Collect for Trinity 17
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: Teach us to offer ourselves to your service, that here we may have your peace, and in the world to come may see you face to face;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Philippians 2: 1-13
Matthew 21: 23-32
Apparently, the phrase ‘All mouth and no trousers’ is local to the North of England, where I grew up. It means a person who talks a lot but never does anything.
Jesus doesn’t use the phrase – but the example He gives means the same. The ‘dutiful’ son says he will do the bidding of his father but doesn’t – the ‘rebellious’ son says he won’t but does. One son talks the talk; the other walks the walk.
The religious and political hierarchy try to trip Jesus by questioning His authority to teach and heal, hoping that He will blaspheme by claiming God’s authority. In return, He asks them a question they can’t answer without putting themselves at risk of their own authority being undermined – and they dare notrisk being seen as the frauds they are. It might cause them to have to put their words into action.
As in so many cases, Jesus sees through their motives for trying to trick Him and uses a story to reply to His accusers. The chief priests and Temple elderslead ‘blameless ‘ lives (yeah, right..) and use sophisticated theological argument to discuss the prophecy of Messiah and the return of Elijah, but refuse to accept John or Jesus as it’s fulfilment; the people at the lowest of the hierarchy, the tax collectors and prostitutes, might not lead ‘Holy’ lives, but recognise and accept Jesus for who He is – the way, the truth and the life. He is the one promised – the choice is to repent and do His bidding or refuse it. The reward for accepting Him is the joy of knowing freedom, and then to accept His command to work in the vineyard, to feed His lambs – not with empty words, but with deeds. In the final analysis, it is ordinary people, not religious or political leaders, who will bring His Kingdom come.
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Praying Together 4th October 2026
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Praying Together 20th September 2026
Salvation.
It can’t be earned. No-one can get more than the next person. There are no degrees of salvation. Salvation is personal and unique to each human being. It is the complete gift – all you can ever need.
Praying Together 13th September 2026
Our responsibility in the Christian life is to prepare people for receiving the Gospel – remembering that they are able to meet Christ themselves directly in prayer and scripture. We cannot meet Him on their behalf, and in His walk alongside them they will grow as His body on earth.
Praying Together 30th August 2026
Just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.
Praying Together 23rd August 2026
Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.
Praying Together 16th August 2026
We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.
Praying Together 9th August 2026
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.
Praying Together 26th July 2026
Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.