Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday after Christmas. Today we have just one service in the parish, at 11 am at St Thomas' Church.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find today's Gospl, a reflection, prayer and hymns below.
Our first hymn this morning is "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Today's Gospel
John 1:1-18The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.
Reflection
For those of you who come to our annual service of nine lessons and carols, I am sure you will be familiar with today’s scripture reading – it’s the last reading that we always say by candlelight with the church lights turned out.
There have been whole books written on this passage alone, but don’t worry I’ll keep this short, after all, I’m sure some of you have New Year’s Eve parties to attend!
This is the preface from the Gospel according to John, who jumps straight in by introducing us to the divine nature of Jesus. Moreover, it begins by setting out the absolute power and magnificence of God himself by referring back to Genesis and the creation of all things from nothingness.
He reminds us that everything that exists and ever will exist happens because God wills it to be. John also highlights just how much God loves us, so much so that He gave us His only Son who lived amongst us and will always live amongst us, to be with us and by our side. [John 3:16]. All we have to do is to recognise His presence and turn to Him.
In just a few paragraphs, John paints a magnificent outline of divinity which sets the scene for the whole gospel and includes references to life, light, truth, the world, and the existence of Jesus from the beginning of time to the end of time. I have to admit it’s pretty heavy and powerful stuff, both theologically and conceptually. But we don’t have to worry that this is complex or even supernatural; we just have to accept and have faith in Jesus the word made flesh by God. Jesus who didn’t just look like one if us but someone who was actually human. Someone who experienced life and growing up as we did, and someone who would eventually give up that life on the cross to save us all.
John tells us that Jesus is the ‘light of the world, the true light, which enlightens everyone’. So as we start a new year, let us gaze at that light, and let Jesus shine in our lives so that we may be guided by Him and experience His grace, truth and love for us. Paul
Our Prayers
The Son of God has become flesh and now dwells among us.
He is the Word, the Light and is full of grace and truth.
May we always recognise the glory of the Risen Jesus as John did.
Amen.
Today's final hymn is "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come"
Welcome to our Christmas Worship in Leesfield Parish. Our services are at 11.30 pm at St Thomas' Church, and 9.15 am on Christmas Day at St Agnes'.
If you are not able to be with us in person, you can find some Christmas Carols and worship resources below.
Our friends from the Churches of St Barnabas Clarksfield and Holy Trinity Waterhead have kindly agreed to share the transcript of their Midnight Mass service with us, and you can acces this by following this link - Medlock Head resources Midnight Mass
Christmas Carol - How Far is it to Bethlehem
The Collect for Midnight Mass -
Eternal God,
who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light:
bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth,
to see the radiance of your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Christmas Carol - It CameUpon the Midnight Clear
The Gospel
Luke 2 :1-20
The Birth of Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Christmas Carol - O Holy Night
A Christmas Blessing -
May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Christmas Carol - O Come, All Ye Faithful
Tomorrow's Christmas Morning Service on the BBC comes from Manchester Cathedral. You can watch on BBC1 or IPlayer at 10.15 am.
Wishing you all a Joyful Christmas and a hope-filled New Year.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Our Sunday morning services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. Today is also Christmas Eve, and you can find details of our Christmas services in the notices at the end of this blog.
If you are unable to attend our services in person, you can read the Gospel, reflection and prayers below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Mary Did You Know"
Today's Gospel
Luke 1:26-38The Birth of Jesus Foretold
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Reflection
Here we are, on Christmas Eve as we wait with anticipation for the coming of our Lord and no doubt the children wait to see what is inside the Christmas presents. This year, the fourth Sunday in Advent falls on Christmas Eve and we recall the wonderful story of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel visits Mary and gives her the good news that she has been chosen by God to give birth to the saviour of the world. That it will be Mary’s responsibility to play the crucial role in the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophesy [Isaiah 9:6-9], to bear the one who is to be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.
It is a story of great hope, trust and obedience. No matter how many times I read this passage, I am filled with awe and wonder at Mary’s reaction; this teenage peasant from some little known, remote town, who is chosen by God to do something that will have a truly massive impact on the whole world forever. Then to see her reaction which is to humbly say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” How trusting and obedient is that?
