20th August 2023 10.30am – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on August 20, 2023August 20, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 56.1, 6-8

Thus says the Lord:
Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.

And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,
and hold fast my covenant—
these I will bring to my holy mountain,
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples.
Thus says the Lord God,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.

Matthew 15.21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

Scripture Quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

The Sermon
By Catherine, Reader at St Mary's

The Women’s World Cup final is about to begin/has just begun. If you secretly wanted to miss St. Mary’s today in order to watch another Mary’s skill in goal, don’t worry - I’ll keep this short so you can catch the second half…

Football is tribal. Us and them. For at least 90 minutes, you do whatever you can (within the rules) to confound the opposition and win the game. Sadly with the men’s game, the rivalry between fans often turns ugly. To maintain order and safety, pubs restrict customers to home fans, and the police bring out the dogs and helicopter.

The women’s game has been refreshingly different, and has become deservedly popular in recent years. It’s been noticeable that the players are kind to each other and those winning are often quick to console their tearful opponents.

Because you need two teams to make a football match possible. You need many more to put on a tournament. You need players of great skill on all sides to make the match challenging and entertaining. For a World Cup you need teams from all over the world. This year’s tournament did that well.

Players might be light or dark-haired, have dark or light skin, wear a blue shirt or a red one, but ultimately, they’re all footballers. Some have only been opponents during this tournament. During the rest of the year, they play on the same team for the same club. And all of the teams in this World Cup have faced the same challenge – to encourage people to take the women’s game as seriously as they do the men’s game. These women have all ultimately been on the same side. Far more unites them than divides them.

Forming tribes and groups happens in all walks of life. It happens in sport, politics, between different racial or socio-economic groups and different religious groups. It happens within the same religious group.

Today’s passage from Isaiah shows that this is not new. Its backstory is found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years’ exile in Babylon, the people of Judah have permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and temple. Those who have returned now follow a strict interpretation of God’s Law. They see the exile as God’s punishment for having strayed from the Law, and want to get things right this time. They worry that foreigners might contaminate their worship and society with other beliefs and practices. So they refuse to let the people of Samaria help with the rebuild, and tell anyone with a foreign wife to send her away.

The prophet objects:

...my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Thus says the Lord God,

who gathers the outcasts of Israel,

I will gather others to them

Besides those already gathered.

“You were far away and I brought you home. But others love me too. I want them to worship and serve me, just as I want you to. My temple shall be a house of prayer for everyone.”

The issue is still alive and well in Jesus’ time.

When a Canaanite woman follows Jesus’ group, crying out repeatedly for Jesus to heal her daughter, his first response is to ignore her. When she persists, his disciples urge him to send her packing.

Finally he speaks. “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

Is he speaking to the disciples or the woman? It isn’t clear. Is he speaking with conviction, in jest, or with a hint of doubt in his tone, suggesting a change of mind? We don’t know. But she sees her chance, comes nearer and kneels before him. When he suggests that his own people might need him first...

“It isn’t fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs”

...she is ready with her response:

“Even the dogs will eat up the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

She’ll gladly have whatever his people will discard.

An encounter with a foreigner, a woman at that. But one in which she stands her ground, opening up the possibility to Jesus’ disciples, yes and maybe even to Jesus himself, that God’s love may be broader than ever previously imagined. And so her daughter is healed.

Far more unites us than divides us. God is on your side, my side and their side. So whatever our individual differences let’s remember as a church that we’re ultimately all playing together for God’s side. And that God’s love is still broader than we can ever imagine.

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath

God our Father, hear us when we pray to you faith.

We give you thanks for this day, for our lives and the amazing world you have given us to live in. Help us to be good stewards and to look after it for this generation and the generations to come.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the world and all peoples, especially those who live in troubled places because of wars, oppression, natural disasters, political strife, economic problems and great need for the basics of life. Father help us to work together to end these terrible situations wherever possible and to share the earth’s resources fairly for the good of all. Bless all who strive for these things. We continue to pray for those suffering the effects of climate change such as excessive heat, drought, wild fires and flooding. Especially we pray for the people of Hawaii who have lost loved one and their homes and livelihoods in the recent terrible fires. Father help us to change our ways so that we do not destroy our home.

