be among the church fellowship. In verse 8 the NRSV bible translates the Greek verb (himeiromai) as “deeply do we care” when describing Paul’s emotions towards the Thessalonians. This is the only time this verb is used in the New Testament and Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words suggests that its meaning is linked with “remembrance”. Perhaps Paul, remembering the oppression the opponents inflicted on him is thrilled to see that God’s victory through the gospel has still been demonstrated. Whatever the reason, Paul’s heart goes out to the Thessalonians as he, Silas and Timothy continue to teach and work, encouraging the believers.

Prayer. Lord as we recall your might and power in creating the world in which we live; we give you great thanks for life and health and the blessing of home and family. We thank you for the fellowship of believers who around the world lift hearts and hands in your praise. As our voices join together help us to be aware of your love but also of the needs of those around us. As we look in to you, may we also look out to a world still in need of salt and light. Help us to be witnesses to our Lord and may his good news exercise powerful healing and wholeness in the lives of those we meet. For this we pray in his more precious Name. Amen

Reading. Matthew 22:34-46 The last time we read a section from Matthew in the Lectionary Readings we noted that the Herodians, who usually linked with the Sadducees, and the Pharisees had all joined forces to trap Jesus. This was unusual for they were on opposing sides of both the political and the theological issues of the day. The Sadducees had further been silenced by Jesus response to the resurrection which they denied. The Pharisees were firm believers in resurrection and in this section of Matthew it is the Pharisees who ask the question. Jesus’ answer would have reminded both the questioner and all those listening of the need to honour the Lord in every part of their lives. The statement automatically implied the Jewish understanding that followed on from that great commandment, “do this and you will live!’ However, Jesus had also taught that, “unless your righteousness exceeds the scribes and the Pharisees you will not be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)  In other words entry into the Kingdom entails more than keeping the great commandment. That is why we need to think more deeply about the second section of our reading, “What do you think of the Messiah?” Jesus quotes the first verse of Psalm 110; (The LORD says to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” Psalm 110:1 (NRSV); which by its nature recognises that Messiah is more than simply a powerful human being because David names him as Lord. In other words, Messiah is divine. In failing to see the divinity of the Messiah the Pharisees were in danger of failing to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven which was the anticipated outcome of resurrection.  As they denied that Jesus the Christ was the Messiah they were blinded to the whole plan of God’s restoration of the creation. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ response is emphasising that Jesus is putting in place, a new understanding of the People of God, the true inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Prayer. Holy Father, we know that it is not your will that any would be lost but that all would be saved. May we all have listening ears to hear when you speak, that our lives may be refreshed in faith and love. By your grace, teach us to be true ambassadors of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like him, teach us to be caring and gentle with those whose lives have fallen from your way: Teach us to have an open spirit which allows us to reach out without fear or favour. Above all may our prayers be reflected in our lives and so by all means lift high the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen     

Collect. Jesus, teacher of love; in living and dying, you have declared and shown the greatest commandment; lead us to give of ourselves to God and to the neighbours you give us; we pray this in your name. Amen.

Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth was born, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2

Reading. Deuteronomy 34:1-12     This is the story of Moses death and the passing on of leadership to Joshua. Moses had been the great leader of the people who at God’s command had led them into deliverance from slavery and now to the very borders of the Promised Land. Moses had also been the one who as lawgiver had disclosed the Lord’s chosen way of living. Despite all his great achievements at God’s command he did not pass into the Promised Land. As we reflect on Moses story we might feel there was a sense of injustice that his way into the Promised Land was barred. However, we need to remember that this is not Moses story, it is God’s story and God, by preventing Moses from entering the Land allowed him a peaceful and fully fulfilled death. As the story unfolds it is clear that God had called Moses home. This call came after Moses was able to gaze out over all the lands that God had promised to Abraham. In essence his work was complete and Moses would have known that he had accomplished all that God required of him. It was God’s gracious choice to relieve Moses of the burden the fighting and struggles that still lay ahead. This was left to Joshua a younger leader. Moses was named a friend of God’s and so he was with his Friend as he passed from life to death, and on eternally with God. With the completion of his ministry work Moses was solemnly mourned for the people knew how great a leader they had lost. In the biblical story Moses is one of the towering leaders who had such an intimate relationship with God that he faithfully spoke out the word of God. Moses did not enter the Promised Land but in God’s story he is still recognised as one of the great leaders of God’s people. That is all the reward that he would need.

Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:2,5 NKJV

Prayer. Gracious Lord, you are faithful and filled with mercy. You know us better than we know ourselves and your way for us is always perfect. Help us to trust you more and more through all the twisting paths of life. Our Lord Jesus Christ was the way, the truth, and the life. Lead us that we do not settle on any other way than His true way. Teach us by your Holy Spirit to follow where you lead in faithful obedience. So may our lives give honour and glory to you. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading.  Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 This prayer of Moses places God far above all things. God is above all and primary, there are none with whom God can be compared. As this psalm is set out as a prayer of deliverance it may be connected with the rebellion recorded in Numbers ch. 14 where the people when faced with the challenge of entering the Promised Land, decide to chose a new leader and march straight back to the bondage of Egypt. In his prayer Moses is appealing to God and also recognising before God how insignificant humanity is when compared to God’s might and power. Implicit in the prayer is the understanding that our pride makes us think that there are times when we can call the shots! Moses is lifting that arrogance to God and pleading for mercy. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Psalm 90:11 (NRSV) Moses recognises that it is God who is in control and we need to understand that before we form any plans. The God to whom Moses appeals is an awesome God who sweeps all before him. Yet in the final summing up of his prayer, Moses has no hesitation in trusting completely in the mercy and love of God and looking to God to allow humanity to serve God in every endeavour. The psalmist puts our insignificance in a proper perspective. Before God we are as nothing and yet despite that truth, God’s love surrounds us and it is God’s grace and favour which allows us to live productive and honourable lives. Moses used God’s power to accomplish his service. Now we, though centuries on can also serve God using the same power. This is both an amazing and an encouraging thought.

Prayer. Lord, you have taught us through your word that the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grant that we, being surrounded by the grace that comes through Jesus, may love you so much, that we rejoice to keep your law. By your strengthening may we fulfil your will. Grant us the insight to hold to those principles of daily living which honour you. May we not be daunted by our insignificance but drawing on your power we may achieve those things for which you have equipped us. This we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. To the honour and glory of you name. Amen

Collect. Lord, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law. Send your Holy Spirit upon us, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may love you with our whole being, and our neighbours as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Romans 12:17 (NRSV)

Reading. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10      Paul first made his way to Thessalonica after being freed from prison in Philippi (c/f Acts 16:6ff)  After preaching in the Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica some of the leading Jews took offence at his preaching and so Paul and Silas  hastily departed. However, despite Paul’s departure the gospel took root in the hearts of many in Thessalonica and a vigorous congregation of Christians, from both the Jewish and gentile populations emerged. In this letter Paul is writing to the church to encourage them in their life and witness and is holding up their faith as an example to other congregations. Paul is also exalting in the power of the gospel to take root not though clever schemes but through the proclimation of the gospel itself. Even though the Thessalonians only had a brief time of teaching the resultant effect of the gospel that they heard transformed the life of the new believers. Through the Spirit they became a powerful witness to the salvation that Jesus’ death and resurrection made. The gospel has made a radical difference to the believers and for this reason Paul gives thanks for the church in Thessalonica. Paul writes in a very relaxed way to the church here as we can see from the opening paragraph of the letter. He makes no claim to be an apostle as is his usual opening; instead he links himself equally with Silvanus and Timothy. The power of the gospel is the only status he needs and in this opening chapter he sums it all up by giving thanks to God for the salvation that has been won through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is therefore reminding his readers and us that all we need is to be found in Jesus Christ and his Good News. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”. Romans 1:16 (NRSV)

Prayer. Lord we thank you that Jesus is all we need. In this world when so many things have changed and the future seems uncertain, we thank you that Jesus is the anchor in whom we trust. We thank you that he is the one who will lead us through to the peace and blessing that is your gift to all believers. Like the psalmist may we cast all our cares on you. (Psalm 55:22).  Because of your love and power may we hold firm with expectancy to the promised future that is ours by your grace. We thank you for the great fellowship of believers who around the world give all thanks and praise to you. May our prayers and praises honour you and give you the glory that is yours by right. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading . Matthew 22:15-22. The catch cry throughout the Roman Empire was, “Caesar is Lord!” It was this slogan which on the one hand unified the Empire but on the other caused serious problems for both Jews and Christians. Neither Jews nor Christians could truthfully say that Caesar was God without violating their core belief. The persecution that Christians faced often sprang from the refusal to declare Caesar to be god. They were charged with being “atheists” for they did not believe in the divinity of Caesar! Hand in hand with that was the fact that in the Roman occupied countries Caesar ruled and though he was not popular he had ultimate power and especially the power to charge taxes. Now even in a “free” country few really like paying taxes and so Caesar’s tax was most unpopular. Therefore the Pharisees thought that they were on a winner with this question. No one liked the poll tax and so to retain popular appeal Jesus had to agree with the people. However to publicly deny Caesar and his authority was a treasonable offence. So he was caught, but his answer was as always superb: Not that he put God and Caesar on the same level but he differentiated between the coercive exploitation of Caesar’s tax with God’s constant giving without restriction. This was a difference the Jews clearly understood for they had experienced in their history both the violence of Rome and the generous grace of God. So while the question was set as a trap, Jesus’ answer opened up a whole new area of debate for he used the answer to ask a further question. Namely, “Whose kingdom do you want to support”. It was not just a question of material versus spiritual, but it was about kingdom versus kingdom. The Romans sustained their kingdom on violence, oppression and slavery, whilst God’s kingdom was built on justice, mercy and peace. The Pharisees’ question was both devious and clever but Jesus’ response hangs waiting for an answer right up to this day. “Whose kingdom do you want to support”?.

