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.   Matthew 10 : 29 – 31

This week’s Gospel reading: Matthew 10 : 24 – 39

Thought for the week

Now that summer is well and truly here, I wonder if you can remember being cold? The long damp days a few weeks ago? Some people even had the heating on! The weather is a bit like the world we live in, to be honest. As humans we can be so changeable, and we do like to complain!

In our Gospel reading Jesus tells us of just how radical it is to be His disciple. In a world full of wavering choices, of shifting loyalties, covering of truth and the pursuit of greed that damages others, Jesus tells us straight. To follow Him means fixing our eyes on Jesus’ truth, justice and love, and the truth of who He is, even in the face of opposition and deceit, and so many other influences.

Being a Christian is hard. Yet we have the Lord’s own strength and guidance in the Holy Spirit. It is about belonging to Jesus and His Kingdom that is not of this world, and we can be prone to so many other influences. So many other voices.

Yet Jesus tells us we are of more value than the sparrows, and our hairs (if we have them!) are numbered. We are called to stand firm, encourage one another, proclaim Jesus in our lives and words, come what may, and know that Jesus Himself is with us always. 

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord God, your Son Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his resurrection he restores life and peace in all creation.

Comfort, we pray, all victims of intolerance and those oppressed by their fellow humans.
Remember in your kingdom those who have died.
Lead the oppressors towards compassion and give hope to the suffering.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Things to pray for

For youngsters looking for work or preparing for their next step

For refugees and asylum seekers in our city