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
Harvest Thanksgiving at St Michael and All Angels Waterville
In celebrating God’s creation and understanding , that we are part of his wonderful world, we understand that Christ, the Pantocrator, the Ruler of All, wants to marry his creation in us.
Praying Together 4th October 2026
A Meditation for Trinity 18 - Harvest 2026CollectEternal God, you crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant that we may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being; through...
Praying Together 20th September 2026
Salvation.
It can’t be earned. No-one can get more than the next person. There are no degrees of salvation. Salvation is personal and unique to each human being. It is the complete gift – all you can ever need.
Praying Together 13th September 2026
Our responsibility in the Christian life is to prepare people for receiving the Gospel – remembering that they are able to meet Christ themselves directly in prayer and scripture. We cannot meet Him on their behalf, and in His walk alongside them they will grow as His body on earth.
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.