St. George in the Pines : Recent Episodes
St. George in the Pines Anglican Church - Banff
How does success test your character? In this weeks sermon, Rev. Seth Enriquez takes us deeper into Josephs story, exploring how his rise to power revealed the true foundation of his life. Despite the complexities of freedom and influence, Joseph remained centered on God. Catch up on Week 4 of Life of Joseph and discover the wisdom we can apply to our own lives.
Where is God when life feels unfair? This week, Rev. Seth Enriquez dives into Josephs time in prison, where God was at work shaping his future. Even in the darkest times, God is teaching us to trust His wisdom and timing. Catch Week 3 of our Life of Joseph series now!
How do you overcome temptation? Its not about willpowerits about love. In this weeks sermon, well explore how Joseph resisted temptation by loving God above all else, and how the key to overcoming our own struggles is found in a deeper love for God. Listen in and discover the wisdom that empowers us to stand firm.
Where is God in my darkest times? In life, many of our deepest struggles stem from pressures and circumstances beyond our controlbetrayal, loss, or hardship. Its in these moments that we often wonder where God is.In the first week of "The Life of Joseph" we explore how Gods grace was present in Josephs darkest times, even when things seemed hopeless. Just as Josephs journey unfolded under Gods sovereign care, Jesus is with us in our own struggles. His grace, a healing power beyond anything we can summon on our own, meets us where we are and restores us in ways only He can.Join us as we reflect on the power of God's healing grace in the face of life's toughest challenges.
In today's world, we talk about almost everythingbut money is the ultimate taboo, especially when it comes to someone telling us how to use it. Yet, Jesus' teachings challenge our assumptions. He confronts the rich young ruler with a tough choice: follow Him or hold on to wealth. This isnt just one man's struggleits a lesson for all of us about where our true loyalty lies.Jesus is clear: "You cannot serve both God and money." So, what does that mean for us today? Are we ready to let go of our earthly treasures to follow Jesus? This week, well explore how Jesus calls us to rethink our values, trust in Gods provision, and why all of us face an ultimate choice. In Gods kingdom, our relationship with wealth is about much more than money.
Hell might seem out of place in a world where many believe that all paths lead to the same destination. But when we listen to Jesus, we can't overlook its reality. Jesus claim to be the only way to the Father suggests serious consequences for not following Him.So why does this idea make us uncomfortable? It can feel unfair, as if we expect everyone will naturally repent and be forgiven at judgment. But is that expectation realistic? What does Jesus actually say about our choices and the destinies we shape?This week, we'll explore Jesus' teachings on hell and why they matter for our faith. We'll look at how His words reveal both God's justice and mercy and what they mean for us today.
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Thats a bold statement, and it doesnt exactly sit well with our cultures idea that all paths lead to God. But heres the question: Is this idea of pluralismthat all beliefs are equally validactually true? And if its not, why do we keep accepting it as fact?Its easy to see why weve embraced this mindset; it comes from a place of compassion and understanding. But when Jesus says Hes the only way, Hes challenging that whole perspective. So what does He really mean?This week, were going to dive into what Jesus was getting at, why it still matters today, and what it says about who God is and what Hes inviting us into. Lets explore the truth, the life, and the way that Jesus offers us.
Jesus says that at the final judgment, many who performed miracles and called Him Lord will be told He doesn't know them. How do we make sense of this? Is the Christian faith a dice roll? Does what we do or believe matter? Do we take these passages at face value, or is there a deeper understanding?This week, let's dig into these tough scriptures together. Are they still relevant today? What do they tell us about God's character and Jesus' message? Join us as we uncover the truth about what the Bible says and discover the freedom and hope we have in Jesus.
