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.’   Matthew 13 : 31 - 32

This week’s Gospel reading: Matthew 13 : 31 – 33, 44 - 52

Thought for the week

Often we think in terms of how the Kingdom of God can be served so well through small things. Acts of kindness. Words of encouragement. Our prayers however simple and brief, or even hurried. A heartfelt act or word of witness to Jesus, however tentative or afraid. In each of these ways our service to Jesus matters!

So Jesus in His parables, especially the ones we hear this week, are of relatively small things. A tiny seed. A small amount of yeast. A box in a field. A jewel. A catch of fish.

Yet each one shows that however small seeming the scale, in the Kingdom the Lord always works on the most massive of transformations. The impact of each of these items is huge, massive, life – changing. In a word, ‘Biblical’.

Jesus replied when He was before Pilate, ‘My Kingdom is not of this world’. (John 18 : 36). The Kingdom of God breaks out wherever Jesus’ name is revered. Wherever prayers are offered in His name. Situations are transformed. Peace breaks through. Priorities are turned upside down. The poor, the vulnerable, are showered with grace. This is the kingdom Jesus brings, beyond all human imagining. 

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

O God, Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also.

In this hour, we come bringing our treasures— all that we have and all that we are.

We come seeking your treasure— treasure that does not fade, decay, or disappoint.

Share with us the treasure of heaven, that we may boldly share it with others. Amen.

~ written by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl,

https://bjhlog.wordpress.com/2020/02/19/nl-mark-1017-31-the-rich-young-man-march-1-2020/

Lord God, your Son left the riches of heaven and became poor for our sake:

when we prosper save us from pride, when we are needy save us from despair,

that we may trust in you alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for :

Youngsters attending New Day

For Rachael and Justin in their new married life.

For all those experiencing difficult health issues and changes at the moment