“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25 : 34 - 36
Readings this week : Deuteronomy 26 : 1 – 11; Matthew 25 : 31 - 46
Thought for the week
We celebrate harvest today at St Ed's. We have so much to give thanks for in the abundance of all we have. For the astonishing creation that enables seeds to grow and harvest to happen. For the beauty of the seasons that brings constant change and life. For the gift of water, and community, and all the things that make Harvest possible, and are so much part of our daily lives.
There is another harvest too, that Jesus speaks of in our Gospel reading. A harvest of kindness, of grace, forgiveness, of openness. Welcome to the outsider, visiting the wounded and suffering. Peace for the lonely. For the poor, the grieving and the sad. Jesus speaks of a harvest of faith. Of hearts turned to the Lord and His ways. A Harvest rooted and abundant in love, humility, sacrifice and hope.
We are all part of the Harvest Jesus calls us to. We are called to respond to Jesus’ generous love. We praise Him for Ben’s call to ministry. We also give thanks for the miracle of faith and generosity that has enabled the church repairs. As we bring our gifts today, we give thanks that Jesus calls us to this Harvest that leads to transformed lives and hearts full of grace. The Harvest of faith Jesus calls each of us into.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Risen Lord of the harvest, as the wild flower scatters its seeds far and wide, so may your people scatter the seed of hope in the soils of despair, bringing to growth those good things that are your gift and promise. And may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, rest on us and on all our work and worship done in his name. Amen.
Christopher Burkett, Harvest for the World, 2002. Posted at http://www.mothersunion.org/
God, the Holy Spirit, You are the restless wind of love that sweeps through the world. You blow where you will, breaking down barriers, Stirring hearts to change, making all things possible. Make us restless for change – even impossible change.
Come, Spirit of God, Sweep through our world bringing great change. May the harvest of your goodness bring justice and hope. And, for us, transformation in our praying and living, So all may share in the harvest of your blessings. Amen.
~ posted on the Third Space website. http://third-space.org.uk/blog