“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.     Matthew 25 : 14 - 15

Readings this week :  Zephaniah 1 : 7, 12 - end; 1 Thessalonians 5 : 1 - 11; Matthew 25 : 14 - 30

Jesus tells a parable of a master who gives his servants gifts to use. Literally ‘talents’ or sums of money. In the master’s absence he is expecting the servants to use their initiative, and for the money to grow.

We might think of this as a master and servant relationship we are familiar with through the ages. Of the servants being subject to the master or mistress. Of them fulfilling their wishes. Yet there is something different here. The master entrusts the servants. He gives them permission to use their imaginations and creativity. In a word, the master empowers them to become more like partners. Even friends.

We are celebrating St Edmund’s life and witness today. He refused to be subject to the invading Norsemen. He endured martyrdom rather than bow to them. Edmund said there is only one true sovereign, Jesus Christ.

Jesus calls each of us to discover the fullness of life Jesus calls us into, with all that He has made us to be. As we bring our lives under His rule, we discover how His love sets us free to be the people He meant us to be. Jesus who is our loving Lord and King. Who calls us His flock, His children, his friends.

Rev Paul

Prayers this week

Eternal God, Whose servant Edmund, kept faith to the end,

Both with you and with his people, And glorified you by his death:

Grant us such steadfastness of faith That, with the noble army of martyrs,

We may come to enjoy the fullness of the resurrection life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

Heavenly Lord, you long for the world’s salvation:

stir us from apathy, restrain us from excess and revive in us new hope

that all creation will one day be healed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for :

For Christians being persecuted and suffering for their faith today

For Daphne’s family following her funeral yesterday