We pray also for all who are caught up in migration due to troubles in their homelands and for those trying to deal with the distressing and complex situations that arise out of this. Father we pray that just and compassionate ways forward will be worked out, especially for those who are in fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

In a moment of quiet let us call to mind anyone known to us who is in special need of our prayers at this time and let us also pray for ourselves and our own concerns and needs.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We remember all who have died, some recently and some long ago. We pray that they are at peace and that those who love and miss them will be comforted and cared for in their grief.

Again in a short time of quiet let us remember those special to us who are no longer with us.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers,
for the sake of your Son,
our saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000

13th August 2023 10.30am – Tenth Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on August 13, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

1 Kings 19.9-18

At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’

He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’

Matthew 14.22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

The Sermon
By Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings

We use the word ‘miracle’ in many different ways, and sometimes we use it in
a way that is the opposite of what we normally mean by it.

What we normally mean when we speak about a miracle is an occurrence
that seems to defy all rational explanation, something that seems to go
against the laws of nature, like walking on water.

Yet we sometimes speak about a miracle when we mean the exact opposite.
For instance, I read the other day about a new drug that was going to cure, or
at least arrest, a rather rare type of cancer. It was called by the media a
‘miracle’ drug.

But this new drug didn’t defy rational explanation or go against the laws of
nature. It was the exact opposite.

It had been developed by medical scientists not by defying nature but by
understanding nature better. They had discovered how the particular cancer
cells in question could be inhibited by an injection of certain chemicals, a
certain drug. And this new drug caused the cancer cells to shrink. The
miraculous drug was not against nature but working with it.

So why was it called miraculous?

Two reasons, I think. First because this had never been done before. It had
gone beyond what past medical science was capable of doing – and that
seemed miraculous.

And second, because those occurrences we want to call miraculous are
things that take our breath away, things we find amazing. This new drug, that
was going to revolutionise the treatment of one form of cancer, did take your
breath away, it was amazing. It was miraculous.

So I don’t think something has to defy rational explanation or go against
nature for us to call it miraculous. It just has to bowl us over and be
astonishing – and bring us hope and cheer.

In the Bible, there is a third factor for something to be called a miracle. As
well as being out of the ordinary and awesome, it also tells us something
about God or powerfully discloses God’s presence.

So what about the gospel for today and Christ’s walking on water? Is this
something that defies rational explanation and goes against nature or not?

I don’t know.

Part of the reason I don’t know is because the gospels were written in a pre-
scientific age. Unlike us, who have the benefit of a scientific understanding of
the workings of the world, the people at the time of Christ largely didn’t. Of
course they knew that if you throw a stone in the air it will not stay up but will
fall to the ground. Of course they knew that water does not flow uphill. They
could see these things with their own eyes. But they had no understanding of
gravity and how it works. So with a more limited knowledge they might call
many occurrences miraculous if they didn’t understand why they happened,
and if they caused them to gasp in wonder and to give praise to God.

So I don’t altogether know how to answer the question is Christ’s walking on
water capable of a rational explanation or not? But I think I can see why for
the disciples this is a miracle and why St Matthew wants to record it in his
gospel.

Because this is a story that contrasts Jesus and his disciples. They have
spent the day together, while Jesus talked to the crowds. The crowds have
now gone home and Jesus wants to stay behind for a while on the hillside to
pray alone. So he tells the disciples to get into their boat and go across the
lake. They do so, but they don’t get far. There is a head wind and the waves
get up. Late on, Jesus comes to them, seemingly walking on the water.

And, whatever that is, it is the contrast between Jesus and the disciples that
we are being pointed to. At first, the disciples are fearful and not sure whether
it is Jesus or not. He reassures them ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear.’

But when Peter tries to reach Jesus, he can make no headway against the
wind, starts to sink and is afraid. Jesus has to support him; and says he has
little faith.

We can picture the scene. While the waves crash around the disciples and
their hearts are in their mouths with anxiety and they turn to jelly, Jesus is
calm and rock-like.

We can see why the first Christians wanted this story in the gospel - because
it says something to all of us who come after.

There will be times when we might not be in a boat and on a lake, but it will
seem as if the world around us is like a choppy sea, the headwinds are
against us, and everything is beyond our control. At those times we need to
hear the voice of Christ as he comes to us, ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear.’

When we are anxious and turn to jelly, we need to be calmed by his voice,
coming to us over the waves, ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear.’

When we let that happen, it will be our miracle too.

9th July 2023 10.30am – Fifth Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on July 30, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

Zechariah 9.9-12

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the warhorse from Jerusalem;
and the battle-bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Matthew 11.16-19, 25-end
‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another,
“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.”
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’

At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

30th July 2023 10.30am – Eighth Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

1 Kings 3.5-12

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.

Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

The Sermon
By Joe, a Reader at St. Mary's

Today I’d like to focus on the Gospel reading from Matthew.

Just to put you in the picture as to what’s happened previously….

Jesus has retired to a boat on seeing the crowd that has gathered to listen to him, and is floating around in the sea of Galilee, close in to the shore, and from this boat he is teaching the people in parables.

He started with the Parable of the Sower, and has shared other parables and, including one that we will return to later – that of the wheat and the weeds. When asked by his disciples why he teaches in parables, he tells them that it is in fulfilment of a prophecy from Isaiah, in which the prophet states the word of God:

‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

Jesus is effectively telling the disciples that he teaches in parables to lay the truth before people, whilst at the same time knowing that only those with un-calloused hearts will truly understand what He means.

Some parables are explained; others are just given and it is left for the listeners to discern the meaning.

The five parables in today’s reading are short and, are all to do with the Kingdom of God. They fall in to three categories, allowing us to reflect up on the growth of the Kingdom from tiny, almost invisible beginnings, the value of the Kingdom as being beyond all price, and the eventual impact of the Kingdom on the people. Oddly enough, there’s a sixth parable immediately following the end of the reading, which I’m going to mention as well.

The mustard seed is a tiny thing – but it gives rise to a big tree that birds nest in and that provides shelter for animals. It may take a while, but the seed will get there once it’s in fertile ground. The birds are representative of people who will come to live in safety in the Kingdom of Heaven when it is established.

The parable of the leavening or yeast would be meaningful to anyone who has ever baked bread. The amount of yeast needed for leavening – rising – of the dough to take place is small – and is effectively hidden within the flour at the start of the process - but its influence is soon VERY noticeable – just like the presence of the Kingdom.

This message of the hidden initial presence of the Kingdom continues with the story of the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl. The treasure is exactly that – hidden away, buried, found by accident. The value of the pearl is also initially hidden – it’s not obvious just how valuable the pearl is. But in both cases the value of that which is hidden is regarded as being worth any price by the finder. And there is risk; all earthly wealth is being staked on these valuable items, just as we give all over to God when we become part of the Kingdom.

The final parable in today’s reading is reminiscent of an earlier parable – the parable of the wheat and the weeds – in Matthew 13:24. In that parable, weeds are allowed to grow with the wheat, and are separated at harvest, and the weeds are burnt by the farmer. Here, the catch of fish is only sorted when they’re landed. In each case, the message is the same:

“This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

And on to what I called the ‘bonus’ parable, shared by Jesus with the disciples after they tell him that they have understood the parables:

“Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

This parable of the householder would be aimed at teachers of Jewish laws and customs and religious authorities. The older laws of Moses, the scriptures from the Old Testament, are still valuable but are now being supplemented by new teachings that are also valuable.

So, what can we take from today’s readings and apply to our daily lives and interactions with the Kingdom?

The parable of the Mustard Seed reminds us that the Kingdom of God starts with small beginnings; the birth of a baby in Bethlehem, the formation of a small group of disciples to spread the word. Whatever you do to bring about the Kingdom, no matter how small, contributes to its growth. Don’t feel you are doing nothing to grow the Kingdom; on those days where you feel you’ve done nothing, you may have planted a tiny seed in someone’s heart.

The parable of the leavening of the bread is about the power of the Kingdom to transform things. The presence of the Kingdom may be subtle and un-noticed. It may well be all but invisible to us and to those around us. But the presence of the Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit in our lives allow us to bring the Kingdom to others. Our daily choices and actions – as inhabitants of the Kingdom of God – allow the influence of the Kingdom to spread and transform the world around us.

The parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price reminds us that whether we encounter the Kingdom unexpectedly, or through searching for it, when we find it the results can be life-changing in all ways; our system of values will change; the things we value most in our lives will stop being the wealth of our world but will instead become the wealth of the Kingdom – joyful service and committing our lives to God.

The parable of the Householder – the ‘bonus parable’ – reminds us that the new treasures of the Kingdom as described in the New Testament are not disconnected from the teachings of the Old Testament. The old illuminates the new, provides it’s basis.

And we are finally reminded that as Christ’s followers in the Kingdom of God we’re expected – like the original disciples – to be ‘fishers of men’ – to spread the word of the Gospel and demonstrate the love of God in what we do and how we act, and hopefully encourage people into the Kingdom of God. But there is also a reminder; that in the end we will be expected to answer to Christ for our behaviour.