The Bible has passages about slavery that can be really confusing and even troubling for many of us. How do we make sense of these, especially when we believe in a message of freedom and love through Jesus Christ? Do we take these passages at face value, or is there a deeper understanding that aligns with the hope and freedom we find in Jesus?This week, let's dig into these tough scriptures together. Are they still relevant for us today? What do they tell us about God's character and Jesus' message? Join us as we uncover the truth about what the Bible says about slavery and discover the freedom and hope we have in Jesus. Let's figure this out together and see how it guides us in living faithfully in our world today. Dont miss out on this important conversation!
The Old Testament has some strange rules that leave us scratching our heads. From not wearing clothes made of two materials to specific haircut and beard instructions, it makes us wonder: are we really supposed to follow these? Can we just ignore them, or does that mean picking and choosing parts of the Bible?This week, we'll dive into these odd commands to make sense of them. Are they still relevant today? What do they tell us about God as revealed in Jesus Christ? Join us as we explore the deeper meanings behind these ancient rules and see what they teach us about living faithfully in our complex world. Let's figure out together how to follow Jesus in everything we do. Dont miss this chance to uncover this hidden wisdom!
The Conquest of Canaan is a tough and controversial part of the Bible. It makes us wonder: can a loving God really command something that seems like genocide? But let's take a closer look and ask ourselves: did God really command that?This week, we're going to dive into the story of the Conquest of Canaan and try to understand its deeper meaning. Instead of just focusing on a surface reading, we'll look at themes like justice, complicity, and how to stay faithful in a complicated world. Join us as we explore what this ancient story can teach us about our own faith journey and God's constant faithfulness.
The story of Lot and his daughters is a grim and disturbing narrative, revealing the darkest aspects of humanity. While some view it as a tool of oppression against women, what does it actually teach?This week, we will examine this unsettling story, exploring its deeper themes of brokenness and the possibility of healing. Instead of a surface reading, we'll uncover the essential message God is sharing. Join us as we reflect on our own attitudes toward brokenness, healing, and God's grace.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is often remembered for its fire and brimstone, but there's so much more to this ancient tale. While it's become a symbol of divine wrath in popular culture, what can we truly learn from it?This week, lets take a closer look at Sodom and Gomorrah. We'll explore the deeper themes of justice and mercy hidden within the narrative. Instead of focusing solely on the destruction, we'll uncover the layers of meaning that this ancient story holds. Join us as we discuss how it challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes toward righteousness, goodness, and the love of God.
The story of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac has puzzled and troubled people for centuries. In todays world, it seems impossible to imagine a loving God asking for something so extreme. So, how do we make sense of this story with our modern views on morality and faith?This Sunday, we're kicking off our new teaching series, "Tell Me Strange Things: Facing the Hardest Sayings in the Bible." Instead of dodging the tough story of Abraham and Isaac, we'll tackle it head-on. Well dig into the different layers of meaning behind this ancient tale and explore the tension between God's justice and mercy. Together, well uncover deeper truths about trust, sacrifice, and God's everlasting love.
How do we make sense of the Doctrine of the Trinity?Discover the profound mystery of the Trinityone God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Join us as we explore how we come to know God on His terms, recognizing our need for a savior, Jesus Christ. Through repentance and trust in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit and the transformative love of the Father. This love helps us embrace the Triune God, not as a theological puzzle, but as the ultimate source of love for the world.Join us this Sunday to explore the Doctrine of the Trinity and its importance in our lives today.
What does Pentecost and the Holy Spirit mean to our lives today?In a world marked by alienationfamily against family, nation against nationit's easy to feel isolated. Yet, God has not abandoned us. He came to us in Jesus to heal our world and our lives. Jesus offers us the Holy Spirit, His very essence of love and life, to heal us and transform us into the people we were always meant to be. This is our true hope: the Holy Spirit given to us by Jesus.Join us this Sunday as we delve into the significance of Pentecost and its relevance to our lives today.
Does love actually involve obedience?Join us this Sunday as we complete our exploration of what it means to love God and follow Jesus.While we sometimes think of love and obedience as being at odds, Jesus invites us to set aside our personal desires and step into God's plans. It's in embracing God's will that we really find His love and life. Theres simply no substitute.Join us this Sunday for the final part of our series as we explore what obeying Jesus really means in our everyday lives.
