Psalm 138, Ephesians 1.8-10, Matthew 22.23-46

Questions about the nature of the resurrection. The greatest commandment. How can the messiah be the son of David - isn't the father more important than the son?

Psalm 132, Romans 8.15-17, Matthew 22.1-22

How we can call God by his family name, Abba. The parable of the wedding banquet and God's invitation to all, but we must be clothed by the virtues given by the grace of God at baptism. The Pharisees realise Jesus poses a threat and try to trap him into offending Rome. Jesus reminds them they owe allegiance to God.

Thanks to Stanley Hauerwas for his commentary on Matthew.

Psalm 122, 2 Corinthians 4.5, Matthew 21. 18-32

God calls us into the light. The morning after the cleansing of the temple, when Jesus arrives hungry in the city, he finds no fruit on a fig tree, but only showy leaves. In a reference back to Jeremiah where God says he wants to gather the nations together his finds 'no figs on the fig tree' but withered leaves. Jesus curses the tree and it withers to illustrate the prophecy, just as the officials have withered the temple. Jesus enters the temple and begins to teach.

Psalm 100, Isaiah 60.1-3, Matthew 21.1-17

The dispersed are called to the light: Jesus, the colt and the temple.

Ruth 4, Matthew 20

Boaz and Ruth marry, David's genealogy, the labourers in the vinyard, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection and a mother asks a favour.

The music is called Celestial Navigation.

 Isaiah 60. 1-6, Matthew 2. 1-12

This is one of the principal feasts of the Church.   Lord God,

Psalm 110, Ruth 3, Colossians 4

Ruth obeys Naomi's instructions; Paul gives instructions to the Colossians and sends greetings and blessings to his fellow ministers, both men and women.

Ruth 2, Colossians 3.12-4.1

Boaz meets Ruth in his fields and repays her kindness to his cousin Naomi. Rules for Colossian Christian households.

Psalm 87, Ruth 1 Colossians 3.1-11

Naomi falls on hard times but still considers her daughters-in-law: Ruth responds to her concern with a vow of her own. Our new life in Christ.

Psalm 8, Jonah 3-4, Colossians 1.24-2.7

Nineveh converts but it displeases Jonah who has to be taught about the nature of God's love for us. Paul explains the mystery of God's presence with us.