The Kingdom of Heaven starts from what appear to our limited vision to be tiny, apparently inconsequential actions but grows to encompass all things; that it may be invisible, but all pervading in its influence; that it may be hidden, but of incredible, inestimable, value.

The great thing about this is that it means that however small a seed we plant, however little we feel we influence something, however our actions and deeds seem to be hidden – we can still contribute to the growth of the Kingdom of God.

Amen

The Prayers
Prepared by Catherine

God of stories and parables, we pray for your church...

- that, small though we are as individuals, we might share your love and hospitality widely

- that we might have a positive effect on the world in which we move, and in the communities we are part of.

- that we might recognise what is truly to treasure and let go of what we do not need.

- that we might use Jesus’ parables as springboards for thought and action.

- that we might have the confidence to tell your greater story far and wide.

Hear us, Lord of life:

heal us, and give us rest.

God of wisdom, we pray for your world...

- that leaders might seek humbly to do what is right for the planet, humanity and all creation.

- that there be an end to war, hunger, persecution and homelessness.

- that all living in places grappling with extreme heat, fires and floods, find safety, remembering those who have lost everything this week.

- that solutions to the climate crisis be acted upon so that all your people today and in generations to come can live in safety.

Hear us, Lord of life:

heal us, and give us rest.

God of community, we pray for Sheffield and Walkley...

- that schoolchildren and staff have a restful break.

- that those providing holiday clubs and hot meals are given the resources they need to ensure children are fed and happy.

- that those travelling for work or leisure do so safely.

Hear us, Lord of life:

heal us, and give us rest.

God of compassion, we pray for those who are in particular need

- that the sick find healing and comfort

- that the lonely find companionship

- that those in distress find peace.

We remember, in a few moments’ quiet... and those others known to us in particular.

Hear us, Lord of life:

heal us, and give us rest.

God of eternal life we remember those who have died...

thinking of ... and any known to us.

We ask that their families and friends find comfort in their loss

support in the weeks and months to come

and hope for the future.

Hear us, Lord of life:

heal us, and give us rest.

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England and Times and Seasons, material from which is used here is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000 and 2010

23rd July 2023 10.30am – Seventh Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on July 23, 2023July 30, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

Wisdom 12.13, 16-19

For neither is there any god besides you, whose care is for all people,
to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly;
For your strength is the source of righteousness,
and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power,
and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness,
and with great forbearance you govern us;
for you have power to act whenever you choose.

Through such works you have taught your people
that the righteous must be kind,
and you have filled your children with good hope,
because you give repentance for sins.

Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

The Sermon
By Kath B, a Reader at St. Mary's

Ever since I started writing sermons; which amazingly is twenty years ago now, I’ve given them titles; usually related to their theme and from a practical perspective it makes them easier to find on the computer. I’ve titled this one “Bringing the Harvest Home” which may sound a bit strange but it’s what kept coming back to me, much as I tried to think of a better one. Panic not though, you haven’t lost a couple of months, it isn’t September and time for our traditional harvest celebrations. The reason I’ve alighted on the theme of harvest a little earlier than usual is because the readings from Matthew for today and last Sunday are on the theme of sowing and growing and gathering and in his sermon last week Matthew spoke about this. Given that the readings go together so closely it seemed worth continuing to look at their common theme. The “Parable of the Sower” from last week focuses mainly on planting whereas today’s “Parable of the Weeds” is more concerned with the practicalities of bringing the crops to harvest, in other words “bringing the harvest home”.

Jesus uses parables a lot to convey his messages and they are very effective because he uses images that the people he is speaking to are familiar with. But sometimes they need a little extra help to fully understand and this is the case with his disciples here. The explanation Jesus gives them shows just how well he understands the realities of peoples’ lives and his approach to dealing with the inevitable problems and challenges they face is pragmatic.

