Sharing some thoughts

  Today’s gospel (Matthew 10:24-39) does not make easy reading at all. Jesus begins by speaking about a disciple not being above a teacher, a slave not being above a master. He then goes on to suggest that God sees everything – nothing can be covered up that can’t be uncovered, and then there is the wonderful truth that God loves us, every one of us equally – ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ?’ says Jesus, ‘and not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by God’. We’re then told that we are more precious than the sparrows, that even the hairs on our head are numbered (and people often get rude to me at that point !). It goes on to say that if we acknowledge Jesus to others, we will be acknowledged by him… So far it’s all running pretty well, but then the following passage comes, ‘…whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I...

  Today’s gospel (Matt.9:35-10:8) is one of the great addresses to the Church throughout the world. In the reading we heard something of the remarkable power of Jesus – power to heal, to preach and teach, power to proclaim good news in everything he did and said. And as a Church the great adventure is that we are challenged to follow his example, to follow in his footsteps as we seek to try and do the things he did, and we are commissioned to do so by Jesus himself. We are called by name to serve Jesus, and to proclaim his message, ‘The Kingdom of heaven has come near’. And yet proclamation, speaking out about our faith, sharing good news with others is not something we find easy. There’s a story about a church treasurer who was ecstatic one day. “Look at this,” he yelled. “We just got a cheque here for £200,000.” “Who is it from?” asked the minister. “Oh. Wait a minute,” said the treasurer, taking another look at the cheque. “It says, ‘You will notice that I have not signed the ...

  There’s an old and rather horrible story of a father who took his young son out and stood him on the wall in the garden. He then stood on the lawn below, and encouraged the boy to jump into his arms. "I'll catch you," the father said confidently.   After a lot of coaxing, the little boy finally made the leap. When he did, the father stepped back and let the child fall to the ground. He then picked his son up, dusted him off, and dried his tears. "Let that be a lesson," he said sternly. "Don't ever trust anyone.” It’s an incredibly sad lesson I think, but one that many people actually believe today – trust is in short supply – for example, this week has again highlighted the attitude of many people towards politicians, an attitude that is far from trusting. Without doubt, as there are in all occupations, there are politicians who have been less than honest at times I’m sure, but most work hard, are dedicated to their role and deserve to be trusted...