Ever wondered what love really is? Join us this Sunday as we dive into this big question. Whether you're a follower of Jesus or just curious, we're going to explore what it truly means to love. In a world where we're told we can define everything about ourselves and how we live, followers of Jesus understand that love isn't just something we make up as we go along. It's a special gift from God, given to us through Jesus Christ. By living according to God's word, we're shaped to love the way God loves. So, come along as we unpack what it looks like to love like Jesus.
Ever wonder what it really means to follow Jesus? We're diving into that question this Sunday. It's easy to get caught up in the routine of "doing" Christianity without truly understanding our calling. But following Jesus is more than just checking off a list of Christian activities. It's about being known and loved by Him, and finding our purpose in His plans for us.Let's unpack this together and discover how we can authentically follow Jesus in our everyday lives.
Ever wondered who or what you're really putting your trust in? Join us this Sunday as we dive into this important question. As Christians, we often say we trust Jesus, but do our actions truly reflect that? Sometimes it's our money, success, or even politics that we're really relying on. But only Jesus laid down His life for us, making Him the ultimate source of trust. So, let's explore together what it really means to trust Jesusthe one who never lets us down.
Ever find yourself holding back on sharing the good news about Jesus, questioning if evangelism still has a place in our modern world? That's what we're digging into in our Sunday message.We'll explore the common struggle of uncertainty, driven by the prevailing spiritual idea that all religions are equally valid, which can make exclusive claims seem arrogant. Despite its wide acceptance, we'll delve into why this belief lacks depth. Moreover, we'll reveal the transformative impact of sharing Jesus' message, even in the face of daunting challenges.Join us as we untangle this dilemma and learn how to authentically communicate the timeless truth of Christ in our contemporary world.
Is doubt something to be ashamed of? Does having doubts make us inadequate Christians?Many of us grapple with these questions. But what if doubt is not the enemy of faith but rather a natural part of our journey?In this sermon, we'll delve into the reality that doubt is a common experience for believers. We'll explore how denying our doubts only hinders our spiritual growth. Instead, we'll learn the importance of acknowledging and honestly confronting our doubts.But how do we bring our doubts to Jesus? How do we find the courage to lay them before Him? Together, we'll discover how to navigate doubt in a way that strengthens our relationship with Christ.Join us as we explore the nature of doubt and learn how to handle it as followers of Jesus in today's world.
In our Easter Sunday message, "He Is Risen" by Rev. Seth Enriquez, we're reminded that Jesus' Resurrection assures us that even in our hardest moments, God is actively bringing hope and renewal into our lives. Yet, in today's world, we sometimes find it hard to accept such miracles, preferring what we can see and prove. But maybe we're more open-minded than we realize. If we can embrace this, we'll find ourselves ready to experience the overwhelming love of God shown in Jesus' Resurrection.
Join us for our Good Friday message "Why Good Friday" by Rev. Seth Enriquez.Why do we call the day Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and crucified "Good"? This question carries profound implications for our lives and our world, for within this sacrifice lies the goodness that heals our relationship with God and opens the door to our healing and salvation, if only we trust in him.
Join us for our Maundy Thursday message"What Is Love" by Rev. Seth Enriquez.This Maundy Thursday, we reflect on Jesus' command to love one another as he loves us, demonstrated by his act of washing the disciples' feet, even Judas', who would betray him. True love draws close, is vulnerable, and though sometimes uncomfortable, is honest and healing as seen in Jesus' sacrificial act of washing feet and giving his life for his friends. Embracing this divine love transforms both our hearts and the world around us.