This story is so full of hope and takes place at a time when God’s people have seen much turmoil and war for hundreds of years including exile at the hands of the Babylonians. Here is God about to show his people that through him nothing is impossible. It is God’s plan that we should all be saved through His Son, not just the Israelites, if we believe and trust in him. Trust and faith in God is exactly how Mary and Joseph responded to the Angel Gabrielle despite the potential ridicule and scorn they may face.
So what does all this mean for us? How do we see our lives on a daily basis? We are surrounded by issues and worries; as we look around there are wars being fought across the world, people are starving and there is the looming fear of a global climate catastrophe. Add to that any personal worries we may have such as our health, the cost if living and job security, and it is easy to get despondent. Perhaps, as we await the coming of Jesus, we too need to remind ourselves that through God nothing is impossible. To put our faith in God and trust in His divine power. To pray to Him, put our worries in His hands and believe that He has a plan for us all. Happy Christmas to you all, Paul
Our Prayers
Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised saviour:
fill us, your servants, with your grace.
Give us the confidence to put our concerns and worries into your hands
and to trust in your divine power and plan for each of us.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came"
Notices
Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning services are as follows -
Christmas Eve - Nativity and Crib Service, 5 pm at St Thomas’. All are most welcome to come along and join with our Sunday School families as we celebrate the Nativity of Jesus.
Christmas Eve - First Communion of Christmas, 11.30 pm at St Thomas’. This is our traditional Midnight Mass, to which everyone is invited.
Christmas Morning Eucharist – 9.15 am at St Agnes’. Starting Christmas Day with a celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. Families are most welcome.
For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day there will be Carols and links to on-line services here later.
There will be no Tuesday service of Holy Communion or Worship for all Generations this week. Next Sunday, the 31st December, there will be a Parish Eucharist at 11 am at St Thomas’, with no service at St Agnes’ on that day.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday". Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.
Our first hymn his morning is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Today's Gospel
John 1:6-8,19-28 John the Baptist Denies being Christ
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptising.
Reflection
Last week, we heard Mark’s version of the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness proclaiming a baptism for the repentance and forgiveness of sins. However, other than a brief description of his clothes and diet it doesn’t really paint a picture of what John’s role was or his importance.
In John’s Gospel, this is clearly called out from the very outset in verse 6-8; He was a man ‘sent from God’ and he had a very clear purpose – to be a witness and to testify to Jesus, the light of the world.
He makes it abundantly clear that this is his purpose in life, to be a witness and testify that Jesus is the Son of God and light to the world. He is also unequivocal in stating that he himself is not Jesus and neither is he a reincarnation of Elijah or Moses, nor is he himself a prophet, albeit he does confirm that he is the ‘voice in the wilderness’ as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, (Isaiah 40:3).
From before he was born, when he jumped in his mother’s womb in the presence of the pregnant Mary, mother of Jesus; John knew exactly what his reason and destiny in life was. How wonderful is that? Imagine, what it would mean for each of us if we knew exactly what our purpose in life is.
Clearly, there are some times in our lives when our purpose seems clearer than others. When we fall in love, care for someone deeply and have a family and feel that our purpose is to look after them. Or perhaps it’s some sort of passion we have for a cause, to make a difference and help others, or simply just to reach out and help strangers and make a positive impact in the world.
Whatever it is, like John, we need to trust in God’s will. That he will guide us to love each other and work for justice and peace with kindness, love and generosity, however large or small our role is. So that we too may shine as a light in the world. Paul
Our Prayers
Holy and gracious Father,
We pray for clarity of purpose in our lives,
to look wider than our current circumstances and further than our immediate future;
That we may discern your will and understand what part we can play in your world.
Help each of us to fulfil our role
in bringing your kingdom nearer.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Gaudete"
Notices
This evening at 6.30 pm we have our traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Thomas' Church. Everyone is invited to come and join us, and there will be refreshments afterwards.
Then on Monday at 6 pm we meet at St Thomas' to go Carol Singing around Lees. This is a great way to take Christmas out to people who might not be able to get to church. We also collect money for the Booth Centre for homeless people in Manchester. Singers and collectors are most welcome to join us, especially family groups.
Our full programme of services for Christmas is shown in the poster below.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday of Advent. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.
