Trinity 16
Collect
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever,
James 3: 1-12 – Taming the Tongue
Mark 8: 34 – 38
‘Let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’
Jesus makes it very clear that following him appears costly – if you measure it in human terms. The call to self-denial would seem to be the complete opposite of the animal instinct of survival of the fittest – that life is a competition for food, comfort and power that only the strongest can win. Although the proponents of what is called a ‘Prosperity Gospel’ would subscribe to such a way of life, it doesn’t look to be ‘self-denying’ – ‘self-important and self-centred’ would be closer to the case.
On the other hand, typically, as humans tend to do, the exercise of self-denial is often taken to the extreme, becoming self-punishment. Extended fasting, Hair shirts, self-mortification and suchlike are seen as ways to purge a sinful nature – the more self-deprived, the closer to God. Except that, in a way, that too can be equally self-centred – you might call it ‘competitive humility’.
I believe that what Jesus is asking is the recognition of equality with all His people – with the consequence that the needs of others are to be placed before ones own. Essentially, following Jesus – denying oneself – is living in servanthood. And true servanthood isn’t painful at all – it offers a different kind of life altogether, one I which the only ‘cost’ is a release from the constant (and ultimately unfulfillable) pressure to achieve ‘success’ in an increasingly material and competitive world.
History from the dawn of time proves that victory is impossible to achieve through force and domination over others. Perhaps it is time for the world to try Servant Love – love of our neighbour, whoever she or he may be. After all, that’s what Jesus asks of us – the reward being a closer walk with Him.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.
Praying Together 22nd February 2026
If we are to appreciate the gentleness of a lamb, we need to know its opposite. If we are to understand what safety is, we need also to experience the possibility of danger.
Praying Together 15th February 2026
Perhaps, when we pray, we need to remember it is the Jesus on the Mountain to whom we address our prayers, the one whose face shines like the sun and transfigures our faces as we radiate in His light.
Praying Together February 8th 2026
Is Jesus suggesting, not to eat and drink? And is he saying we should not wear clothes but go naked?
How unrealistic is this, and how depressing – we need to eat and drink, and we need clothing.
Praying Together February 1st 2026
Christ’s words are given to all His people in the face of the difficulties we ourselves face in life. We claim them and are assured of Blessing. And that is all we need.
Praying Together January 25th 2026
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.