‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard’.
Matthew 20 : 1
Readings this week : Jonah 3 : 10 – 4 : 11, Philippians 1 : 21 - 30, Matthew 20 : 1 - 16
Thought for the week :
We often hear the expression, ‘Life’s not fair’. Yet what do we make of this? It assumes that we each have certain expectations and privileges. Even aspects of life we deserve. Should be ours by right, even.
Certainly all human beings are equal, yet with this starting point clearly life is not fair for the vast majority of the world’s population. And automatically we become the privileged ones.
As always Jesus points us away from ourselves and directs us to Himself. None of us deserves the love, grace and boundless generosity of the Lord. All life is a gift. Every day is a miracle. We each have so much to share and celebrate.
In our Gospel reading Jesus speaks of the owner of a vineyard who rewards his workers the same no matter how many hours they have worked that day. So the Lord loves to give to each of us, though we are so undeserving. The Lord pours out His generosity, His love and mercy upon each of us each day. Jesus even gave His life for our forgiveness and new life in Him.
How can we share this love. How can we let others know of the Lord’s limitless grace and mercy that changes our lives and is so freely given.Rev Paul
Prayers for this week
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you;
and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do,
and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen.
Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us:
open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence
and know your peace at our lives’ end,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
People to pray for :
Christians persecuted for their faith
People experiencing injustice or oppression
A new director of Norwich Youth for Christ