To look at this in the context of our own lives, sometimes, when we’re trying to deal with something that, in spite of our best efforts, isn’t going according to plan, it can be very tempting to just throw it all away, wipe the slate clean and start afresh. This is understandable and on occasion it is the best thing to do but more often than not, in doing so we may actually be throwing away much that is of value and worth persevering with. Instead of giving in to our frustrations and desire for an instant fix, of sorts, we would probably find it more effective to be patient and work towards giving whatever is worthwhile a chance to come to fruition. I know this flies in the face of much that we see around us in terms of how problems and challenges are dealt with from individuals to big organisations (including the church) and even governments. A “new initiative” or a “re-branding” or a “root and branch shake up” can sound very appealing and enable us to feel like we’re really taking action and doing something positive, but if we haven’t carefully examined a situation and understood what is already happening before we start messing with it then we may be wiping out someone else’s slow but good work and possibly doing more harm than good. If that is the case then we would be kidding ourselves and others that it was the right thing to do. For all sorts of reasons some people want to look dynamic and go-getting, indeed it might be expected of them, but if their actions are ill considered or without regard to the impact they may have on others or if they are just plain self-serving then ultimately the results will not be good. They may even be very bad!

Our world is in a mess in so many ways, largely due to short term thinking and policies and sacrificing long term benefits for instant rewards. Climate change, poverty, economic and political strife and wars are issues that instantly spring to mind. But trying to wipe everything bad out in order to start again isn’t a realistic option; many situations are too complicated for this to be possible. Just as with the wheat field in Jesus’s parable, we would risk destroying what is worth keeping. Instead we have to work with what we have got however imperfect it may be; work patiently, diligently and persistently to make things better. We will never be perfect. God knows this and still he does not give up on us so we shouldn’t give up on ourselves or our fellow people. We can’t let the enormity of the tasks we face in our world overwhelm us. If we can be brave enough to look and really see what is wrong, then either noisily or quietly (whatever is your style), stand against it by living according to the good standards our faith has instilled in us then we can keep making a difference for the better. This may be in the face of hostility, mockery or perhaps worst of all indifference. In a world where there are so many temptations to take easier, more enjoyable or lucrative paths we shouldn’t be surprised that sometimes people choose them and we shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that we are immune. We can all get it wrong! Bearing this in mind I’d like us to reflect for a moment on the message in our first reading from the Book of Wisdom. God is all powerful; he can do whatever he wants with us or to us. Given some our behaviour throughout the ages it’s a wonder that he hasn’t given up on us, wiped the slate clean and started again. But he has chosen not to do this. He’s persevered with us because he loves us and sees our potential to be what he created us to be. He’s giving us the time and opportunity to bear good fruit.

We are part of God’s harvest and for good or ill we have the ability to powerfully affect everything else he has created. Let us pray that it will for good rather than ill; that we will be the wheat rather than the weeds. He’s given us the choice and it’s up to us what we decide to do with it.

The Prayers
Prepared by Veronica

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, you promised through your Son, Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith. We pray for the Church worldwide, that all who profess the Christian faith may work together to preserve for future generations the wonderful world you created for your children. As we see the results of climate change, help us all to do what we can to halt and reverse its progress. We pray for all who are currently suffering its effects, excessive heat, floods and drought, and also that those fleeing climate change as well as war and oppression may find sanctuary in countries not experiencing these things. Give generosity of spirit to welcome and accept new migrants from their distress in those countries.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our City of Sheffield, a City of Sanctuary, and also for our neighbourhood of Walkley. We give you thanks for all the many organisations and individuals who contributed to the recent Walkley Festival which does so much to bring people together in fellowship.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are unwell at this time, for Alan, and Kath, James’ mother, and all family members supporting them. We give you thanks for all medical staff and nurses who do so much to help people to recover from their illness and support relatives.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who have died recently, especially Julie of Carr Road who for several years organised the Horticultural Show in our Hall, also my sister Margaret, and all others known to us whom we still miss. Grant them all your peace.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Mary, Mark, John and all you saints, we commend ourselves and all people to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here is copyright (c) the Archbishops' Council 2000

16th July 2023 10.30am – Sixth Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on July 16, 2023July 30, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 55.10-13

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

For you shall go out in joy,
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath B

