Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. 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 "At the Name of Jesus"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 21:23-32The Authority of Jesus Questioned
When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
Reflection
In today’s gospel passage we hear Matthew’s account of Jesus’ authority being challenged. So before we go any further it is perhaps useful to think about who was challenging him and why.
The people who were challenging Jesus’ authority were the Pharisees, Scribes and elders of the temple. They were the leaders.
The Chief Priests could trace their spiritual connections back to Moses. The Scribes were the most learned theologians in Jewish society. The Elders had many years of experience and had the unquestioning respect of the people.
They had significant religious and political power and did not want to give that up to anyone else. They not only wanted the power but they craved the recognition and the prestige. So much so that some of them showed no compassion for the poor and the sick and they despised those they judged to be sinners.
So, why did they challenge Jesus?
They have no doubt heard the stories of the prophet John the Baptist who was baptising thousands and thousand of people in the River Jordan – a baptism of repentance and encouraging them to turn away from their sinful ways.
Then along comes Jesus. The, so called, prophet from Nazareth – the one who John the Baptist referred to as the Lamb of God. The one who has healed the sick, cured the lame and brought the dead back to life. The one who when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey was celebrated and acclaimed as the Messiah – the anointed one who will save the world.
Then, the first thing Jesus does when he enters the courts of the Temple is to cause havoc – overturning the tables of the money changers and the traders who were exploiting the worshippers with the complicit approval of the leaders. He then proceeds to cure the lame and sick within the Temple, thereby blatantly demonstrating his divine power to heal human brokenness and associated with the marginalised and outsiders. He was challenging the power of the leaders.
But not with might or wealth, he was challenging them with compassion and love. He was challenging them about their own neglect. Their inability to lead by example and to follow God’s will. He was challenging their inability to care for the people of God because of their own corruptness and love of power.
Everything Jesus said and did was confrontational; and a challenge to their status and power.
So they in turn challenged Jesus and asked, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
But Jesus has absolutely no intention of getting engaged in some abstract debate about the nature of his authority. He didn’t need to show off to prove that his authority is greater than theirs. He had already demonstrated his authority.
The authority of Jesus was worked out in his welcoming of sinners and prostitutes. The authority of Jesus was worked out in his welcoming of little children. The authority of Jesus was worked out in his welcoming of the outcasts and those on the margins.
So instead, he asks them a question that will cause them to struggle and be forced to reflect on the true nature of authority itself. Jesus asks, “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?”
They are flummoxed and unable to answer, because as Matthew rightly explains, no matter what they said, the answer was bound to cause upset to someone or other. If they agreed that John the Baptist’s ministry came from God, then Jesus would say, “So why didn’t you listen to him and follow him?” But if they said that his ministry was not from God, then the crowds would have turned on them because they loved John the Baptist and believed he was a prophet.
So they are forced to concede and reply that they cannot answer. In doing so, they exposed themselves for who they really were….. their chief concern was to protect their standing in society and to protect their reputations. They didn’t give an answer because they were frightened they would lose that privilege.
We might therefore ask - In a fractured world full of conflict both international and local, how does this apply to us today?
The lessons of this Gospel reading have intense messages for all leaders, and people in authority, be that at national government level, in our church, or even a local football team. The key to how we respond is always to address the question, are we going to put God’s will or our own first?
Are we prepared to stand up for what is true and right in the eyes of God and to live out our ministries by the standards of Jesus? Are we prepared to show spiritual and political leadership do what we know is right? Are we willing to make personal and even courageous sacrifices to do what is right - even at the expense of personal gain and popularity.
Are we doing God’s will in the things we do and say, and are we, like Jesus, putting others first and loving one another? Rev. Paul
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father, We pray for leaders and people in power.
For those who lead countries, organisations and churches
to those who lead local voluntary groups and societies.
Help us all to work for the benefit and good of everyone
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. 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 "Praise to the Holiest in the Height"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 20:1-16 The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.
