Shipley Church Self-Service

Sunday 1st November 2020

Thought for the Week – Blessed are the pure in heart …

This could have been the scenario if his disciples had adopted an aggressive marketing strategy as Jesus went through Galilee, preaching the good news of God’s kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Large crowds gathered to hear him, but his was a new kind of language to those who would listen, promoting humility and compassion. The poor, those who mourn the meek, merciful & pure in heart, the peacemakers & the persecuted – all shall have their reward in heaven, and all are described as “Blessed”. The Beatitudes sum up what it means to live a life that is Christ-like, and they echo the highest ideals of Jesus’ teachings on spirituality. They are complex and hard to follow, but also very beautiful, and applicable to all Christians.(Matthew 5:1-12)

The 1st November is All Saints’ Day on which we also remember the lives and sacrifices of all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, from throughout Christian history. All Souls Day follows on the 2nd, and commemoration of the dead continues to be especially relevant at this time of year as we remember the human sacrifices made in war and the fallen of two world wars from the last century on Remembrance Sunday in a week’s time. 

Hymn of the Day

Blest are the pure in heart,

For they shall see our God;

The secret of the Lord is theirs,

Their soul is Christ’s abode.

Prayer and Readings

We pray, Lord, give us weak eyes for things which are of no account, and clear eyes for all your truth.

Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right hand corner of this page