The Third 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. In chapter 10 we are paying attention to how Matthew presents Jesus’ teaching to the original twelve disciples as they prepare to be sent out in his name. What Jesus said to them he says to me and to you today.
 
Jesus’ teaching to those disciples (and to me and to you today) is so important that our lectionary spends three weeks on Matthew chapter 10. On Sunday 14 June we were reminded that Jesus called each one of the twelve by name, just as he calls you and me by name. Our image that day was friends. We are called as friends into Jesus’ school of discipleship learning.
 
On Sunday 21 June we were reminded of two key features of our calling. We are called to put ourselves at risk (just as Jesus put himself at risk). God cares for us just as God cares for the sparrows. Our image that day was companion animals. We are called into awareness of God’s care for us.
 
Now on Sunday 28 June we are reminded of the importance of the welcome that we receive. The people who welcome those whom Jesus sends welcome Jesus himself. People who welcome Jesus welcome the Father who sent him. Our image today is welcome. In his book Teddy Horsley meets Jesus’ Disciples, Teddy Horsley meets with his friends in church and experiences the welcome extended to him.
 
Next week the reading from Matthew’s Gospel moves on to the next stage in Jesus’ journey and shows the contrast between John the Baptist’s way of life and Jesus’ way of life. Both are criticised by the people but for entirely different reasons. They accuse John of being possessed and Jesus of being a drunkard. In turn Jesus likens his critics to quarrelsome children playing in the market place. The image to help us to explore and to reflect on this theme is children’s games. 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].
 
The first results from the survey I launched to explore how churchgoers are feeling during the lockdown are now available on the website at York St John University: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/coronavirus-church-and-you/. But the survey is still live and I would welcome further responses. It is completely anonymous and confidential. Find out more here: https://tinyurl.com/ycsq9fy2.
 
The photo above is taken from the cover of Teddy Horsley Meets Jesus’ Disciples, which you can read online here: https://teddyhorsley.org/other-stories/teddy-horsley-meets-jesus-disciples. To learn more about Teddy Horsley, follow this link to his website: https://teddyhorsley.org/. Check out his page on the St. Mary’s Centre website for more Teddy Horsley stories: http://www.st-marys-centre.org.uk/resources.html.
 
We warmly welcome you to join us in worship here: 

We invite your further participation with the Breakfast and the Bible materials here: 

Acting On Acts ~ 4.23-37
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​Teddy Horsley sends his good wishes to all.
 
Canon Leslie