Join us for our sermon titled "Who Is This Jesus" by Rev. Seth Enriquez. In the triumphal entry of Jesus, we are challenged to confront the fundamental question: "Who is this Jesus?" Jesus, in this pivotal moment, reveals Himself as the King, God incarnate, offering healing for our sins and reconciliation with Godthe ultimate source of life and love. Embracing Jesus as both God and King is crucial for receiving this profound healing and hope. Palm Sunday is the invitation to enter Holy Week in a posture of surrender to Jesus, living into the Truth that Jesus is God and King and the only one that can heal our world and our hearts.
Join us for the concluding sermon in our "Faith Foundation" Lenten series: "Novus: The Promise of Hope."This Sunday, Rev. Seth explores the prophecy to Jeremiah, unveiling the promise of a new covenant where God's law is inscribed upon our hearts, bringing about a profound intimacy between God and His people. The story of scripture has been about God's yearning for us to grasp His heart, to unite our hearts with His. Yet, we've settled for mere adherence to rules, striving tirelessly to fulfill commandments as a means to placate God. However, God's desire transcends legalistic adherence; He longs for the deep, trusting relationship we once shared in Eden.Jesus's arrival signifies the fulfillment of this longing. He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, offering Himself on the cross to reconcile us with God. Through His sacrifice, a pathway to restored trust and intimacy is opened. The choice now rests with us: will we persist in shallow rule-following, which only leads to further estrangement, or will we rediscover the profound trust in Jesus, our Savior and King?Join us as we reflect on this pivotal message of hope and renewal, embracing the promise of a new covenant and the invitation to intimate relationship with our Creator. Don't miss this opportunity to rekindle your trust in Jesus and journey towards a deeper connection with God.
Join us for the fourth sermon in our "Faith Foundation" Lenten series: "Nehushtan: The Promise of Salvation."This Sunday, Rev. Seth delves into the gripping tale of Moses lifting the bronze serpent in the ancient Israelite Camp. Picture this: fiery serpents slithering in due to rebellion, showing that God will not forgo justice yet is full of mercy and love. Through the bronze serpent, God offers a pathway to renewal and wholeness, challenging us to face our flaws and seek repentance.Just like the bronze serpent forced the Israelites to confront their sin, Jesus's sacrifice on the cross does the same for us. His death marks the beginning of salvation for those who turn to him, encouraging us to confront our brokenness with honesty and humility, and turn to him in repentance and faith. Join us as we embark on this profound journey of self-discovery, redemption, and restoration through Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Don't miss this chance to grasp the depth of God's grace and His unwavering commitment to our redemption.
Join us for the third sermon in our "Faith Foundation" Lenten series: "Sinai: The Promise of Love."This Sunday, Rev. Seth delves into the covenant between God and the ancient people of God at Sinai, where they received the Ten Commandments. These commandments not only reveal God's holiness but also the gravity of sin. Yet, amidst this revelation, there lies a profound promise of love a commitment from God to do everything possible to heal and transform us into people capable of a relationship with a Holy, Just, Loving God.In Jesus Christ, this promise finds its ultimate fulfillment. He stands in our place, offering us a restored relationship with God through trust in Him. Unlike the legalistic demands of the law, Jesus beckons us to trust in His redemptive work on our behalf.As we journey through the complexities of sin and grace, Jesus walks alongside us, offering healing and transformation. Through Him, we are invited into a profound relationship with God, secure in His boundless love and commitment to our restoration. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the depths of God's love and grace, and the transformative power of trust in Christ.
Join us for the second sermon in our "Faith Foundation" Lenten series: "Abrahamic: The Promise of a Future." This Sunday, Rev. Seth delves into the covenant of circumcision that God made with Abraham. Through this ancient pact, God met Abraham at the very place where doubt and fear resided in his heart, offering a promise of a future beyond imagination.In Jesus Christ, God fulfills this promise, unveiling a future far greater than anything Abraham or any of us could conceive on our own. Unlike the covenant of flesh, Jesus asks nothing of us except trust trust in the One who sacrificed His body on the cross. Through Him, our futures are securely anchored in love.No matter the trials we face, Jesus walks alongside us, using our sufferings to mold us into joyful witnesses of His transformative power. Together, we journey from death to new life, secure in the unwavering love of our Savior. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the boundless hope found in Christ.
