Reading, Reflection and Prayer

Our passage today is full on angels, and Ruth is about to listen to a teaching session on angels later on - so we reflect on that together. Richard is struck by the phrase in the reading that says that Mary pondered these things and treasured them in her heart.

We talk about what has helped Ruth go deep with God, in this year when our church's theme is 'Deep calls to Deep'. The royal splendor of Solomon contrasted with the very ordinary circumstances Jesus was born into.

We talk about the responsibilities we have to use whatever good things God has entrusted us for the common good. The power of salvation, and the knowledge of salvation being the forgiveness of sins.

Richard and Ruth reflect on the marvelous power of tea to help us carry on. We think about the power of names, and the new identity that we have in Christ.

Reflecting on the way in which life experience can help us learn and grow if we set our minds the right way. Praising God as part of our regular attitude towards God is something that perhaps we do less when we sing less hymns and songs of praise. Mary's praise of God encourages Ruth to remember to be praising God even when she's not singing.

"Covid Flu" - a state of mind inspired by the pandemic, not a symptom of the disease. Mary's willingness to serve God and be available to him as an inspiration and example for each of us.

Ruth reflects on God's strength being present in our weakness. We begin the gospel of Luke, and think about what it means to get ready for what God has to work in our lives.

At the end of Paul's letter, we are introduced to just a few of the network of important relationships that are part of Paul's life and of the framework of the early church.

Ben and Richard think about Paul's instructions to be devoted to prayer. Also about the importance of speech being full of grace and 'seasoned with salt'. Speak gently, so that you can carry people with you.

Over all things put on love. Paul gives us a list of character traits that we 'put on' when we put on Christ.