Our first hymn his morning is "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"
Today's Gospel
Mark 1: 1-8 John the Baptist Prepares the Way
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,”
John the baptiser appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection
I wonder what thoughts are conjured up in your mind when you think of the wilderness.
Is it perhaps some endless desert with no vegetation or water, nothing but endless sand and scorching heat. Or maybe a huge barren landscape, dotted here and there with trees and rough grass but barely anything else.
The Hebrew word for wilderness is ‘midbawr’ which is derived from the root word ‘DBR’ and interpreted by Jews as a verb ‘to speak’. Many scholars believe that the word is also often used in the old testament to describe the action of pushing something out or driving something away and is generally associated with shepherds driving their flocks away into pasture land far away from the towns. Another translation of the word is to describe as meaning places of pasturage with no houses or trees but only wide, open space. Therefore, in ancient biblical terms, whilst the wilderness was almost certainly an unhospitable and desolate environment, perhaps even hostile, it was not a desert.
The wilderness is prominent throughout ancient scripture, not least when the slaves encountered their God after Moses led them out of Egypt. Where God fed them with manna from heaven and handed down the ten commandments.
They would also associate it with the time the Israelites were exiled following the conquering of Judea by the Babylonians, 600 years before Jesus was born.
There are also totally different types of wilderness. Maybe a place where people find themselves at a time of struggle or depression. Or a place where we might associate with isolation, where people feel alone with no idea of who to turn to or where to turn to. For example after the death of loved one.
Indeed, there are times when we might also feel we are in a spiritual wilderness. Where our personal faith is tested and we feel a sense of inner desolation. For instance, when we might look around the world and see the many wars where tens of thousands of innocent people are being killed, or the devastating impact of climate change that causes death and devastation for so many. Times when we might ask the question, ‘Where is God in all of this?’
I think whatever type of wilderness we may look at, it is reasonable to conclude that it is far from a favourable or good place to be.
So why, then, would John the Baptist choose to live there on a diet of locust and honey? Moreover, why would he choose such a place to preach his ministry of repentance and forgiveness? What sort of place is this to baptise folk?
Mark‘s Gospel and quotation of Isiah reminds us of the times the Israelites were previously exiled in the wilderness. On each occasion they were encouraged to believe that their God would bring them out safely. In the first instance, to the promised land, and in the second instance, back to their home in Jerusalem. Even when they were at their lowest point and there were many who questioned God’s promise, they were encouraged not to turn their back on God.
Mark tells us how John gave the people a message of hope. Despite all the centuries of persecution and turmoil, he was saying God has heard your cries and seen your pain. Much the same as the message that was given to Moses. And John was preaching and inviting them to a new way of life though repentance, and he was paving the way for Jesus. So the people came to the unhospitable desert, not in their dozens, but in their thousands.
That same message is there for us too, especially when we are at our lowest. When things feel as bad as they can get and we are in our own wilderness, whatever that may look like for us or how long we have been there.
Mark is showing us that it is when we are in the desert, we are most likely to hear God speaking to us. To hear Him telling us that He is the dependable one who we can always rely on. In the most desolate of times and places, God calls to us to tell us that He is coming to transform us. John the Baptist is not only straightening the path for Jesus, he is also straightening our path that we may be able to walk with Him through repentance and forgiveness and trust in the Lord. Paul
Our Prayers
Gracious Father,
Despite how hard we try,
We still get things wrong and make the wrong choices.
Help us to listen more closely to your will
And forgive us when we mess things up.
Lord of compassion and mercy,
As we prepare for your coming,
Hear our prayer for all those who are in suffering,
In the wilderness or in a place of darkness or despair.
Whatever the reason for their suffering,
Let them hear your voice calling
and bring them your loving peace.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness"
Notices
This afternoon at 3 pm we have our Christingle Service at St Thomas' Church. All are most welcome to join us in this wonderful family-friendly service.
Then next Saturday, the 16th December, we are pleased to welcome our fellow Christians from around the area for Churches Together Advent Praise.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday of Advent. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'. Today are our "Toy Services", where we bring toys for children who may not otherwise have any gifts this Christmas.
If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.
Our first hymn his morning is "Wait for the Lord"
Today's Gospel
Mark 13:24-37 Signs of the End of the Age
Jesus said,
“In those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."
Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
Reflection
Today sees the first Sunday in Advent and also the start of a new church year. Yet when we look at Mark’s Gospel, we find Jesus at the beginning of Holy Week, just before He enters Jerusalem. Perhaps that seems strange.
Advent is a time of reflection, and waiting. A time of waiting for Jesus which many people quite naturally associate with the nativity and Jesus’ glorious birth in Bethlehem. It’s about hope and expectation of the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus our Emmanuel. For our children, it’s also a time of excitement and anticipation on the run up to Christmas festivities and all that entails.
But it’s not just about the birth of Jesus, it’s also a time when we patiently wait and think about the second coming of Jesus. When He will come again in glory, at the end of the age. The end of time. A time when, as we read about last week, Jesus will sort out the sheep from the goats, (Matthew 13:31-34). The time that Jesus was talking about just before He entered Jerusalem.
Looking at this aspect of Advent, it might start to fill us more with a sense of foreboding and darkness rather than joy and happiness. But of course, there is far more to it than that. Jesus is speaking to His apostles when He tells them, “It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch”. He knows that He is about to leave them and be crucified, and He is painting a clear picture of what He wants them to do. He is also addressing all future Christians, including us.
He is giving them a ‘ how to do it’ guide for looking after and building His church during His absence. He is putting us in charge as the doorkeeper and asking us to watch, to be alert and to stay awake. To watch for the light in times if darkness.
So, what does staying alert, watching and keeping awake entail? Obviously, Jesus isn’t expecting us never to go to sleep, that isn’t humanly possible. Rather, He is asking us to maintain an awareness of His presence amongst us and not just look for the signs of the end of the age but also the signs of His work in our world every day. The acts of compassion, healing and redemption in our lives and across the globe.
When we look at the world, the wars, starvation, climate catastrophe, and persecution and so much more, it could be all too easy to let ourselves be consumed by darkness and despair.
But Advent is first and foremost a time of hope, that is why the first Sunday of Advent is sometimes called Hope Sunday. Jesus comes to us and will do so when we least expect Him to, in ways that we don’t anticipate, and through those we might least expect to bear his likeness. Being alert is about recognising His presence.
It is about the hope and light of Jesus Christ in our lives, who wants to make sure that we are never abandoned into the darkness. Because when we have something to hope for we can overcome the bad things in our lives that worry and burden us, the things that weigh us down with despair or misery.
As we journey through Advent this year, let us be alert and look for the light of the coming of Christ, the ultimate answer to all our prayers and source of our salvation. Paul D.
Our Prayers
Heavenly Lord, as we start the season of Advent,
Let our hearts and minds be focussed on you.
Father God, you gave us your only Son Jesus
To be a light of hope for the world,
A gift of hope and joy laid in a humble manger.
Lift us from sadness and despair,
Help us to feel your presence and remember that,
For you, nothing is too difficult, and that
you will come again to bring salvation.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending"
Notices
Next Sunday, the 10th December, we have a family Christingle Service at 3 pm at St Thomas' Church. This is a lovely service for all ages, where we make our Christingles, pray and sing. All are most welcome - all you need is to bring your own orange. The collection taken at this service is sent to the Children's Society.
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish as we celebrate Christ the King. Our Church services this morning are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find today's Gospel reading, a wonderful reflection from our friend, Revd Dr Paul Monk, prayers and hymns below.
Our first hymn this morning is "From Heaven You Came (Servant King)"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 25: 31-46 The Sheep and the Goats
Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Reflection
Today’s Gospel tells us about the great final judgment that every human on planet Earth will participate in, including you, and me. We find this parable in Matthew chapter 25, which shares three different parables all in connection to the return of Christ. The parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the sheep and the goats, which we’ll be looking at today. Additionally, in Matthew 24, we see Jesus talking about the end times, so nestled immediately after his talk about the last days and the destruction of the temple, are these 3 parables.
