Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.   Matthew 13 : 24 – 26

This week’s Gospel reading: Matthew 13 : 24 – 43

Thought for the week

In Matthew Chapter 13 Jesus gives us a whole range of parables. In each of them He is speaking about something precious amidst the very ordinary things.

There is a range of everyday activity here, from sowing, to gathering, to preparing food, to buying and selling. Pictures about human skills, and hopes, and choices that we all share. And into all this activity Jesus speaks words of the Kingdom. About the Lord’s sovereign rule. About what is most precious. About the Kingdom that is so often seemingly hidden, and yet is unstoppable.

The parable this week is challenging. About the separation of the wicked from the righteous. It is uncompromising. Harsh even. Until we realise this is Jesus Himself speaking. The one who has brought the Kingdom into our lives. Who offers everyone His grace, His compassion. His love. The one who has brought all our choices together into one. To choose Him. To follow Jesus. To live in His life and in His hope.

Jesus is the one who offers each of us the Kingdom and eternal life in Him. Something so precious that begins now in the everyday when we choose Jesus.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

In you alone we put our hope, God the Father, Creator and Sustainer,

who gives all good things, seen and unseen.

In you alone we put our hope, God the Son, Saviour and Redeemer,

who died for our sins and rose again.

In you alone we put our hope, God the Spirit, Teacher and Comforter,

who moves us to sing “Our God reigns!”

In you alone we put our hope.

~ written by John Birch, and posted on Faith and Worship. http://www.faithandworship.com

Generous God, you give us gifts and make them grow:

though our faith is small as mustard seed,

make it grow to your glory and the flourishing of your kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for :

For those searching for new jobs

For the issue of climate change and those suffering

For children and staff of our schools as they begin their holidays