Prayer. Lord we pray often for your kingdom to come, now as we contemplate this story from the life of Jesus, may we look to you for guidance, that the benefits of your kingdom might come to all humanity and that we would be a part of its coming. May your justice and mercy flow down like a never ending stream and, may your love touch every life: May we learn to reach out to others with the love and gifts with which we have been blessed: May we be open to share the bounty that this world provides: May we always remember that all that we have is received as a gift from you and so hold those gifts as part of the equipping for us to serve others. In all that we do may your name be honoured and glorified. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Collect. Jesus, in the midst of deceit, you deal truthfully; confronted by fickleness, you are faithful. Show us how to give all we are and have to God, for you are sovereign Lord, now and for ever. Amen.

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. … Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you”. Psalm 63:1&3 (NRSV)

Reading. Exodus 33:12-23.  He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. Exodus 33:14-15 (NRSV)  In its historical setting this reading from Exodus reinforces God’s presence with the nation of Israel. It also cements Moses leadership among the people and through the generations the people would have taken much comfort from knowing that their God was fully with them. Moses interchange with God can also be a guide for us in our own relationship with God. Moses knew that the task to which God has called him was impossible without the wisdom and guidance that God could give. He also understood from the outset that this was to be no easy task but a mission filled with trials and tribulations. With that in mind he appeals to God for an assurance that God will be with him and then starts out on the task that God has set.  Moses also realises that he will have to get to know God better. We will never have to face a task as difficult or demanding as did Moses and yet each of us is called by God to accomplish the purpose for which we are destined. As such we too need to work at knowing God better, being open to pray and the reading of the scriptures and keeping God at the centre of our lives. We should never underestimate the importance of the ministry that God has set for us. Even the seemingly smallest task can be instrumental in achieving God’s purpose and needs to be given our full attention. William Carey’s great dictum was “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” On the other hand we should never assume that our ministry task is more important than another’s ministry. Paul’s advice is important, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3 (NRSV) No we will never have the stature of a Moses and for that we can be thankful and yet each one of us has a part to play in God’s great plan of salvation. Like Moses our key endeavour will be to continually plead that God is with us.

Prayer. Almighty and everlasting God, with humility we come to join again in prayer with you. We are thankful that you are always more ready listen than we are to pray and so we bless you for the privilege of prayer. May our words and deeds in every way carry the fragrance of your faithfulness and love into every situation that we will face. May aching hearts be comforted and wandering hearts be drawn back to you. May your presence permeate every moment of our life experience. So may we be both blessed and a blessing to others. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen

Reading Psalm 99. In the theology of the Celts they recognised “thin places”, these were places were God’s presence and world collided with our presence and world. We can have something of this notion at varying times in our life. Maybe walking along our spectacular coast line or on some mountain top which gives us a sense of wonder and we have a sense of God’s presence: Or it may be in an ancient church building where Christians have gathered to pray and praise over the centuries. As we read this psalm something of the immediacy of God’s presence is anticipated, and for this psalmist God’s presence is available everywhere. The psalmist projects the understanding that the Lord is King. He is both over the whole creation and present within it and as such we tremble, for we are always under God’s watchful eye. The psalm reminds us that we live in God’s world and we are to live according to God’s way. This necessity is not a cause for concern but a cause of thanksgiving for the Lord is both just and merciful. “Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he! Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.” Psalm 99:3-4 (NRSV) For the psalmist the “thin places” are everywhere and in all places when the call goes out to God, it is the just and righteous King who answers. “Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy”. Psalm 99:9 (NRSV)

