Scripture:Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. (Hebrews 13:5-8)ReflectionAt the end of a trial, the judge gives a summary of the evidence so that the jury has a clear reminder of what the case is about before they give their verdict. At the end of Hebrews, the writer gives us a summary of what it means to be people of faith. There’s been a rollcall of people of faith; what their faith has led them to do, or to endure. People such as Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel and many others. (Good role models.)Having learnt what faith is, the writer of Hebrews challenges us to think about how we will live out our faith in our community today.Our confidence to be able to say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid” – whatever life throws at me – comes from the this promise in one line from Hebrews, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” Knowing that is how we live out our faith each day.Revd DavidRevd David
Scripture:Luke 22.24-27: Gospel for St Bartholemew’s Day ‘A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves' Reflection:What an amazing thought, that we should be guests at Christ’s table, and that himself should wait on us. This is not only a lesson to us in humility - a lesson that the disciples clearly needed to learn - but also the assurance of God’s loving provision for our needs. Nowhere is this more beautifully expressed than in this poem by George Herbert (1593-1633), who comes to realise that God’s gifts to us do not depend on our worthiness - we cannot earn them - but flow from God’s unconditional love. And our response is to reflect that love and generosity in our own lives and in the service of others. LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lack’d anything. ‘A guest,’ I answer’d, ‘worthy to be here:’ Love said, ‘You shall be he.’ ‘I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on Thee.’ Love took my hand and smiling did reply, ‘Who made the eyes but I?’ ‘Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve.’ ‘And know you not,’ says Love, ‘Who bore the blame?’ ‘My dear, then I will serve.’ ‘You must sit down,’ says Love, ‘and taste my meat.’ So I did sit and eat.Revd Rosemary
