The Community of Taizé sing Misericordias Domini. ‘I will sing forever of the mercy of God.’

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Paul helps the Thessalonian Christians understand how the death and resurrection of Jesus shapes their future hope and identity. What shapes your thoughts about the future?

When you think about death, what hopes or questions are stirred in you? In what ways are you living the resurrection life with Christ now?

‘We will be with the Lord forever.' Hold onto this promise as you listen to Paul’s words again.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

If Jesus were to speak to you about your future with him, what might he want you to hear? In these last moments of prayer, rest quietly in His presence; with the one who promises never to let you go.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

Jon Guerra sings, ‘Jesus’.

The wisdom and the word

The speaking and the silence

The stillness and the stir

The Spirit in the quiet

The son of God and man

The sinner’s lamentation

The flesh of the I Am

The song of our salvation

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

The dawnbird song of life

The spring of earth and heaven

The water and the wine

The everlasting leaven

My life, my truth, my way

The stone on which I stumble

The vineyard owner's wage

The shepherd of the humble

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord

I have believed

That you are the Christ

The Son of God

It’s true, but who

Are you to me

You are my life

The love of God

My Lord, my God

Stay close, don’t be far

You know how I need you

Make in me a heart

Pure enough to see you

In every speck of dust

In dry and lonely places

And in every one of us

Be light, be kind, be gracious

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 14:1, 7-14

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’

‘When he noticed….’ Here is Jesus, the observer, taking it all in.

‘They were watching him closely’, but Jesus is the one doing the real close examining, isn’t he?

How do you think we learn genuine humility? We could start by looking at Jesus Himself. You might know someone who reflects Jesus, whose true humility is at their very core. What do you notice about their behaviour?

If Jesus were to sit at table with you, what do you think he might notice? Allow Jesus to make his observations. Sit together with them for a while. Remember, he doesn’t judge, he notices.

Listen to the passage again and imagine the most unexpected guest at your table, perhaps one who cannot repay you.

Luke 14:1, 7-14

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’

Speak openly with the Lord about anything lingering from this time of reflection. Let His teaching from today’s reading touch your very core.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

This week we have heard from St Paul and his encouraging parenting of the church in Thessalonica. We have reflected a little on St Monica who prayed diligently for her son St Augustine.

We have remembered the love of God our Father for us.

Examine your role as a praying parent or guardian. It could be for a group, a church, for a family member.

Like Monica for Augustine, you might have prayed for a very long time.

Think of the best of times you’ve had with this person. Let yourself respond with a smile, with laughter. Give thanks to God.

Think of a time when things might have been tough. This might touch you deeply. Allow God to respond with compassion. Notice God’s compassion to both of you.

There might be a freedom you need to give that loved one just to be themselves. Ask God for the grace to do just that.

Commit your loved one to God once again. Give them the freedom they need. Notice how this affects you too.

Remember Monica and Augustine. Take courage.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

IamSon, Paul Zach and Jessica Fox sing, ‘Total Praise’.

Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills

Knowing my help is coming from You

Your peace You give me in time of the storm

You are the source of my strength

You are the strength of my life

I lift my hands in total praise to You

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 6:17-29

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Focus today on the person of John the Baptist. What do you know about him? He prepared the way for Jesus Himself. Call to mind some of the scenes, some of the things he said.

Imagine him in prison. Visit him. He might be looking back over his life. His parents, his birth, his way of life, his words, his ministry. How does your conversation go? How does his character come across to you?

You might want to talk about why he’s in prison. Notice how you feel in front of this man. Notice what he might be teaching you. Ask him some gentle questions.

Listen to the passage again. Notice the relationships, the conversations, the manipulative behaviour. Remember, and picture, where John is throughout the scenes. You might want to sit with John as it all plays out, perhaps even to the end. What encouraging word might you want to say to him?

Mark 6:17-29

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Bring to God anything that has come up for you. You might want to talk about prisoners today who are incarcerated simply for telling the truth...

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Ecce quam bonum: “ How good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity! It is like precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.”

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 3:7-13

For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

In yesterday’s reading St Paul addressed the church in Thessalonica as a parent, urging and encouraging. In today’s passage he addresses the church as ‘brothers and sisters’.

Abound in love for one another, he says, stand firm in the Lord.

And he thanks God for them, expressing sheer joy at their faith journeying, fully acknowledging the ups and downs. How might you experience this generosity of spirit towards the brothers and sisters in Christ around you? Might there be a grace that you need in order to abound in love?

As you hear the passage again, sense Paul’s exuberance…exuberance in the face of persecution. How does that sit with you, knowing that Paul himself had been a persecutor of early Christians? Such a change of heart...

1 Thessalonians 3:7-13

For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

As this time of prayer draws to a close, pause for a moment to remember how much you yourself are loved by God. Give thanks and ask for the grace to abound in love for others.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Every Mother, Every Father’.