God our Father, hear us when we pray to you faith.
We give you thanks for this day, for our lives and the amazing world you have given us to live in. Help us to be good stewards and to look after it for this generation and the generations to come.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Father we pray for your church throughout the world and for those of other faiths who worship you. May we find ways to live together peaceably and handle our differences respectfully and with open minds that we might learn from one another. We pray that those engaged in the inter-faith strife still taking place in Israel and Palestine will find better ways to deal with their differences so that more lives will not be lost or ruined. Father please give us the patience and vision to see how you work in all our lives.
We give thanks for the opportunity to welcome a group of school children a few days ago; some of whom have never been inside a church, and to tell them a little about our church and how we express our faith. We pray that this will broaden their understanding and give them the confidence to come into your house again if they so wish.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the world and all peoples, especially those who live in troubled places because of wars, oppression, natural disasters, political strife, economic problems and great need for the basics of life. Father help us to work together to end these terrible situations wherever possible and to share the earth’s resources fairly for the good of all. Bless all who strive for these things. We pray for those suffering the effects of climate change such as excessive heat, drought, wild fires and flooding. Help us to change our ways so that we do not destroy our home.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are ill and those who are nearing the end of their lives. May they receive the care, comfort and compassion they need. We pray also for those who accompany them on their journey who also need to be supported.
We pray also for all those hurt by excessive and cruel intrusion into their lives and the lives of their loved ones by the media and others.
By name we pray for Anne and Chris

In a moment of quiet let us call to mind anyone known to us who is in special need of our prayers at this time and let us also pray for ourselves and our own concerns and needs.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We remember all who have died, some recently and some long ago. We pray that they are at peace and that those who love and miss them will be comforted and cared for in their grief.
Especially we pray for Val, Frank and our friend Ken who have died recently.
Again in a short time of quiet let us remember those special to us who are no longer with us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers,
for the sake of your Son,
our saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here, is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000

2nd July 2023 10.30am – Fourth Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on July 2, 2023July 30, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

Jeremiah 28.5-9

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord; and the prophet Jeremiah said, ‘Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfil the words that you have prophesied, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.’

Matthew 10.40-end

‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

The Sermon

By Catherine B, a Reader at St. Mary's

Let’s go back in time and space to the Kingdom of Judah about 6 centuries before Christ. Babylon is the big superpower and threat, and Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, has begun raiding Jerusalem, taking King Jehoiachin (aka Jeconiah) into exile, along with the sacred temple vessels. Zedekiah has been installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar, but has decided to rebel. This puts Jerusalem and her inhabitants in a very dangerous position.

Under the LORD’s instructions, Jeremiah has been hanging around Zedekiah’s court and the temple wearing a yoke of straps and bars. He has been urging everyone not to resist Nebuchadnezzar, but rather to submit to the yoke of Babylon in order to preserve Jerusalem and save their skins. They should not to listen to anyone who says otherwise – they are speaking falsely.

But the people don’t like that message. Meanwhile other prophets are trying to keep everyone’s spirits up. One is Hananiah. The LORD has apparently told him that he’s broken the yoke of the king of Babylon and within 2 years all will be restored: the exiles will return, King Jeconiah restored to the throne, the temple vessels reinstated. It’s a much more palatable message than Jeremiah’s.

Jeremiah is scathing and mocks Hananiah – Yes indeed may this come about! But when in history have prophets ever foreseen peace and prosperity? Never! They always foresee war, famine and pestilence. However, when peace and prosperity come about, we’ll know that this prophet has spoken the truth, that the LORD has sent this prophet.

If we’d read on, we’d hear how Hananiah responds to this mockery, by breaking Jeremiah’s yoke. “The LORD says: This is how I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon within 2 years”.

And then we’d have heard The LORD’s promise of an even greater yoke, and of Hananiah’s fate.

Jeremiah’s message was not well received. Speaking truth to power makes you unpopular. It seems no one listened and he had no friends. I’m sure we can all think of similar examples in our own recent political and world history.

But hold on a minute. Jeremiah may not have been popular, but someone must have been listening. Someone noted the words that he spoke, remembered the very visual acts he performed and wrote them down forming the book bearing his name. And others preserved the book, made copies, handed it down through the generations. Jeremiah might not have changed the minds of the authorities at the time, but later on, when the exiled people of Judah were pondering their lot, they remembered Jeremiah’s words and began some serious thinking about what had gone wrong with their relationship with God. Someone, somewhere had (eventually) welcomed the words of the prophet.

Jeremiah hated being a prophet. But for 40 years he remained a faithful disciple, faithfully proclaiming God’s message.

As we’ve explored Matthew Chapter 10 recently, we’ve looked at the role of Jesus’ disciples. They are to share the good news of God’s Kingdom amongst the people of Israel. They should speak, heal and cast out demons. They should rely solely on the goodwill and hospitality of those they meet for their basic needs.

This mission will be costly. There will be conflict with their families and friends. They will be mocked and mistreated. They will become unpopular.

