Thought for the weeks 16th and 23rd August

“Son of David!” she cried out. “Have mercy on me, sir! My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition.” But Jesus did not say a word to her. His disciples came to him and begged him, “Send her away! She is following us and making all this noise!”                                                               Matthew 15 : 22-23


Bible reading: Matthew 15 : 21 - 28

Thought for the week

It springs up surprisingly. Grows in the harshest of places and circumstances. It clings, hangs on to life, draws strength when needed, persists and even breaks through barriers and obstacles…….faith in Jesus. Faith that perseveres. Faith that wins through because Jesus has broken through into hope and life for us.

In our Gospel reading a woman persists in her faith despite all the obstacles. Even the disciples want Jesus to have nothing to do with her. Yet she is driven in desperation for her daughter, and she knows Jesus can heal. Her faith is revealed in how she addresses Jesus. Not just Rabbi, or master, but “Lord, Son of David”. Faith that Jesus is the Lord, the Messiah. That He holds all power and all love. He is God Himself.

Her faith encourages Jesus, and challenges the disciples. She is after all in Jewish terms an outsider. Yet her faith in Jesus is real.

We should never underestimate how our faith can encourage others. Paul writes, Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, (1 Thess 5:11). If Jesus was encouraged by her faith, how much more are we by each other’s faith. Let us speak of prayers answered, and faith received, so we can encourage one another.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week On the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day

God our Father, in the dying and rising of your Son Jesus Christ,

you have brought life and salvation out of cruelty and death.

We mark Victory in Japan

in gratitude for the courage of the Allied forces who suffered for freedom in the Far East campaign

and in sorrow for all that hinders the coming of your kingdom of peace.

Give us wisdom to learn from the bitter memories of war,

and hearts that long for the unity of all nations.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus,

in whom there is no east or west, no north or south, but one fellowship of love across the whole earth. Amen.


Please note: Rev Paul and Rachel will be on leave from 18th August onwards.

Any urgent matters can be referred to the Churchwarden as appropriate.