10th August: Trinity 8
online Morning Prayer from St.Peter’s.
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
The author of this book reminds his readers of the Jews in the past who had shown their faith in God, even when they did not know what the future would hold for them.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Luke 12:32-40
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’
Something to think about
Jesus told his disciples that in times of uncertainty, they need not fear. They must be prepared for the future and the return of the Son of Man, that Old Testament figure to whom God would give authority. (Daniel 7:13-14)
Collect
Lord God, your Son left the riches of heaven
and became poor for our sake:
when we are prosperous save us from pride,
when we are poor save us from despair,
that we may trust in you alone;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Post Communion
Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that have taken holy things;
may the ears which have heard your word
be deaf to clamour and dispute;
may the tongues which have sung your praise be free from deceit;
may the eyes which have seen the tokens of your love
shine with the light of hope;
and may the bodies which have been fed with your body
be refreshed with the fullness of your life;
glory to you for ever.
Next Sunday’s (17th) Readings:
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Please remember in your prayers this week:
Those who are unable to be with us in church, including Linda Torr and Arthur Williams.
The recently bereaved, especially the family and friends of Brian Marriott, Dianne Hall, Wyndham Crum, Ivan Hammersley and Christopher Bloor.
Areas of conflict: the Ukraine, the Middle East and too many others.
Our local churches, and Dwayne Engh, our new priest-in-charge.
Our Ministry Team: Maggie, Nigel & Lynda and her support: Simon.