Sunday 6 September – (14th Sunday after Trinity - Continuous)
Exodus 12.1-14
After their escape from slavery in Egypt, the Hebrews are told they must hold a thanksgiving feast annually to celebrate their delivery. They are told what to eat and drink and how to be dressed. They must also smear blood on the doorpost of their homes.
Romans 13.8-14
Paul continues his advice to the Christians in Rome on how they must behave. Love must be the most important quality in their lives, following the example of Jesus.
Matthew 18.15-20
Jesus spoke to his disciples
In answer to their queries, Jesus gave his disciples advice on how to deal with members of the church who have disobeyed, giving them his authority to discipline offenders.
Sunday 13 September – (15th Sunday after Trinity - Continuous)
Exodus 14.19-31
As the Hebrews escape from Egypt, they reach the ‘Sea of Reeds’ where, when Moses raises his hand, the waters are driven back, but the pursuing Egyptian soldiers are drowned.
Romans 14:1-12
Paul reminds the Christians that they must not pass judgement on others, but welcome them in love.
Matthew 18.21-35
Continuing his teaching on forgiveness, Jesus told his disciples a story - a good Rabbinic tradition - of a king and his treatment of two of his servants. They would have recognised the scenario, though it may sound strange to modern ears!
Sunday 20 September – (Feast Day of Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist)
Proverbs 3.13-18
The book of Proverbs is an example of ‘Wisdom Literature’ which offers sound advice on how to
live the good life. Wisdom herself is commended as she is an attribute of God himself, which must be valued.
2 Corinthians 4.1-6
Paul writes of the example that he and the apostles have set in their own lives, as they proclaim the Gospel.
Matthew 9.9-13
Tax collectors were very unpopular amongst the Jews, for their alleged habits of cheating, and as collectors for taxes for the Romans. When Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees for the company he kept, Jesus replied by quoting from the prophet Hosea (6:6), a passage they knew well..
Sunday 27 September – (Harvest Festival) (or on the appropriate date in each parish)
Deuteronomy 8.7-18
Moses reminds the Hebrews how God has chosen them as his people, and is giving them a good land. They must remain faithful to him.
2 Corinthians 9.6-15
In his long letters to the Christians in Corinth, Paul reminds them of their generosity and faithfulness in helping Christians in Rome when they suffered from a famine.
Luke 12.16-30
Having been asked by a man in the crowd to solve a family dispute over property, Jesus told a story about a greedy rich man, pointing out that God took care of his creation and those who believe in him have no need to be anxious for the future. His listeners would have understood his message.