Harrison is now part of our parish family and we send congratulations to Daniele and Martin following a lovely service.
There’ll be a box at the back of church to fill *by 19th Sept* & we’ll get them to the team. And / or see the poster with details of how to donate money to help with their fuel costs & for them to source items locally.
Examples of items needed inc: dry or tinned food, candles/ torches/ batteries, nappies/ baby food/ wet wipes, socks, coats, sleeping bags…
Ezeekiel was probably deported to Babylon with the first set of Exiles in 597 BC. Mos probably with Isaiah, and Jeremiah, he was a priest, who like them had a strong sense of calling, as illustrated by his revelation of how God revealed himself to him by the River Chebar in Babylon. Like Isaiah and Jeremiah, he was dealing with the disaster of the fall of Jerusalem. The question he is trying to answer is, “Where is God in all this?” He has a wonderful technique of dramatizing his revelations. The other notable thing is the term “Son of Man”, which shows a certain intimacy with God and his constant use of the phrase, “they shall know that I am the Lord.” It is obvious that God respects Ezekiel and that Ezekiel is completely at one with God. This section shows God letting Ezekiel know in no uncertain terms that he is to convey the word of God to the people so that they have a chance to repent, or he will be responsible for their failure. If he preaches the Word to them and they do not repent that is their responsibility, but you, Ezekiel will be vindicated. Like most of the scroll of Ezekiel it is a teaching that is very relevant for our time. Ezekiel is fascinating, amusing and an astonishing character, well worth the exploration.
Psalm 94: 1-2, 6-9.
A bright song inviting us to praise God for his goodness, but also to remember that if we forget God, there is a consequence as at Massah in the desert or at Meribah. It is a very reflective song of praise.
2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans13: 8-10.
One is immediately drawn to Jesus talking with the sympathetic scribe in Mark 12: 28-34. Where Jesus points out that the greatest commandment in the Law is to Love God first and foremost and love your neighbour as yourself. If we live like that, then everything else is irrelevant. Do not dwell too much on the negatives but concentrate on the positives. Paul is trying to be upbeat with the Romans, and indeed with us who are reading his letter today.
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 18: 15-20.
Jesus is giving us some instruction in how to deal with any crisis in the Church. Firstly, have it out with the person privately, if that does not work take two or three reliable witnesses to emphasise the importance of the issue to the community, then if that fails address the issue to the community and if that still fails the person must be cast out. However, Jesus then points to his constant presence to watch over us with binding and loosing by the Church, which will be upheld by Jesus; but the central key for the Church, is it’s prayer life for, “where two or three gather in Jesus’ name he will be present”, to hear and answer their prayers. This is a very joyous announcement by the Lord, one we should constantly remind ourselves about and be active in praying together as often as possible.
God Bless us as we try to draw ever closer to Jesus.
Deacon Vincent
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