Worshipping at Home 20th August 2023
Home Worshipping 
20th August 2023

Welcome to Home Worshipping 20th August 2023!
11th Sunday After Trinity

Bible Reading

Bible Readings

 

Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8

Matthew 15:21-28

Canaanite woman’s daughter Is healed

 

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Thought for the Day

Every now and then in history something or someone causes us to have a re-think about things that we have accepted to be the norm. Perhaps one of the greatest times of change was in the time of ‘the enlightenment’ which mainly took place throughout the 18th century. It was a period of time when the prospects of ordinary individuals were greatly improved and a fairer system of democracy wrestled the grip of the elite and wealthier sections of society over the life, welfare and wealth of the poorer people. 

Turning the clock back to biblical times a major change in the lives and prospects of ordinary Jewish people took place as God took the initiative by appointing Moses as their new leader and empowered him to lead them out of captivity in Egypt. Ultimately under the guidance of God and after many setbacks Moses led them close to the ‘promised land’ at which point Joshua took over and led them across the border into a potentially wonderful new existence bringing joy and unparalleled hope and excitement to the ancient Jewish nation.

Now turning the clock forward around 1200 years the most dramatic change ever in the life of all mankind began to take effect as one man began his ministry in the midst of the Jewish community to enlighten them in preparation for them to then go out and enlighten the rest of the world. They were to reveal the true nature of the Creator God and to demonstrate this in their lives and values for all to see and experience. This man was Jesus Christ and his father, that same creator God, had revealed this plan to him. He was to follow it with total obedience until directed otherwise by the Father.

It was in this time that he met a lady from Canaan who challenged his plan. This Jesus was to minister to and teach the Jews so that they would be capable of carrying on his ministry for the benefit of all mankind without him. Somehow this lady had not only learned of his healing powers but had deduced that these could and should be made available to her daughter despite all of the societal barriers.

They indulged in some banter during which Jesus tried to explain his responsibilities and duties but she was having none of it and she unashamedly begged him to heal her daughter. Jesus eventually gave way and applauded the woman for her faith in him. Now it was God’s plan to bring about the ultimate fruition of Jesus’ ministry but somehow this woman had special insight into this and forced Jesus hand to admit his future intentions. A gentile was healed - how soon would the floodgates open? How soon would the equality of all nations in the eyes of God become accepted worldwide?

It was of course always the case in God’s eyes but mankind had just not realised. How soon then in today’s world will all mankind be equal in the eyes of all their own fellow mankind?
Amen

Let us Pray

Dear Lord Jesus grant that we keep true faith in you and give of our very best in living out our lives to your glory for the benefit of all our fellow mankind no matter what their race or creed. Amen.

Prayer for the interregnum of the Parish of Beaudesert with Henley and Ullenhall (to be said during intercessions).

Almighty and everlasting God as we travel together through this period of interregnum we thank you for your everlasting love for us. Give us strength to accept this time of change and send us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with encouragement and hope for the future. We ask that you will help us to share responsibilities growing in faith and love with one another. We look forward to the appointment of a new Rector and believe you will send us a priest best suited to your disciples in this parish and who will encourage many to join with us on our journey of faith. Amen 
The Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us and all those whom we love and care for, always.

Amen

 The Collect Prayer

God of glory, the end of our searching, help us lay aside all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom and to give all that we have to gain the pearl beyond price, through our Saviour Jesus.

Amen

If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact us

Henley in Arden The incumbent   (Vacancy)



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I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors.
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