The parable is very simple, yet it’s also quite complex. It’s also exceedingly practical. It’s a parable about sheep and goats. It’s interesting how Jesus taught the crowds who followed him. He taught spiritual truths by referring to normal parts of everyday life. Typically, ancient nations like Israel were designed in a particular way. There were various walled cities, to defend against invading armies. And these walled cities would be surrounded by farmlands and grazing pastures. There was no complicated supply chain to keep everyone supplied. If a city wanted food, it would have to be surrounded by farmlands and flocks and herds. It’s common. If you think about cities and large towns today it’s pretty similar, you have the innercity area, and surrounding the city you see various farmlands. So what would everyone see and be aware of? Flocks of sheep, goats, farming, planting, and so on. So Jesus taught by referencing such things. If Jesus was walking the Earth today, I imagine he would reference things like the internet, cars, colleges, industries, restaurants, and sports teams.
But, in any case, Jesus teaches here in Matthew 25, about when he returns to Earth. We know that this will happen at some point in the future, though we don’t know exactly when. So let’s just dive in. It says, ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Sheep will typically follow their master, and tend to gather in flocks. Goats are different. They are more independent and more likely to be resistant and go their own way. Jesus uses a simple contrast to help us understand the judgment. And it continues, saying -
‘Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ If Jesus taught this parable today he would be accused of teaching a works based gospel. This kind of talk makes us wonder, what about grace through faith alone! Do we just have to believe! Well, here it is. Jesus puts a firm emphasis on what people do for others. But surely we couldn’t do any of these things properly without believing in Him first. So the fact that our deeds must bear fruit, it’s very important. It’s vital. It’s evidence of real faith. And if it’s not happening, something is very wrong. Surely we are all providing for others? We provide food to the hungry. Providing water to the thirsty. Offering advice and a cheery word for the homeless. We provide clothing to charities especially for children which fulfil that mandate to provide clothing. And we’re also called to visit and care for the sick, and to visit those in jail. Now you may be tempted to say well there are many charities doing this so I’m good I want to challenge us today, be out there meeting needs. Make it part of our life, make a plan, and get to work providing for the needs of others.
The Gospel continues, ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ‘The King will reply, ‘truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
The amazing thing is, whenever we do one of these things for someone in need, it’s just like we did it for Jesus himself. Did you give someone some food? You did it for Jesus. Did you visit someone in hospital? You did it for Jesus. Did you minister to a child? You did it for Jesus. And apparently part of our judgment as Christians will be, did we fulfil these mandates to help those in need? And in particular, did we help other Christians in need? That’s the most difficult part of this parable to understand though, is Jesus talking about “the least of these my brothers” is he talking about Christians only? Or is he talking about helping anyone? Honestly, I think the best way to resolve this, is to simply help whoever is in need. We could say, and particularly, be helping other Christian brothers and sisters, is that fair? Help anyone, but in particular, if a Christian brother or sister is in need in our faith community, prioritise that need.
Then we see Jesus addressing those on the left, the goats, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ ‘They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” and he will reply, ‘truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these; you did not do for me.’
Have you ever noticed someone in need, and the Lord was moving in our heart to go talk to them or help them or pray for them, and we’ve felt the Holy Spirit say go do it, and we didn’t? There have been times most of us have felt that. So if the Spirit is speaking to you, be sure to go quickly and do it. And honestly, if you did feel the Lord moving you to help someone or meet a need, and you didn’t do it, let us repent and ask God’s forgiveness. The Bible says that to know the good we’re supposed to do, and to not do it, that is sin, from James 4:17. In any case, we see Jesus saying depart from me, to the goats, who did not care for him. These are the lazy Christians who did not help those in need. They didn’t serve others. They served themselves. And if we live that way, we’ll be held accountable.
Jesus actually says to them, you are cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Scary stuff. And sometimes we don’t like to talk about this part, about divine accountability. God is love. God is mercy. God is gracious. But God is also a just judge .So It matters how you live and the choices to make. We are all accountable to God. And there will be a day of judgment, when we give an account for how we lived. Make doing acts of kindness and love part of your daily life. God will give you opportunities to help people and meet needs. All you have to do is take those opportunities. What is our motivation for this lifestyle of service: God is really real. The Bible is really God’s word. Jesus Christ is really our Saviour. Which means every good deed we do in this life for someone, is just like we did it for Jesus our Lord himself. And we know we will be rewarded in heaven for each good deed we do. Finally I want us to picture in our mind a vision from God, in which they see Jesus in heaven, and Jesus will show these people their house in heaven, and how every time they do a good deed, or preach the gospel, or meet someone’s need, it adds on something new to the house. And Jesus is the carpenter, building the house in heaven, preparing it for them when they arrive in heaven. How beautiful is that? I think it’s amazing. And indeed God’s word says that we will be rewarded for what we do in this life for Christ. Great is our reward in heaven, when we serve Jesus here. Every loaf of bread, every gallon of water, every piece of clothing given to those in need are jewels in your crown in heaven.
