16th November: Trinity Sunday (2nd before Advent).
online Morning Prayer from St.Mary’s.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Paul reminds the Thessalonians how he had behaved when he visited the city. He had worked for his living as well as preaching. They must be prepared to do the same.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Luke 21:5-19
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Something to think about
Concern about the end of time and the coming of God’s kingdom on earth was common among the early Christians. Jesus warned his disciples that dangers from wars and persecution lay ahead, but if they remained firm in their faith, they would triumph.
Collect
Heavenly Lord, you long for the world’s salvation:
revive us from inaction, restrain us from excess
and stir in us new hope that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Post Communion
Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament
you give substance to our hope:
bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Next Sunday’s (23rd) Readings:
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
Please remember in your prayers this week: *See footnote
Those who are unable to be with us in church, including Linda Torr and Arthur Williams.
Those who are ill, especially Graham Price, Pam Phillips and Reina Hammond.
The recently bereaved, especially the family and friends of Beres Harrison, Natasha Tucker, Bryan Robinson.
Areas of conflict: the Ukraine, the Middle East and too many others.
Our local churches.
Our Ministry Team: Dwayne, Maggie, Nigel & Lynda.
*The Prayer List
Please do not give out personal names when intercessing in the Thursday recording.