Worshipping at Home 3rd September 2023
Home Worshipping 
3rd September 2023

Welcome to Home Worshipping 3rd September 2023!
13th Sunday After Trinity

Bible Reading

Bible Readings

 

Jeremiah 15: 15-21

Matthew 16: 21-28


Take up your cross and follow me!

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Thought for the Day

In my early years at work I was very keen to make a good impression which generally meant achieving something very notable or perhaps coming up with a good idea which would improve the business in some way. Raw enthusiasm and hard work also helped and often drew a compliment from the boss especially if it gave the impression that I was demonstrating my commitment and loyalty.

So occasionally I received a ‘well done Malcolm’ off my boss who was also the business owner. He was all powerful in our eyes and let the force of his wishes and feelings be known quite clearly. However it was not uncommon to receive great praise one day and then be threatened with the sack on the next! You could always tell what was coming because a good ticking off was always delivered at twice the volume of a ‘well done’. 
Quite frequently it felt like the end of the relationship (or the end of the world!) was coming when the full volume threat of impending doom and the sack, this being shouted down the corridor within earshot of many and beginning with a bellowed ‘Aldridge’!

I therefore have some sympathy with Simon Peter (last week affectionately called Peter the rock) who very soon after that proceeded to get everything wrong. Just as he had been complimented by Jesus in glowing terms for his impetuous revelation of Jesus divinity so within days he then reveals his own human weaknesses by declaring that Jesus had got it completely wrong when he prophesied his own death and suffering. 
How could someone so powerful as Jesus suffer at the hands of mere humans and how on earth could his Father God allow that to happen? Their creator God would undoubtedly intervene and most likely so would his Jewish supporters and disciples.

‘Get thee behind me Satan’ said Jesus as he turned on Peter. From being the prime example of true faith in Jesus Christ Peter had become likened to Satan, perhaps the most devastating insult or accusation that could be levelled at any Jew.

What was Peter thinking when he heard this. Maybe his newly revealed Messiah was not quite as he had thought. Maybe he would not lead an army of loyalists and drive the Romans out of Israel by force? Maybe this great Son of God was not a proud man with unbridled miraculous powers that could extricate him from any situation? Peter had been outspoken in denying even the possibility of Jesus ignominious death at the hands of others – this was all part of Peter’s faith in his newly revealed Messiah surely?

Well what do you think – was Jesus being over harsh? Did he have to tear one of his most loyal supporters to shreds for all to see and hear? Answers on a postcard please!

Let us Pray

Dear Lord Jesus grant that we keep true faith in you and find the courage to take up our cross to follow in your footsteps even though we might be so afraid and uncertain of where this may take us. 
 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

Almighty God you search us and know us: may we rely on you in strength and rest on you in weakness, now and in all our days: through Jesus Christ our Lord.



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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