When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’              Matthew 21 : 23

Bible reading: Matthew 21 : 23-32

Thought for the week

I had an eye test this week. My glasses finally gave up on me and I presented them in pieces to the optician. It struck me how so many of the greatest discoveries, so much that is new and exciting in life, happens on the edge of our vision. The part of our sight we’re aware of but not always focussed on.

In our Gospel reading for the religious leaders Jesus’ authority and His teaching are on the edge of their vision. They find it difficult to grasp, they certainly cannot control it, but they know He has authority that is not of earthly origin.

So Jesus points them to the edge. To those who are receiving the Lord’s love and responding to the Kingdom who the religious authorities put beyond the edge.

In our own lives, with the new restrictions as we look to the close of the year, I believe we are called to look to the edge of our vision. To the places where the Lord is at work most powerfully, and the issues He is raising. Beyond ourselves to those in our lives, in our community and our world who are on the edge, and pray we will be able to play our part for them. Jesus is alive, and the Holy Spirit is calling the whole world to Him.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

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