Today’s short reading rounds the chapter off. We now hear that anyone who welcomes a follower of Jesus, will welcome Jesus himself, and indeed welcome the God who sent him. There will be people who will provide for their basic needs – if even just a cup of water. There will be people who will understand them to be righteous, and welcome them because of that. There will be others who understand them to be prophets, and welcome them because of that.

And whoever welcomes the disciples, from the basic cup of water to the listening and understanding welcomes Jesus himself. And whoever welcomes Jesus will welcome God, even if they don’t know it.

So this gives encouragement for today’s disciples too. Each of us has our own role to play in bringing about God’s kingdom on Earth today. There is good news to share, but there are hard truths to point out too. Sometimes the going will be tough, as it was for Jeremiah, and it will seem as though no one is listening. But along the way there will still be little responses of recognition, kindness from strangers, a little cup of water perhaps. And maybe later, someone will realise that in meeting a disciple of Jesus, they have, in some way, met Jesus himself. And in encountering Jesus, they have encountered the one who sent him.

Thanks be to God.

The Prayers
Prepared by Joe

We pray for the Church of Christ, for Bishop Pete and Bishop Sophie, our Archbishops Justin and Stephen, all here who lead us in worship and prayer, and all those whose time and talents are given to St Mary’s, St John’s and St Mark’s.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Jeremiah reminded the priests and the people “The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms.” Today it sometimes seems that such fears are once again common. We pray for peace in the world and in the hearts and minds of men.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those in political office here in the UK, that they may govern wisely and with the interests of the whole country in mind

We pray for our community here in Walkley, and for the city of Sheffield, and for our neighbours and friends. As the Walkley Festival comes to an end, we offer thanks for the time and skills given by all to our community for the Festival events.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for the aged and infirm, and those sick in mind, body or spirit, and those who find life especially difficult at this time. We pray that you strengthen them and bring them the healing and peace that belong to your kingdom. In a few moments of silence, we bring to mind those we know who need your healing presence.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those currently close to death, and those accompanying them on this final part of their Earthly journey. We pray for those who have died, recently and in the past, and those who mourn.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Finally, Lord, we silently bring before you those special to us, and also those issues and concerns that we have in our own lives.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the communion of Mary, Mark, John and of all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to God.

Merciful Father:

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is used here is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council 2000

25th June 2023 10.30am – Third Sunday after Trinity Eucharist

Posted on June 25, 2023June 25, 2023 by St Mary's

The Readings

Jeremiah 20.7-13

O Lord, you have enticed me,
and I was enticed;
you have overpowered me,
and you have prevailed.
I have become a laughing-stock all day long;
everyone mocks me.
For whenever I speak, I must cry out,
I must shout, ‘Violence and destruction!’
For the word of the Lord has become for me
a reproach and derision all day long.
If I say, ‘I will not mention him,
or speak any more in his name’,
then within me there is something like a burning fire
shut up in my bones;
I am weary with holding it in,
and I cannot.
For I hear many whispering:
‘Terror is all around!
Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’
All my close friends
are watching for me to stumble.
‘Perhaps he can be enticed,
and we can prevail against him,
and take our revenge on him.’
But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior;
therefore my persecutors will stumble,
and they will not prevail.
They will be greatly shamed,
for they will not succeed.
Their eternal dishonour
will never be forgotten.
O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous,
you see the heart and the mind;
let me see your retribution upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.

Sing to the Lord;
praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy
from the hands of evildoers.

Matthew 10.24-39

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

The Sermon
By David, Reader at St Mary's.

Our Gospel passage this morning is one of the most difficult in the Gospels. It can challenge our understanding of Jesus and his ministry. Alongside the assurance of faithfulness from God we hear challenging words promising conflict and bodily harm. It’s not an easy read, it’s messy. Passages like these call us to a deep, thoughtful reading and interpretation of the bible. They call us to recognise that faith can oftentimes be messy and difficult rather than straightforward.

Some context might be helpful in our understanding. This passage comes at the end of chapter 10 of Matthew’s Gospel. In this chapter Jesus has been commissioning the twelve apostles to “go and proclaim the good news”. He has told them “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, to give without payment”. Following on from our passage today Jesus talks about the rewards of discipleship.

So sandwiched in the middle we have a passage that focuses on the cost of discipleship. That if we follow Jesus then there is the potential for conflict and suffering. Conflict with the powers and rulers of this world, keen to maintain their place. But also potentially conflict with those closest to us. Our opening verses tell us to expect this. “A disciple is not above teacher”. If we follow Jesus, try to imitate him, and bring about his kingdom, then those who benefit from the world as it is, will treat us as they did Jesus. It’s the part of discipleship we don’t tend to talk about, particularly in relatively safe countries where we can practice our faith openly.