I know these things are true. So Christians, be like the sheep that follow our great shepherd Jesus Christ. Don’t be like the goats, who pretend to care about the needy, but don’t really do anything to help people. They just serve themselves. Don’t just pretend. Really live it out. Rev. Dr. Paul Monk
Our Prayers
The Collect for Christ the King
Eternal Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Today's final hymn is "Christ Triumphant, Ever Reigning"
Notices
All our Advent Services and Events are shown in the poster below
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 2nd Sunday before Advent. Today we will be celebrating St Hugh's Day with a special family service at St Hugh's School. The service will be at 11 am, and there will be no service at either St Agnes' or St Thomas' today.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find a Bible reading, reflection and prayers below.
The Collect for St Hugh of Lincoln
O God,
who endowed your servant Hugh
with a wise and cheerful boldness
and taught him to commend to earthly rulers
the discipline of a holy life:
give us grace like him to be bold in the service of the gospel,
putting our confidence in Christ alone,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Our first hymn this morning is "Morning has Broken"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 25: 14-30 The Parable of the Talents
Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.
Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”
Reflection
I’ll start this reflection by asking the question - what was a talent in biblical terms? The answer is, a unit of currency similar to a denarii. It was worth a significant amount in value and some suggest it was equivalent value to 75 pounds in weight of gold.
But to some extent that is irrelevant, because the underlying message here is about how the slaves used the money the that the rich man had given them. We are told that the rich men divided his wealth between the slave according to their talent. The first two slaves worked actively and traded the money successfully thereby doubling their master’s investment. Presumably, there was an element of skill involved and had they not been experienced they could potentially have made a loss. Interestingly, the second slave was just as successful as the first, and made the same rate of return on the amount he was entrusted with.
The third slave however, chose to play it safe and just put the rich man’s money where it would be secure and he could guarantee being able to return it in full. At first it might seem like this was reasonable. We have been told that this slave had the least ability or experience yet he had still been entrusted with a relatively huge sum of money, (probably worth over 15 years wages). So, keeping it safe might seem like a satisfactory option. As the slave freely admitted, ‘he was afraid’ of the master and presumably of the consequences of losing some or all of the money.
Nonetheless, instead of being praised, he is severely admonished and cast out. Does that seem harsh? After all, there is no suggestion that he was a bad or dishonest man.
However, we are given two other pieces of information to consider. Firstly, the rich man was away ‘for a long time’. Secondly, just as we have in our time, there was the option to put the money into a bank where it would have accrued interest over the long period while the master was away. This would not have required any great experience from the slave and would have made a return on the investment, even if modest by comparison with the other two.
So, how does this apply to us in our everyday lives? We need to consider what God has entrusted us with. We are blessed with ‘talents’, that is in a skill sense rather than monetary sense. Just like the slaves, some of other may have more or less skills or abilities than others, but what we have is given to each of us by God.
They are our talents to use and nurture both in our human and spiritual development. They are talents given for us to use, not only for ourselves but for the good of others and for the glory of God who gave them to us.
We all have something to offer, none of us is useless despite how hard a deal we think we may have been given from time to time. It is not for us to worry about or be jealous that someone else appears more talented or more able to help. It is for us to develop whatever we have; be that an ability to develop lifesaving medicines, sort out international conflicts or simply care for those in our community as best we can.
At the end of the day, God does not expect us all achieve the same level of contribution. The return God expects from us is commensurate with the level of talent we have been given.
The third slave was not condemned because he didn’t double the money that the rich man had given him, he was cast out because he did nothing at all with what he had been given.
We all have a choice about how we use what we have been blessed with. It is up to us to decide of we want to enter into the joy of the master or be thrown into the darkness. Paul
Our Prayers
Loving and generous Father,
We thank you for blessing us with a variety of skills and talents.
Help us to use what we have to your glory
and to support others where we can.
We pray for guidance and wisdom to use what we have,
to make the world a better place and bring your kingdom closer.