Reflection
How many times have those of us who have had children to look after heard the words, ‘it’s not fair’? Especially where another sibling is involved? How many times have we thought it ourselves – I imagine if we are really honest, probably only in the past few weeks or so? When we might feel overlooked for something we think we have done well and has gone seemingly unnoticed, or someone takes the credit for something we have done. Often when we compare what we have or where we are at in our lives against others who seem to be doing so much better. ‘It’s just not fair’.
And today’s gospel parable is that very moment. The workers chosen first to work in the vineyard have toiled in the heat of the day, sweated and laboured for the boss, and get paid a fair day's wages. And then along come the next workers and the next, until gradually the last employed have only had to work an hour or so. Yet they all receive the same payment. Its just not fair!
In the parable, those who have only toiled for an hour do not fare any better than those who have toiled all day, they come away with the same reward, and we can be forgiven for wondering, ‘where is the justice in that’. And this does not sit well with us. Our understanding of the Bible is generally that it challenges injustice, so that all God’s people can stand tall and be counted.
In this reading, everybody receives their share – nobody is underpaid, nobody is cheated out of what was rightfully theirs. But they all receive the same grace from God. The same salvation is available to all - no conditions attached. You may have read ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell – there is a line in it, ‘all animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others’. This book reflects the author’s thoughts on the Russian Revolution, where equality was the goal, but was soon manipulated beyond anything it had sought to put right. But here in God’s Kingdom, everyone gets their equal slice of the pie, the Kingdom of Heaven.
What Jesus seeks to educate about in this parable is that in God’s Kingdom, the expected norms are turned upside down. Salvation at the grace of God is offered. It is not a reward that can be earned. The Kingdom of Heaven does not have Penthouse rooms that the most deserving can aspire to. There are no ‘additional extras for loyal customers’ who have been visiting churches for years. There is grace extended to all who acknowledge that God is God, that Jesus Christ is King, and turn their hearts towards that light. Turning towards that light can never be mastered. We never reach a point where we have it ‘in the bag’. It is a daily commitment, where every time we slip into old ways, let ourselves down, do something we ought not to do, think we are more important than we are, put our needs before others, we can turn back into the light and acknowledge our weakness. This is not so much as feeling bad about our errors, and punishing ourselves, but about putting ourselves back on the right track, however many times a day, a week, a year, a lifetime it might take.
When Jesus tells of the Vineyard Manager who speaks to those remaining in the market place, asking why they have been idle, they reply, ‘because nobody hired us’. They have waited to be shown, they have not been proactive, but they have been obedient and gone to the market place and are then happy to be shepherded. Jesus does not punish them for that, nor treat them any less. He knows that we cannot do it on our own, we need guidance from those around us and ultimately from God to show us where we need to be.
Last week we had our Confirmation service, with 33 disciples being confirmed in their faith by Bishop Mark - and what a joyful occasion. But there were no better seats or higher prizes for people who had been coming to church for years or people who were relatively new to it. There was the same welcome, blessing and presentation for each who gave their hearts to Jesus.
As a hospital chaplain, I was asked a number of times, ‘is it too late to know Jesus’ by people whose earthly lives were ending. What a privilege to share this parable with them. To know that in turning to Him, we get His grace for toiling in His vineyard. Those who have known Jesus longer have had the joy of knowing him longer, but the salvation offered is the same whether a King or an addict. Whether we were born by chance in a wealthy place or in a place of poverty. If we turn into his light, and when we see his shining, beautiful face turn upon us, those differences will slip away. It is up to each of us to reflect that light into a world that is broken and hurting. Amen.
Rev Kirsten x
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the chance to toil in your vineyard and allowing us to be guided to and by you.
Help and guide us to share this joy abundantly, with all whom we encounter.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Father God I Wonder"
Notices
Details of upcoming events can be seen in the posters below
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. Today we have just one sevice in the parish, which will be at 11.15 am at St Thomas' Church, with no service at St Agnes' today.