Welcome to our new sermon series, "Faith Foundations," trusting the promises of God in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ."Nohaic: Promise of Life" is our first sermon that explores the covenant with Noah, revealing God's character: He's not about destruction, but redemption. Despite judgment on evil, He's all in for our redemption.The Noah story sets the stage for Jesus' ultimate fulfillment. Through His sacrifice, Jesus our Ark saves us from the destruction of sin and brings us to a renewed life in him. So, as we journey through Lent, let's cling to this promise of life found in Jesus, our rock-solid foundation of faith.
Join Rev Seth for the final sermon in our Royalty Revealed series "The Transfigured King". In this final talk we learn that Jesus isn't just another teacher or leaderhe's the Divine King, God Himself come to us, fully human and fully divine.Through the Transfiguration, Jesus unveils his divine glory, unveiling his true identity as our Divine King. Embracing Jesus as God and King isn't just a choiceit's the gateway to an authentic relationship that saves us from sin and transforms our lives profoundly. The key to an honest Christian faith us to embrace this truth wholeheartedly, for it alone leads us to the life-changing love and redemption offered by our Divine King.
Join Rev. Seth's sermon, "The King Who Understands," to uncover a vital truth: our deepest need is relational, not material. Jesus deeply understands our longing for a renewed relationship with God and uniquely fulfills this need. Embracing Jesus as our King opens us to divine healing and fulfillment through a genuine connection with God. Discover how trusting in Jesus as our king can transform our lives with profound meaning, healing, and love that saves.
Discover the power and authority of Jesus in Rev. Seth's sermon, "The King Who Commands." In today's world, our desire to fit in can hinder us from accepting Jesus as our king. But in doing so, we unlock the ability to create genuine communities and become advocates for justice. Join us and start your journey towards a more meaningful and impactful life with Jesus as your king.
Join Rev Seth in this week's sermon, "The King Who Proclaims." Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the imminent Kingdom, challenging our self-centered tendencies. Only when we recongize our brokenness are we ready to receive the gospelthe good news that Jesus has done it all. Trusting Him as our King transforms us into the individuals we were meant to be, living in the light of His unwavering love.
Join Rev Seth in this week's sermon, "The King Who Calls," as he explores the amazing moment when Jesus called Nathanael to be his disciple. Rev Seth reminds us that following Jesus means letting Him be our True King, encouraging us to accept Jesus on His terms instead of treating Him like a consultant. Experience the incredible transformation that happens when we welcome Jesus as our King, guiding us to become the loving individuals we were always meant to be.
Unveil the essence of of the Kingship of Jesus in our sermon series, "Royalty Revealed," starting with "The King Among Us." Discover the stark contrast between earthly kingship's violence and distance and Jesus' intimate identification with us as the sole authentic King. Through baptism and the sacrificial cross, Jesus shouldered our sin, shattered our brokenness, and offers healing, abundant life, and love to those who embrace him.
Uncover the essence of Christmas with Rev. Seth as he reveals how within life's brokenness and darkness, we find inner light. Join us to explore Jesus' hope, a beacon for the broken, the hurting, and the lonely, in this special Christmas sermon.
Discover how Reverend Seth's sermon unveils the journey to unlock Heaven's perfect love through Jesus. Explore this divine gift, embrace joy, and find strength amidst life's challenges alongside us. Tune in for a transformational experience in our latest upload.
Rev Seth delves into the profound essence of the Final Judgement for followers of Jesus. Join us as we uncover its true meaningnot as a fear factor, but as the convergence of understanding and healing. This sermon unveils the power of raw repentance, birthing radical humility that makes Jesus our ultimate beacon of hope and strength. Don't miss this transformative message in our latest sermon upload.
