Collect for Trinity 5
Romans 7: 15-25a
Matthew 11: 16-24
As part of a social experiment, Londoners were offered up to £50 with no strings attached by a person in the street. Only three out of ten people approached took up the generous offer.
Two men in suits were approached and offered £20, but they were sceptical about the motive behind the offering, immediately responding: “What have you got to do for it?” Another group of men who were offered cash were also cynical and asked “what’s the catch?”, while a man offered a £50 note simply said “No, I don’t want it.”
London Evening Standard, 20/8/2015
I suspect the reason behind that (true) story is that our lack of trust has been learned the hard way though experiences of being betrayed. So we look for a motive. We know the phrases – ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’. ‘You never get something for nothing’. ‘If something looks too good to be true, it probably is’
We also know the hymn ‘Gentle Jesus, meek and mild’. Yes He certainly is, but not all the time. In today’s Gospel we see a rather different Jesus – ‘Irritated Jesus, frustrated and annoyed’. People have heard Him speak. He has healed many. They have seen Him perform miracles. He invites them to rejoice. He offers forgiveness.
And they turn away.
Perhaps you can’t totally blame them – they have heard prophets before who have promised them wealth and success, but haven’t delivered – In many cases, leaving people robbed of everything they have.
So they want to know Jesus’ motive – and when they hear that simply out of love for them, He freely offers freedom, they refuse to accept Him.
‘What do I have to do to be free?’, they ask. What will it cost me?
Just believe, He says. I’ll buy it for you. On a cross.
Previous Posts
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.
Praying Together 18th January 2026
In prayer, we ask: Who is God calling to come and use their specific individual gifts to continue to build His Kingdom in the future?
His reply is clear.
“You”, He says.
Praying Together 11 January 2026
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Praying Together 21st December 2025
Joseph’s example is one of love, human reaction, vocation and ultimate obedience to his Creator. So we rightly celebrate both Mary and Joseph as the chosen parents of the Christ-child. But we must also remember that they were ordinary people with human emotions who lived extraordinary lives.
Praying Together December 7th 2025
By your grace we have the gift of the Scriptures. With the help your grace, may we listen deeply to what you want to say to each one of us. May we know your gifts of endurance, encouragement and hope, so that not only our lips but also our lives may be a song in praise of your mercy.
Praying Together November 30th November 2025
The significance of the Themes and Candles we light during the Advent Season.
Praying Together 23rd November 2025
We celebrate the beginning of the story in Advent – but before we do, it is equally important to celebrate the final act of Coronation. The Gospel proclaims that Jesus is King.
Praying Together 16th November 2025
In ways, the Christian Journey is like a race – a Marathon, not a sprint. The key is endurance, Jesus says. There will be mountains to climb, tears and heartache in the depths of your soul, and it will sometimes feel like it’s impossible to carry on. But the world will continue, and end only in God’s good time.