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.
Previous Posts
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.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
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.