Collect for Trinity 20
Almighty God, whose Holy Spirit equips your Church with a rich variety of gifts: Grant us so to use them that, living the gospel of Christ and eager to do your will, we may share with the whole creation in the joys of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10
Matthew 22: 15-22
You’d have thought by now that they would realise that they aren’t ever going to succeed in tricking Jesus into saying something that would get Him in bother.
Is it lawful to pay taxes to the Emperor? Answer ‘No’ and they could accuse Him in front of the Roman authorities; ‘Yes’ and He can be accused of collaboration with the occupying forces and denying the Law. When He doesn’t fall for it and turns the tables on the hypocritical and clueless Pharisees, they are ‘amazed’. Just what did they expect?
But in some sense, the question appears to be a reasonable one – if we accept that the two are mutually incompatible. But they aren’t. So we resolve that question in the same way as did our Lord. Yes, if we are asked whether we conform to the World’s values and laws, either answer could get us in hot water. ‘Yes’ denies our faith in God’s overreaching authority – ‘No’ accuses us of not engaging with the real world. So we don’t answer the divisive leading question. Instead , we realise that some taxes are necessary. We live in a civilised society, and laws are required to support order and safety. Only when those laws conflict with living in the Gospel is there incompatibility. And then there is only one choice we can make, irrespective of the cost.
When the world lives in Christ, it’s laws are true and just. When it doesn’t, they are not, and we must reject them. There can be no compromise. From Stephen the Deacon through Thomas àBecket, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the thousands today living in countries where Christian faith is illegal, the history of Christianity is one of resolute women and men living the Gospel without fear in the face of retribution, persecution and threat. As must we.
Lord of all Compassion, we pray during these difficult days for all the peoples of the Holy Land.
May the gentleness of Christ prevail through the pain of conflict and mistrust,
May the presence of Christ heal the wounds that are inflicted,
May the hope and courage of Christ be with all who are desperate and dying,
May the truth of Christ enlighten those in positions of authority to seek new ways of living that foster harmony and mutual respect, and
May the peace of Christ dwell deep within the hearts of all in this the Land of the Holy One.
We ask this and all our prayers through the same, Jesus Christ, whose way is the most excellent way of love.
Amen
Revd Canon David Longe, former Chaplain to the Archbishop in Jerusalem
Previous Posts
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.
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.