Today is the Second Sunday after Trinity. The reading from Matthew’s Gospel focuses our attention on the twelve disciples whom Jesus called to be with him. In this passage the twelve disciples were named and Jesus commissioned them to be apostles, that is people sent out in his name to continue with his mission to proclaim the reign of God. To them Jesus gave authority over unclear spirits, to cast them out, and to cure disease and sickness.
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 friends. In today’s picture from their book, Teddy Horsley meets Jesus’ Disciples, Teddy Horsley and Betsy Bear join Jesus and the twelve disciples for their roll call and commissioning.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you chose twelve disciples
to be your close followers.
Call us to follow in their footsteps,
that we may work alongside them
to proclaim the reign of God in our world;
for you are our inspiration and our life.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Third Sunday after Trinity. In the reading from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is equipping the apostles for their work. Jesus warns them that they can expect to be treated no better than he himself is treated. They will be persecuted. Yet God will take care of them just as God cares for the sparrows. The image to help prepare for this theme is companion animals. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
Prayer Requests
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Notice Sheet
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Liverpool Cathedral Celebrates Canon Ellen Loudon