Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’ Luke 18 : 7 - 8

Readings this week Luke 18 : 1 - 8

Some thoughts for this week

It is good to be reminded that Jesus knows our world, and has lived within it. With all its troubles, conflicts, challenges and negative voices. Also that Jesus Himself knows us, because He lived as one of us. He knows our pitfalls and temptations. Our struggles to stay true and not always to put ourselves first.

So Jesus tells a Parable in our Gospel reading that is full of human stuff and the difficulties and frustrations of our broken world. Where a poor unfortunate woman seeks the help of a harsh and indifferent judge, and persists in the way we are to persevere in our prayers, even when an answer seems long in coming.

Of course the breakthrough in Gaza and Israel, even though on a knife edge, is a wonderful answer to prayers for release, for healing and for peace. Even the situation in Ukraine has elements of hope.

Yet Jesus is also speaking about justice for those who are weak, who call to Him. And faith that enables prayers to be answered and Jesus’ Kingdom to break through. Jesus’ perspective is so much bigger than ours, and goes far beyond the limit of our vision or hopes for answered prayer. It is His Kingdom that brings healing and freedom. So He calls us to pray’ Your kingdom Come’ in our broken world, beginning with us. 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us your gift of faith that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to that which is before, we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

God, our judge and saviour, teach us to be open to your truth and to trust in your love, that we may live each day with confidence in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We praise the Lord and give thanks for…

Our harvest celebrations, in church and with the schools. They have all been wonderful times!

For Emmy, Danielle and Samantha being welcomed to Holy Communion, and for all the children we have contact with

Our visiting ministry and ministry to the Care Homes