Join Rev Seth in our Advent sermon as we explore the profound truth that the deepest human problems transcend human solutions. Delve into the understanding that our salvation lies beyond what's possible within ourselveswe require help from beyond. Discover the essence of 'Come Lord Jesus' as we seek the ultimate resolution in our latest sermon upload.
Matthew 25:31-46The Final Judgment31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? 40 And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.41 Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. 44 Then they also will answer, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you? 45 Then he will answer them, saying, Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11The Day of the Lord5 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, There is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.Matthew 25:14-30The Parable of the Talents14 For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more. 21 His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more. 23 His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours. 26 But his master answered him, You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Joshua 24:1-324 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac.14 Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.16 Then the people answered, Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods, 17 for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 And the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.19 But Joshua said to the people, You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good. 21 And the people said to Joshua, No, but we will serve the Lord. 22 Then Joshua said to the people, You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. 23 He said, Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel. 24 And the people said to Joshua, The Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey. 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem.Matthew 25:1-1325 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, lord, open to us. 12 But he answered, Truly, I say to you, I do not know you. 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Psalm 34:1-10Taste and See That the Lord Is GoodOf David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.34 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.22TheLordredeems the life of his servants;none of those who take refuge in him will becondemned.
DEUTERONOMY 34:1-12The Death of Moses34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, I will give it to your offspring. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there. 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.MATTHEW 22:34-46The Great Commandment34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? 37 And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.Whose Son Is the Christ?41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he? They said to him, The son of David. 43 He said to them, How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying,44 The Lord said to my Lord,Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet?45 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son? 46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
EXODUS 33:12-23Moses' Intercession12 Moses said to the Lord, See, you say to me, Bring up this people, but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight. 13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people. 14 And he said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. 15 And he said to him, If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?17 And the Lord said to Moses, This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name. 18 Moses said, Please show me your glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name The Lord. And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But, he said, you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live. 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.MATTHEW 22:15-22Paying Taxes to Caesar15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax. And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? 21 They said, Caesar's. Then he said to them, Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
EXODUS 32:1-14The Golden Calf32 When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him. 2 So Aaron said to them, Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me. 3 So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt! 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord. 6 And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.7 And the Lord said to Moses, Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt! 9 And the Lord said to Moses, I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.11 But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever. 14 And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.MATTHEW 22:1-14The Parable of the Wedding Feast22 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast. 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find. 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.11 But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
PHILIPPIANS 3:4b-14If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.MATTHEW 21:33-46(and Jesus said) 33 Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son. 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance. 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants? 41 They said to him, He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.42 Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures:The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
MATTHEW 20:1-16(Jesus said:) 20 For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you. 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, Why do you stand here idle all day? 7 They said to him, Because no one has hired us. He said to them, You go into the vineyard too. 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first. 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. 13 But he replied to one of them, Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.
MATTHEW 18:21-3521 Then Peter came up and said to him, Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? 22 Jesus said to him, I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything. 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, Pay what you owe. 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, Have patience with me, and I will pay you. 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you? 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.
In 'Truth and Love' Rev Seth shares his testimony as a real world example of how the love of Jesus actually works in our lives. Love is speaking the truth about who we've been as well as the truth that God loves us no matter what.
In 'What Does 'Taking Up Your Cross Mean'?' Rev Seth considers explores Jesus' call to take up our cross as the only way to follow him. This is more than a suggestion to living a more unselfish life. It means being willing to follow Jesus even unto death. The death of our obsession over our comfortable desires in exchange for a life of actual love that pours itself out for another as Jesus has done for us.
In 'The Sign' Rev Seth considers the question Jesus asks his followers: who do you say I am?And the answer to this questions is the at the center of the meaning and purpose of our lives.
In 'Peace in the Midst of the Storm' Often the fear that drowns us is the concern over being accepted by a world that rejects Jesus. Rev. Seth reminds us that no matter what storm we face, Jesus is there with us to rescue us when we feel we're sinking. We are not called to fear but to rest our hearts and souls in Jesus, the one who can calm any storm.