The service will be a special "Back to School" service, where Laura Tebay, the Oldham and Ashton Deanery Enabler for children’s work, will be giving a talk, and the service will include blessing the children’s school backpacks.
Also today, the Confirmation Service for our whole Mission Community with Bishop Mark will take place at St John’s Church at 3 pm. Please hold the candidates from our churches in your prayers as they take this next step in their Christian journey.
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 "Bind us Together"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 18:21-35
Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Reflection
At the heart of all the readings for today is the theme of forgiveness.
In the Old Testament reading, [Genesis 50], Jospeh’s brothers beg forgiveness for mistreating him and selling him into slavery when they were jealous of him. For his part, Joseph recognises that what happened was part of God’s greater plan and he forgave them and provided for his brothers and their families.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans [14:1-12], we are reminded that it is not for us to pass judgement on one another, because we all stand before the judgement seat of God. Paul tells us that the mercy we show to others will be reflected in God’s judgement on us when the time comes.
When Peter asks how often we should forgive someone who wrongs us, he is effectively asking Jesus, ‘what limits should we put on forgiveness?’
He asks should it perhaps be as many as seven times. Peter didn’t just pick a random number - in Hebrew culture there is a significance to number seven. For Jews, seven was considered to be a perfect number which represented completeness and perfection. So by suggesting we might forgive someone seven times was in itself a sign of great generosity and Peter’s thinking was clearly on the right lines. Such a level of forgiveness would have been far in excess of what Jews would consider to be acceptable.
But Jesus takes this further, and calls us forgive people, “ Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times“. In doing so he is setting the bar as high as it can be. He is setting it by the standard that God sets for His mercy – Jesus is showing them that God’s mercy and forgiveness is unlimited.
In the Psalm for today, [Psalm 103] we are reminded that ‘God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities, [verse 3], and moreover ‘He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our wickedness [verse 10].
I have this vague image from childhood, of St. Peter standing at the gates of heaven with a book which had a record of all the things we had done right and wrong in our lives – for want of a better image, a ledger of our virtues and sins which would determine whether or not we were allowed to go to heaven when we die. Of course we all do things that are sinful, things where we let ourselves and others down and where we let God down – (I dread to think how many entries would be in such a ledger for me).
However, this passage shows how God’s endless mercy exceeds human understanding when He restores what is broken and pardons our sins. The immense debt of the first slave refers to God’s capacity to forgive no matter how many entries might be in the sin column of our lives.
There is also a clear message from Jesus of the need to avoid hypocrisy. Jesus does not mince his words when he warns that those who look for God’s mercy must also be prepared to show mercy to others. In an alternative version of the Lord’s prayer, the words - ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’, are translated as ‘forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors’.
Every time we say this prayer, we are therefore reminded that forgiveness is not merely a moral act, but also a spiritual requirement for those seeking the kingdom of heaven. Seeking God’s forgiveness is both a gift and a responsibility.
In our church services each week, we bring before God all the things we are sorry for and ask for His forgiveness and to be reconciled with our Father. In doing so, we should also reflect on our experiences of God’s mercy and extend that same mercy to those who we believe have wronged us.
Before we take part in the Communion we are asked to make peace with one another, that doesn’t just include those who are physically present but all who we might harbour resentment against in our hearts. True peace begins when we extend to others the same mercy we ask God to show us. Forgiveness is not easy - it requires us to let go of pride, hurt, and feelings of injustice and retribution. But Jesus teaches that mercy frees both the giver and the receiver. Rev Paul
Our Prayers
Merciful Father, You have forgiven me more than I could ever repay.
Help me to remember Your mercy whenever I am tempted to hold onto anger or resentment.
Give me a heart like Yours - gentle, patient, and forgiving.
May I forgive from the heart,
that I may live in Your peace
and reflect Your mercy to the world.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "God Forgave my Sin in Jesus' Name"
Notices
Next Sunday's Church Services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.15 am at St Thomas'.
Upcoming events can be seen in the posters below -
