Today is the Fourth Sunday after Trinity. The Gospel reading is from Matthew’s second block of teaching, sometimes known as the ‘missionary discourse’. This block of teaching, designed to equip the disciples for their work as apostles, concludes by declaring that everyone who welcomes those whom Jesus sends welcomes Jesus himself. People who welcome Jesus welcome the Father who sent him. In other words, those who are sent in Jesus’ name represent Jesus in every way.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of making welcome. In today’s picture from their book, Teddy Horsley Feasts with Jesus, Teddy Horsley and Betsy Bear are being made to feel welcome in church by their friends.
Lord Jesus Christ,
everyone who welcomes your people
welcomes you.
Help us to see you
in the people whom we meet,
that we may welcome you
through meeting and serving others;
today and always.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. In the reading from Matthew’s Gospel Jesus likens the people who criticise John for fasting and him for feasting to quarrelsome children taunting each other in the marketplace. The image to help prepare for this theme is children’s games. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
Prayer Requests
Would you like to submit a prayer request? You can do so through the Prayer for Liverpool website.
Notice Sheet
Would you like to sign up to receive the Cathedral’s weekly notice sheet? You can do so here.
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