In 'From Your Mind to Your Heart' Rev. Seth reminds us that agreeing with Jesus isn't the same as following him. Mere assent isn't the same as a living trust. A genuine faith is a life lived for Jesus, and only this life brings healing and wholeness to our world and our lives.
In 'Living the Life of the Spirit', Rev. Seth Enriquez reflects on the two corrosive realities that destroy an honest faith: a life aimed at comfort, and insisting we ultimately decide what's right and wrong for us. A followers of Jesus, we must learn to trust and follow Jesus and only Jesus.
In 'When They Doubt You', Rev. Seth Enriquez reflects on the prayer of Jesus that upends the values of our world, how this makes this challenging for his followers, and how humility and trust in Jesus is the key to healing our world.
In 'When They Laugh At You', Rev. Seth Enriquez reminds us that beginning the journey of faith is to be free, but sometimes it will feel like dying. But don't give up, Jesus will see you through.
In 'The laughter that hides the tears', Rev. Seth Enriquez considers the barreness of Sarah, the promise that God would give her a family, and the love of God that always keeps his promise to heal our hearts.
In 'The Body and The Blood', Rev. Seth Enriquez reflects on Holy Communion, how God feeds us food that heals our hearts and souls in order to become who we were always meant to be.
In 'Why the Trinity Matters', Rev. Seth Enriquez shares on the Doctrine of the Trinity and how it's essential in understanding the love of God.
In 'Is Jesus actually the only way to God?', Rev. Seth Enriquez reflects on Jesus saying he's the only way to God as a truth that empowers us to radically love and forgive,
In 'The Voice That Matters', Rev. Seth Enriquez shares on the call Jesus places on our lives, to live into his resurrection life and love that can free you to radically love, forgive beyond limits, heal our hearts and our world.
In 'Jesus is with you in every way, every step of the way', Archbishop Greg shares how repentanceis the turning away from the wrong that blinds us from the presence of God found even in our darkest moments, because we are never alone - God is always with us.
In 'How Can I Believe in the Resurrection?', Rev. Seth Enriquez explores the nature of faith as a gift from God given to us exactly as we need, and a gift we're only able to receive if we come vulnerable and honest.
In He Is Risen, Rev. Seth Enriquez proclaims how the resurrection of Jesus is the only event that can bring peace and love among the nations, our communities, and our hearts.
In What's so Good about 'Good Friday?', Rev. Seth draws out the crucial implications of the cross of Christ: the judgement of injustice and oppression, the ability to be honest, and the gift of the love of God.
In Powers of the Age and the True King, Rev. Seth explores the meaning of Palm Sunday as a declaration that the powers of this age that exploit and oppress are coming to an end and have come to their end in the face of Jesus the true King who gives us his peace and love today and forever.
In Listen To Him, Rev. Howard Thornton expounds on the Transfiguration of Jesus and God's calling for all us us to listen to Jesus, to take his words into our lives, and to live them out.
In The Adamantine Jesus, Rev. Seth Enriquez considers Jesus' difficult teaching, the strategies we deploy to deflect his words, yet how our ultimate value and purpose is found in everything he says and who he is.
In The Righteous Brother Rev. Seth Enriquez reflects on Righteousness, what about us makes that an awkward title for us, and how in Jesus it is excatly how God sees us.
In "Admirer or Follower?", Rev. Seth Enriquez connectsJesus calling the first disciples, how we can get stuck merely admiring Jesus, and the life-changing blessing of following Jesus.
In Moral Discovery in a Relative Age, Rev. Seth Enriquez explores and connects our moral intutions that injustice is evil, our standing before God, and how the baptism of Jesus invites all to the healing of our world.Photo credit: Thomas Kinto
There is only one baptism, the baptism of Jesus.His baptism is of water and the cross. Jesus, the only sinless human, takes on our brokeness in the water, and destroys our sin and death on the cross.And he invites us to join him in his baptism. We don't suffer, we don't die, the waters only cleans us and unite us to his love.Baptism is primairly about what God has done for us, not what we do for ourselves. It is a gift. Let's receive it.Photo credit: Ivanka Demchuk (Ukrainian, 1990), Baptism of Christ, 2015.
