The Second Sunday After Trinity - Reflection by Canon Leslie

At this point in the Church’s year the Sunday Gospel readings are inviting us to travel through Matthew’s narrative. Last Sunday Matthew reminded us of the names of the twelve disciples. Jesus called the twelve disciples together and commissioned them to do as he does: to proclaim the reign of God through their words and to display the reign of God through their actions. Our way into this theme was through the image of friends.
 
This week Matthew reminds us of how Jesus prepared the twelve disciples to fulfil their commission. He warned them that they would be putting themselves at risk (just as Jesus put himself at risk), but he also assured them that God cares about them and cares for them, just as God cares for the sparrows that are sold two for a penny in the market place.
 
Today’s image to help us to experience and to reflect on God’s care for us is companion animals. We invite you to bring that image with you as you prepare your hearts and homes for participating in the Sunday Eucharist broadcast from Liverpool Cathedral.
 
Next Sunday the Gospel reading continues Matthew’s account of Jesus’ preparation of the disciples before they went out on their missionary journey. People who welcome those whom Jesus sends welcome Jesus himself. People who welcome Jesus welcome the Father who sent him. The image to help us to explore and to reflect on this theme is simply welcome. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials. Please send us your ideas and photos of the things you may create; email them to [email protected].
 
Last month I launched a national survey to explore how churchgoers are feeling during the lockdown. I hope that many people who visit this website today will be willing to participate in the survey. It is completely anonymous and confidential. Find out more here https://tinyurl.com/ycsq9fy2.
 
We warmly welcome you to join us in worship here: 

We invite you further to engage with the Breakfast and the Bible materials here: 

Acting On Acts ~ 4.1-22
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​Today’s blog features a companion animal duo of Teddy Horsley, whom readers of this blog will know well, and Scruffy, one of the furry friends to be found in the Tsedaqah House beside the Cathedral. Teddy and Scruffy are both sporting their crowns they wore to celebrate the Sunday after the Ascension. Scruffy is the particular friend of Nelson, one of the Tsedaqah Community Members with us this year.
 
To learn more about Teddy Horsley, follow this link to his website: https://teddyhorsley.org/, and this link to his page on the St. Mary’s Centre website: http://www.st-marys-centre.org.uk/resources.html.
 
Teddy Horsley and Scruffy send their greetings to all.
 
Canon Leslie