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 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.
Praying Together 21st June 2026
‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.