“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”      Luke 16 : 13

Reading for this week : Luke 16 : 1 – 13

Thought for the week

In her Christmas broadcast in 2016 the Queen quoted Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Through all the tributes to the Queen this has become a repeated theme. A smile, a handshake, a moment’s interest in someone’s life.

We are not only giving thanks for the Queen’s dedication and life of service in these days. Her life of duty, of humility was extraordinary. But also we are learning of what it means to live out a life of faith in Jesus. What it means to care, show humility, be human. A life that shows love.

In our Gospel reading Jesus gives us a picture of a wily servant who uses money to win favour and make his life better. If even he knew how to treat money lightly, I believe Jesus is saying, how much more can we make a difference by lives of faith, integrity and love.

The Queen lived out her faith in every opportunity she was given. May her lasting legacy be her call to follow Jesus and do the same.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty God,
The one whom is endless love, who is overall and in all.
You are the creator of all life.
We give you thanks for your servant, Queen Elizabeth II, to whom you granted a long and fulfilling life, and for her unwavering sense of duty to this nation.
Shine upon her your grace and the light of your heavenly company.
Grant that she may be wrapped in your loving presence in your eternal kingdom.
Through Christ who is our Lord, Amen.

(from Embrace the Middle East)

O God, you govern your people by your creative love: we hold before you your servant Charles, our King, praying that, guided by your Spirit, under him this nation may be wisely and justly governed, and your Church proclaim your Gospel in peace; may he be dedicated to you in heart, and mind, and soul, persevering in good works to the end, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

(The Scottish Episcopal Church)