Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Second Sunday before Lent, which is also Racial Justice Sunday. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.
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 "When I Needed a Neighbour"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 6: 25 - 34Do Not Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the gentiles who seek all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Reflection
Do not worry!
Perhaps that is easier said than done. I have to admit I am a natural worrier at times. We all worry about our health and wealth; our families, be that young children or aging relatives. We worry about our future and our job security and so many other things. It’s human nature isn’t it?
So what is Jesus saying here? It almost seems impossible. Don’t worry about the basics in life, food, drink clothing, and first and foremost seek the kingdom of God. That is more important than anything else. I wonder how easy that is to do for people who are starving around the world, or the homeless and those having to rely on foodbanks for their next meal?
It feels like a really hard message. Someone once told me that worrying never helped anything, it just makes us feel bad and sad. Indeed on their 1985 album – Brothers in Arms recorded a poignant song called Why Worry? It contained the following lyrics:
Why worry?
There should be laughter after pain, There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same, So why worry now?
It is a message of hope not despair.
If you ask your doctor, I’m sure he or she will tell you that worrying is one if the worst things you can do unless you want high blood pressure, a heart attack or an ulcer.
Jesus is not saying that food and drink are not important, but endlessly worrying about the future does nothing to make our lives better. Neither is he saying that we can just sit at home doing nothing and just hope that God will feed us. God feeds the birds but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to dig the worm out of the earth or peck the seeds from the ground.
What Jesus did teach His disciples is that our relationship with God is to be the paramount focus of our lives – seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. It’s about getting our priorities right. When we are consumed with fret over our circumstances – whatever they may be – that wrongly becomes the priority of our lives above God. When we succumb to worry, it demonstrates our lack of faith, and our inability to appreciate what the hand of God has provided today, because we are fretting about what He may not provide tomorrow. We need to remember that ultimately everything we have has come from God by His grace.
It is no coincidence that just before Jesus tells us not to worry, He shows us how to pray to the Father in the words of the Lord’s Prayer. We start by recognising God’s name is to be hallowed and pray that His kingdom may come and His will be done, before we ask for him to provide our Daily Bread. Seeking the kingdom of God is our priority. Jesus reminds us to hunger and thirst for righteousness and to put God and His work before our own needs.
By stating that we should seek “first” the kingdom of God and his righteousness, Jesus is not saying we should not seek anything else, provided the first thing we seek is God’s kingdom and righteousness. God wants us to put Him first and not treat Him as the icing on the cake after we have everything else we want.
There is more to life than worrying about what our lives will be like in the future, although this may be difficult for some. God will and does provide.
Jesus wants us to put our energy into things that give more meaning to life. We need to strive to discern how God is working in the world and how to participate in acts of justice, to build His kingdom here on earth to look after one another. When we do, other things will come naturally. Paul
Our Prayers
Loving Father
Amidst all the strains and stresses of our lives,
we pray that we can look past the distractions of this world.
That we may appreciate all that you do for us,
and count our many blessings.
Help us trust in you with all our hearts and minds.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God"
Notices
Bellringing is making a comeback at St Thomas' Church. We haven't been able to ring the bells at St Thomas' for quite some time now due to lack of ringers, but we have started up again from Tuesday 3rd February from 7 to 8.30 pm. Our Tower Captain is Eric Whitehead, a former ringer at St Thomas', and we will have help from ringers at local towers to start our own band of ringers here. New learners of all ages (9 - 90) are most welcome to join us in this traditional and skilful activity, which is particularly great for families.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany, when we will be celebrating the Presentation of Christ at the Temple. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.
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 2:22-40Presentation of Christ at the Temple
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
Reflection
How do you feel when you read the story about the presentation of Christ at the Temple?
Yes, it’s a lovely story and I could write at length about the Jewish traditions and customs dating back to Moses relating to purification rites - the reason why the Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple.
However, I want us to think about the emotions and feelings that Simeon and Anna must have been feeling when these events happened.
In the busy world we now live in we are used to instant gratification, it seems like we can get everything on the internet – just a few clicks and what we want is delivered in a van the following day. Many of us are impatient, we generally hate queuing for things or having to wait.
But not everything can be ordered on line or purchased from a visit to the shops, and not everything can be obtained quickly. Have you ever wanted something really badly? Maybe recognition by someone you care about, or a promotion that you think you’re long overdue for, maybe a first child, or something else that you yearn for in your life. And you want it so badly, you think about it all of the time.