Every mother, every father

called to raise up sons or daughters

May your heart be patient, may your mind be clear,

may our God be with you,

and calm your fears.

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.

Today is the feast of St Monica; tomorrow the feast of her son St Augustine. She was patient and diligent in prayer for her son. You might be familiar with their respective journeys of faith; or you might want to find out a little more about them.

In today’s reading St Paul unapologetically describes his own diligence, financing his own ministry through hard work. How might that have affected his relationship with the church?

Paul describes himself as a parent - perhaps very like St Monica as a parent to Augustine - urging and encouraging, even pleading with the children. What does that tell us about the passion of being a parent or guardian? Does it reveal anything to you about God, our Father?

Listen to the passage again, and consider the parental tone adopted by Paul, a tone borne, surely, out of love and some anguish.

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.

Allow the words in today’s passage to form your prayer for others in your care. You might want to speak with God the Father, as a son or daughter, as a parent or guardian. Lift up your heart.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’

Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler.

Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour.

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

In yesterday’s reading we heard how Paul encourages the church at Thessalonica. It’s a ‘well done so far’.

In today’s passage he describes his own approach to starting up that church. He’s quite candid, stating clearly and confidently how he went about it. What do you notice? Perhaps his tenderness and gentleness towards the Thessalonians, whilst also being a straight talker, utterly convinced that he’s taken the right course of action. What do his words reveal about his character?

Listen to the passage again, and notice that he came to this task having suffered and been shamefully maltreated elsewhere. So, both gentle and tenacious…. Characteristics of Jesus Himself.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

As you move to a time of prayer, you might want to bring the needs of your own church leaders to God. Let gentleness and tenderness play their part.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

It is the Spirit of love who gives life. God is the source of all life, the one in whom we live and move and have our being. As I look around me now, the “Spirit of love” may not be easy to see, but, if I try, can I sense God’s presence? Can I sense God’s Holy Spirit here?

It is the Spirit of love who gives life,

who even at night guides my heart;

I say to this Spirit of love,

true joy lies in you alone.

You will show me the path of life,

the fullness of joy in your presence,

at your right hand your peace forever,

when we come to your life eternal.

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8b-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

A number of this week’s readings come from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. We can have insight into the relationship between Paul and the church there.

In these opening words, Paul gives the Thessalonians a good report. What positives stand out for you? Perhaps their faith, their hope, their love, their welcoming attitude. Notice, crucially, Paul’s conviction that the power of God’s spirit was at work.

You might be involved in a church that displays similar strengths. How do you contribute to that?

Listen to the passage again. Consider the relationship between Paul and this early church.

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8b-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

If Paul, or Jesus Himself, were to visit your church what might they find? Speak with the Lord about your church and your role in it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Venite exsultemus Domino. “Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the God who saves us. Let us come before him giving thanks. With songs let us hail the Lord.” As I listen, I become aware that I am in God’s presence right now. As I come before the Lord, I give thanks for God’s goodness to me, and present myself to him, just as I am.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 13:22-30

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’

The Bible tells us that God wants all people to be saved, to enjoy the fulness of life with God through eternity. However, it also tells us that God respects our free will, and will allow those who want to, to turn away from God forever. Hence the question here: “Lord, will only a few be saved?” What’s your own first response to this question?

You might say that Jesus dodges the question here. He doesn’t give a number, or even a percentage, of those who will be saved. He just tells those who hear him to do all they can to make sure that they reach the kingdom of God. What do you make of this answer?

It isn’t enough to have eaten or drunk with Jesus, or to have heard his teaching. He might still say to someone who has done all these things “I do not know where you come from.” What might this mean, in your own situation?

As you listen again, notice the positive picture of the kingdom of God at the end of the passage. You might remember the story of the king’s banquet from last week’s readings. What would it be like for you to be among the crowds gathered there?

Luke 13:22-30

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’

What, finally, do you want to say to Jesus in the light of what you’ve seen here? What might he want to say to you?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen

Each Saturday we devote a time of prayer to looking back over the week that’s passed. The prayer invites God to show us more clearly where and how God has been active in our week. We also look at how we’ve responded to what God has been doing. Start today’s prayer by asking for that clearer vision of God’s presence.

So what’s the first thing that you remember as you review the week? Stay with that for a moment or two, and re-live it here and now.

Now let the whole week unfold again before your mind’s eye. What are the peaks and the troughs, the lights and the shadows? Where and when have you found yourself most fully alive?

What’s your sense of what God has been doing with you this week? What are the particular gifts you’ve been given, in people, or events, or encounters?

And how have you responded to what God’s been doing? How do you want to respond now? Speak to God about what’s been drawn to your attention in this time of prayer.

Lastly, look forward to the week ahead. Where you’ll be, and what you’ll be doing. What do you need from God in the coming days? Whatever it is, ask God for it now.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen