Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish. Today we have a Parish Eucharist at 11 am at St Thomas', with no service at St Agnes'.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.
Our first hymn this morning is "Longing for Light, we Wait in Darkness"
Today's Gospel
Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Reflection
Rather than look at the characters in this parable, including the lawyer, I want to focus on the Samaritan.
There are two key messages in this story; one about loving one another and the other about keeping the law. Jesus was the one who came to fulfil the law and the prophesies. Jesus is the one who demonstrated total obedience to the Father by taking on human form and living amongst sinners. As the Father loves us so did Jesus, showing his love for everyone, not just the Jews. He was obedient and loving, even to the extent that he was willing to be tortured like a criminal and die on the cross to redeem us – to rescue everyone who is willing to trust in him and repent.
Jesus is the Samaritan, and it us who are the injured person in need of help. We are all sinners at some point and it is the wounds of sin that need to be healed. Fortunately, like the Samaritan, Jesus is there for us – like the Samaritan who placed himself at risk and helped the wounded man at his own expense, Jesus in His love and obedience for us, was willing to rescue us at His own expense.
On the roadside, the Samaritan tended to the fallen with oil and wine. Similarly Jesus offers his body and his blood to save us. Next time you take Holy Communion, remember that in that sacrament he offers you that same love to sustain us and renew us until He comes again in glory. Paul
Our Prayers
Father God, we praise and thank you,
That when we sin and fall by the wayside,
you send your Son Jesus Christ to pick us up, heal our wounds and set us back on the path of righteousness.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Brother, Sister, Let me Serve you"
Notices
Revd John Faraday and his wife, Joan, have sent a message of thanks to all of us for our prayers, help and good wishes as they mourn the loss of their son, Alan. A memorial Service for Alan will be held at Saint Thomas Church, Church Street, Delph, Oldham at 11.00am next Wednesday, 16th July, and all will be welcome. If you would like to share in the service but will find it difficult to be there, there is a link available so that you could join remotely on Zoom (please use the contact form for details).
