Collect and Readings for Sunday 28th February 2021 – Private Prayer at All Saints, Marthall 9:30am. The Second Sunday of Lent
Readings: Genesis 17.1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22.23-end, Romans 4.13-end, Mark 8.31-end
The Prayer for today Almighty God, you show to those who are in error the light of your truth, that they may return to the way of righteousness: grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion, that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
How many times have you seen an advert or received and offer in the post or via email which makes you think I really want or need that? Often these promise great savings or a cash bonus pot if you reply quickly. A ploy to urge you into a quick response. If however, you read the small print you often find that there is a catch and it usually means that what appeared to be a bargain isn't or unfortunately this time you weren't quite quick enough to win the bonus. Whilst this isn't illegal is definitely isn't open, honest and upfront.
Jesus is never like that with us; he is always completely open and honest. Jesus tells us both the good and bad news, gently but firmly, because he loves and respects us and that is why we know we can have absolute trust in him.Think of your best friend, the person you trust the most; the person who can tell you that you look dreadful in that dress or that yes, you were in the wrong and you need to do something to make amends and put things right. If they are always honest with you, you know that you can trust them whenever and whatever.
In our readings today we see people trusting God in a number of different situations. In Genesis Abraham and Sarah with the promise of a child. In the Gospel, we see the disciples expecting Jesus as the promised Messiah, to raise an army and free the people from the Roman occupation. Jesus trusts the disciples and takes the risk of telling them that this isn't what he is here to do. At the risk of the rejecting him, being angry and disappointed, He is honest with them and gives them the bad news that he is going to be killed.
Peter can't cope with hearing this message and tries to persuade Jesus that he is mistaken.Sometimes we do the same. Perhaps Jesus nudges us to give something up or change something in our lives or make friends with someone we don't want to. Instead, we spend a lot of time and energy pretending not to hear or convincing ourselves that God is mistaken. He isn't, he is just being lovingly honest with us, but we take it as bad news because we don't want to hear the truth. So this week let's:
- Listen and look out for Jesus' 'nudges'.
- Try to do what we are being asked to do.
- Begin to show the people we meet each day the difference it makes in our lives having Jesus as our 'best friend'.
God bless and stay safe and well
Rev'd Fiona Robinson