Prayer. Heavenly Father sometimes it seems that there are more questions than there are answers. In many ways we become convinced that there are some questions which have no answers and some situations which throw up problems with no solutions. Forgive us Lord if we have slipped into easy compromise without listening clearly to your words of truth and justice. Forgive us if we have taken the easy road because we might lose some advantage. Forgive us if we have followed the majority and not thought of asking for your wisdom and guidance. Forgive us when we lose our way and then look to you for a way of escape. Help us like Christ to face the hard road of your merciful justice, and Lord help us to work for a world where all find a significant place. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Collect. Let us pray (to the Lord who bends close to hear our prayer): Lord our God, Father of all, you guard us under the shadow of your wings and search into the depths of our hearts. Remove the blindness that cannot know you and relieve the fear that hides you from our sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (NRSV)

Read Philippians 4:1-9 This is a well loved passage from the New Testament, reminding us to rejoice in all that the Lord has done for us and through us. There is also that great sense of comfort to know the peace of God which surrounds each believer. It is a passage which keeps us positive and secure. However tucked away at the start of this reading we see the phrase “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord”. Philippians 4:2 (NRSV)  Euodia which is usually a male name (Euodias) carried the meaning of “fragrance”, while Syntyche means “fortunate”. Clearly these two women are workers together and for some unknown reason have fallen out of fellowship with each other. The force of the sentence in urging both to be reconciled emphasises the need for Christian unity in a local congregation or church. The inference is that before the rejoicing, peace and security that can be experienced in the Lord, our relationships need to be in a good state of health. Whatever had separated these two leaders is causing some concern to Paul and he is urging them to find both forgiveness and common ground in order to be able to work again in harmony. Paul after urging the two to reconcile, moves on immediately to a memorable doxology hopefully indicates that the two did resolve whatever differences they may have had.

As we consider this reading it is interesting to think about our own relationships, especially with fellow believers. We who are forgiven through the merits of Jesus Christ have been enabled to forgive those around us. To not do so is to deny the forgiveness that we ourselves have received. “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.” Luke 11:4 (NRSV) Not only that, to live unforgiving with fellow believers will fracture the witness and harmony of the whole congregation or gathering. To rejoice and enjoy the peace we must live in forgiveness, both received and given.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, you emptied yourself of all but love and trusted in God’s strength alone. Help us to let go of self and find a new fulfilling through the power of your Holy Spirit. May we be overwhelmed by your grace and recognise afresh that there in nothing of lasting good that we can do without your strength. May we risk all that we have and are in order to follow you, trusting in your promises and inspired by your call on us to serve. Thank you for your promise of being with us whenever we go out in your name. Let us draw security from the promise of your word and be ever ready to obediently take up the command that you gave to your church to declare the gospel to all. This we pray in Jesus’ name, the true saviour of all. Amen

Read Matthew 22:1-14. In Israel at the time of Jesus a wedding banquet had more to do with the prestige of the king and his family than it did with his son and the marriage. Jesus’ hearers would have understood this point. It was a celebration of the son acquiring a wife. The guests would have been chosen with care and also forewarned that an invitation was to come. However, enhancing the social standing of the family was the primary aim of this wedding celebration. The refusal of the invited guests, to attend the banquet once all was prepared would have been an insult to the king and demeaned his position in society. The inference in Jesus’ parable would have been perfectly clear to his hearers. The wedding banquet setting was an allegoric description of the great banquet to come at the end of the age, the Day of the Lord, the Day of Salvation.  By refusing to recognise and accept the teaching of Jesus they had insulted God. The teaching was not new; the prophets had warned the nation many times that they would be forsaken. For Jesus then to go on and describe the invitation to take from the streets the “good and the bad” who would now attend the wedding banquet in their place would have angered them even further. When all the new guests had gathered one not wearing the covering provided was summarily ejected reminding the hearers that the king is still in charge, still exercising both his power and his control. Jesus’ aim was not to insult so much as to warn that those initially chosen were in danger of losing their position as invited guests. It also reminded everyone not to take lightly the goodness and the grace of God. There was only one way to accept God’s gracious invitation and that was through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Prayer. Holy Lord you are always present in all the events of life around us, yet for much of our lives we live as if you were not there. Give us eyes to see you clearly in every aspect of our life; not so we become religious but so we live trusting in the power and strength of your love. Help us to live realistically as your children, not pretending to love but to truly love, to love as you loved, with every part of us; let love be so obvious in us that every waking moment be pure worship of you and what you have done for each of us. May we grow in wisdom and insight, serving you faithfully, so that those who do not know you may be drawn with cords of love into following you. Keep us faithful to your message, and to those to whom we witness grant the inner discernment to hear your voice calling for them to come and join in true fellowship with you. Grant us good success in our obedient walk. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect Generous God, you invite all people to the wedding banquet of your Son, and you clothe us in the righteousness of Christ that we may come; help us always to rejoice in your presence, and to look for the coming kingdom of Christ our Lord. Amen.