We can fall into the trap of thinking that God will protect us from any kind of harm. That the more closely we follow Jesus the more blest our life will be, the less pain and suffering will happen to us. Which, when we stop and reflect on it, is a bit odd. Jesus lived a difficult life on the road, challenging authority and was ridiculed, mocked, denounced, persecuted. If we are called to live a life that imitates Jesus, then we open ourselves up to all of these. As disciples, we don’t get an easier life than our teacher, Jesus.

But, and this is really important, suffering pain, ridicule and persecution by the those in authority doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us.

Our passage then offers reassurance. God follows and loves each small sparrow and counts all the hairs of our head. We are individually as a small bird, when compared with the universe. Seemingly insignificant, without power, wealth, or status. Yet to God all are valued, and acknowledged. Each of us is of more value to him than a sparrow.

We need to be a bit careful here. Reassurance doesn’t magically make the world a better place. But it can strengthen us to do the right thing. Knowing that God will go with us into the dark places, through whatever stumbling blocks the self-interested powers of this world put in our way, can hearten us. God being with us doesn’t mean we won’t fall, we just won’t fall beyond God’s love.

The final verses of our Gospel are some of the most difficult of Jesus’ teachings. We associate Jesus with bringing in a reign of peace. At Christmas we hear the angels message of “peace on earth.” At funeral services we hear the words “my peace I give you”. Earlier in Matthews Gospel Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”, and later on “All who take the sword will perish by the sword”.

Yet here Jesus states he will actively cause conflict and came to bring a sword? Was he having a bad day?

There is a form of peace, discussed in Micah chapter 7, which hides injustice and exploitation. The peace of the oppressed people, who can’t challenge a settled authority and an unjust society. This is a peace which Jesus comes to shatter.

The sword he brings is the sword of the spirit. A sword which cuts through pretence and bluster to the heart. Like a scalpel it separates the light from the darkness, the good from the bad. It’s metaphorical, Jesus comes to refine us and remove that which causes people to stumble and keeps them in chains.

None of this is easy, faith is messy. We are at odds with society around us. Sometimes the church, or our fellow Christians. We disagree about what faithfulness to God means. Sometimes we confuse imitating Jesus with being Jesus.

We’re not always good at expressing difficult emotions within the church, or in some cultures. Our reading from Jeremiah can help. It’s a poem of lament about his vocation and calling. What we can call his journey of discipleship. It’s a type of speech and writing which allows him to express negative emotions to God in a safe and structured way. It’s something worth thinking about as a tool in todays world, where it’s hard to find spaces to express these negative emotions.

Jeremiah has had enough. As a prophet he’s called to hold a mirror up to society. Essentially speaking out God’s critical judgement on the people generally and those in power specifically. Unsurprisingly it’s not a popular calling! He is fed up with being given a message to challenge authority and of being ridiculed, mocked, denounced, persecuted.

Sound familiar?

People are waiting for him to stumble. He can’t run away like Jonah. When he doesn’t speak out he feels “something like a burning fire” inside him. He has no choice, he knows how difficult it is to speak truth to power and to work for the transformation of our society.

On these two tasks of disciples, I’m going to leave you with something to ponder. There have been two stories about the Church of England in news in the last week or so. One on the dismissal of the Independent Safeguarding Board. The other on the Church Commissioners decision to no longer invest in energy companies using fossil fuels. This comes after years spent trying to engage with those companies in the hope of them being more climate friendly.

I wonder what Jeremiah would make of these?

These final words are from a hymn. It was written by an American woman called Annie Johnson Flint, who died in 1932. I first encountered them on a prayer card many years ago. They could be considered a platitude, but they cut to the heart of what we have considered here this morning.

God has not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love.

The Prayers
Prepared by Catherine

We pray for the church...
thinking this week of all those preparing for ordination as deacons or priests. We ask for blessing on their ministries. We remember too all those people worldwide whose profession and practice of faith brings them into conflict, derision and danger. May they continued to be assured of the love and presence of God. Following yesterday’s diocesan Parish Safeguarding Officers’ Commissioning Day, we pray for all who undertake this ministry at a local and national level, and pray that all may work well together to ensure that our churches truly reflect the love of God.