There is a saying, ‘if something is worth having, it’s worth waiting for’. That can feel like small consolation when your hopes and expectations are never going to be fulfilled.
When I look at Anna and Simeon, I see two extremely devout and patient individuals. Simeon, blessed by the Holy Spirit, has been told that he will see the Messiah, the one who comes to save the world, before he dies. He has waited expectantly all of his life for this moment. How many times must he have visited the temple and prayed and waited for this moment? Hundreds, thousands, even more? Now guided by the Holy Spirit he immediately recognises who this child is. Can you begin to imagine the extent of his joy and delight in that moment? Luke describes Simeon ‘saying’ the words of the ‘Nunc Dimittis’, [Highlighted above], but I imagine him shouting this song of exaltation with total joy in his heart and tears in his eyes.
Good things are worth waiting for, and God has fulfilled His promise – the Saviour has been revealed to Simeon. A light revealed to Israel and her enemies alike. This is a story of great wonder and astonishment – as momentous as the angels visiting the shepherds at Jesus’ birth.
Similarly, in Anna’s story, we learn of a marriage tragically cut short by the early death of her husband. We see a life of utter devotion, literally lived in the temple for over sixty years, praying and fasting. When she sees the infant Jesus she is compelled to praise God and tell everyone she can about the significance of who Jesus is. He is the Messiah, the one who has come to usher in the redemption of Jerusalem that the Jews have longed for across generations during their humiliation and exile by Babylonians, and now their occupation by the Roman forces. Like Simeon, Anna must have been overwhelmed with emotions of joy and happiness. This scripture is all about the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, not only to Simeon and Anna but for us.
It encourages us to trust in God's promises and to find comfort in the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. So we too should have joy in our hearts because God fulfils his promises.Paul
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father,
We give you thanks for the example of your servants Simeon and Anna,
who waited with patience and devotion,
for your promise to be fulfilled.
We pray for that same level of trust and devotion,
and for happiness and delight in the knowledge that Jesus came to fulfil your promise and redeem all who believe in Him.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining"
Notices
This coming Saturday is our Ladies of Leesfield Coffee Morning, and all are most welcome to come along.
On Shrove Tuesday, the 17th February, there will be a Pancake Party at St John's Church, please see the poster below for details.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday of Epiphany. Our Church Services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 at St Agnes' and 11.15 at St Thomas'.
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 "Great is Thy Faithfulness"
Today's Bible Reading
Acts 9:1-22 The Conversion of Saul
Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptised, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” All who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.
Reflection
A long scripture passage today and one that comes around frequently in the cycle of bible readings. It tells of the story of the conversion of Saul which we recount this week. Saul, later known as Paul, wrote many of the letters contained in the New Testament and was we might nowadays call ‘a wrong un’ . Well certainly up north anyway!
He was despised and feared by the new Christian movement, (referred to as The Way, in verse 2 above), because he enjoyed persecuting them. He asked for permission from the High Priests to hunt them down and bring them back bound, to stand before the priests and Pharisees for their blasphemy.
But, in this short reflection, I want, for a change, to spend a few moments reflecting on Ananias the faithful Christian, who also has a key role to play but who is often overlooked.
The Lord comes to Ananias in a vision and asks him to go to seek out Saul in the house of Judas, and furthermore to heal him of his blindness. Ananias’ first reaction is one of shock, and horror. He has heard how terrible Saul has been and that he is in the region right now on a mission to gather up people like him and punish them. Imagine what your reaction might be.
It is likely that the Christians were in hiding keeping well away from Saul, so the thought of going to visit him would be like asking him to volunteer to put himself in grave danger. Maybe, for a moment, he has doubts about following Jesus - why would he be asked to do such a thing? He is so dubious, that he even challenges the Lord, as good as saying, “you cannot be serious!”
The response he gets is, “I have chosen Saul to be my instrument …… I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name”. [v16]. Despite his fears and reservations, Ananias immediately puts his apprehension aside and obeys the Lord, seeking Saul and healing him. We don’t even know if Ananias was a healer, all we are told is that he was a disciple of Jesus. I think it is fair to say that his faith was strong and he believed he would be safe, and also that the Lord would give him the power to do whatever he was asked to.
As disciples of Christ, how far would we be willing to go to follow Him? Would we befriend someone who was an ex-convict or someone whom other people despised for some reason? Do we just want to love those we find acceptable or are we willing to face those we don’t relate to. Like Ananias, we need to have faith in Jesus that He will give us the power we need to do His will and bring the kingdom of God into our whole community.
