Today is the Second Sunday before Lent. The Gospel reading is taken from Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus advocates the way of faith as the antidote to worry and anxiety. In two important images, Jesus invites his listeners to learn from the birds of the air and from the lilies of the field. In contrast with men and women, the birds seem to live uncomplicated lives, and yet God takes care of them. We should learn from their example and put our faith in God.

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 birds. In today’s picture from his book The Song, Teddy Horsley is listening to the colourful chorus of the birds.

Heavenly Father,

you care for the birds of the air,

feeding and clothing them with your love.

Help us to know how much more

you care for us your children,

that we may place our faith in you;

we make our prayer in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Next Sunday is the Sunday next before Lent and draws to a close the season of Epiphany. In the Gospel reading Jesus’ identity is revealed unambiguously on the Mount of Transfiguration. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is mountains. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Education Resources