Collect for Trinity 18
Almighty and everlasting God: Increase in us your gift of faith that, forsaking what lies behind, we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Philippians 3: 4b-14
Matthew 21: 33-46
Deteronomy 30:19- I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life.
But most of them didn’t. And haven’t, through the ages.
A parable of a vineyard:
First, a rejected messenger – tortured.
Then, several servants are sent to repeat the message – they are beaten and stoned.
In the end, the owners Son himself goes, is killed and his inheritance stolen.
The result: the owner of the vineyard demands the life of the treacherous workers, and brings in those who will be honest and do his bidding.
A brief History of God in the World:
First, a chosen people – messengers who prophesied Messiah and then the people, apart from a few, nonetheless refused to accept Him when He came.
Followed by a ‘Christian’ society – which initially believed, but has now become self-centred, greedy and secularised. People pay lip service only to the Gospel they have heard, and reject those who daily aspire to live that truth. All He asks is repentance, humility and love. But it seems that it ‘costs’ too much…
Now, He sees an economically – and therefore unbalanced – society, with a minority in the ‘rich North’ who are unspeakably wealthy and a majority in the ‘poor South’ living in abject poverty. Yet it is by those where He is increasingly made welcome, and where His Church experiences unprecedented growth.
Throughout the centuries, God offers a gift being able to choose life and starting again, but when continually refused, He shakes the dust off His sandals and moves on. Could you blame Him, then, if He turns His blessing to the poor? And asks us to do the same – to give them the support they need to choose life?
Previous Posts
Praying Together 17th December 2023
May you walk in His light throughout your life; may you be His body on earth, share Faith, Hope and Love, and use the all the gifts He gives you to bring His Kingdom in.
Praying Together 26 November 2023
They know what they should do. But they don’t do it. It is the ones who do God’s work, who serve without expecting any reward who will receive eternal life in the Kingdom.
Praying Together 19th November 2023
It might not be the trumpet. Or the Clarinet. A Trombone, Double Bass, a singing voice. It may not be music at all. If not, there are many other skills you may have been given that you are not yet aware of: artistic talent, hospitality, compassion, intercession, forgiveness, unconditional love. There will be some.
Praying Together 12th November 2023
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Praying Together 5th November 2023
“Do as I say, not as I do”. The mantra of hypocritical leaders through the ages. It is important to note that Jesus makes a clear distinction between the righteous observance of the Law and the self-important practice of the Pharisees.
Praying Together 29th October 2023
Hallowmas is a season we should not ignore, but instead celebrate as a festival of light, in the beauty of Autumn colours and enjoying a time for creation to rest in peace.
Praying Together 22nd October 2023
When the world lives in Christ, it’s laws are true and just. When it doesn’t, they are not, and we must reject them. There can be no compromise.
Praying Together 15th October 2023
Whoever we are – even unto this last -Jesus asks us to dine with Him. He has bought us the entrance fee. All He asks is that we accept Him as Lord.
Praying Together 1st October 2023
The reward for accepting Him is the joy of knowing freedom, and then to accept His command to work in the vineyard, to feed His lambs – not with empty words, but with deeds.
Praying Together 24th September 2023
Heavenly Father, help us to work to accomplish your will for us according to our individual gifts without comparing ourselves to others. Help us to acknowledge our own failures and avoid condemning others for theirs.
Praying Together 17th September 2023
And when it comes down to it, I will always need forgiveness – as do we all. For all of us have sinned and fallen short.
Praying Together 10th September 2023
Yes of course we have a responsibility to address sin – but before we criticise others, we need to start with ourselves.