Our tendency to put our ultimate trust in poltics is challenged by the birth of Jesus. Because our ways are drenched in power to cooerce, but God is born a child, meek and vulnerable.And that means to the idea that 'might makes right' has been made obsolete in the birth of the humble King of kings.The Magi, kings themselves, bend the knee and worship the newborn King. They don't stand on their dignity, they don't try to rationalize Jesus to the spirit of their age, they worship Jesus, admitting that our deepest need doesn't have a human solution, that we are healed by the One born to save us: Jesus the Saviour.
Joseph is set to marry Mary, but then she becomes pregnant with a child that isn't his. Now he has a choice: marry Mary and jeopardize his reputation, or adopt the child and face public criticism for the rest of his life?Joseph's decision, and the events leading up to it reveal to us how easy it is for us to miss out on God's beautiful gifts for our lives, and how living for God more than the good opinion of other's is the life that leads to true love and true peace.
Advent is a time to reflect on our lives, to let go of what doesn't matter, and to focus on what does. Our world tells us that control of your life is what matters. More money, more success, more right politics are the answer. But none of these can save you from death. And in the face of death we plunge into creature comforts and faux control. But Jesus points out that what matters the most, more than politics, more than the right ideologies, more than creature comforts, is hope. And the only real hope in this world is found in Jesus. He suffered our death, and ressurected to new life. And if we trust him, our suffering is not meaningless, and death is not the end. And that's the only hope that matters.
Kings and World Leaders always finds ways to fail us. Jesus never will. The Intellegencia and culture makers find ways to pacify us from the hurt we feel. Jesus dies so that we can be healed. Jesus is the only King that death couldn't hold, and through him we gain his life. A life that can forgive, a life that can love, a life that can have true peace.
When everyone else forgets, God remembers. When you've been hurt by others and no one every apologized, one day God will make that right. And the people you have hurt in ignorance or deliberately, God will make that right too. So to make the best end, let's go out and make things right. The apology we are witholding, let's say sorry. The forgiveness we are witholding, let's forgive. In the name of Jesus, for the healing of our lives and our world.
Surface changes vs transformation of your heart. It's possible to rely on our good deeds to prove that we're a good person. We follow the right people on social media, proclaim the acceptable ideologies of our secular culture, and do our bit of good in our community. But if our heart isn't transformed by Jesus' atonement for our sins, we will rely our our actions to stand before God instead of relying on the death of Jesus for us in order to be acceptable to God. It's not Jesus plus my good deeds, it's not Jesus plus my resume. It's all about only Jesus - full stop.
The parable of the persistent widow18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, Grant me justice against my adversary. 4 For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, Even though I dont fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she wont eventually come and attack me! 6 And the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Jesus heals ten men with leprosy11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, have pity on us! 14 When he saw them, he said, Go, show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus feet and thanked him and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner? 19 Then he said to him, Rise and go; your faith has made you well.
The rich man and Lazarus19 There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich mans table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abrahams side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. 25 But Abraham replied, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. 27 He answered, Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment. 29 Abraham replied, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. 30 No, father Abraham, he said, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. 31 He said to him, If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.
The parable of the shrewd manager 16 Jesus told his disciples: There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer. 3 The manager said to himself, What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. Im not strong enough to dig, and Im ashamed to beg 4 I know what Ill do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses. 5 So he called in each one of his masters debtors. He asked the first, How much do you owe my master? 6 Three thousand litres of olive oil, he replied. The manager told him, Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifteen hundred. 7 Then he asked the second, And how much do you owe? Thirty tons of wheat, he replied. He told him, Take your bill and make it twenty-four. 8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone elses property, who will give you property of your own? 13 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Almighty God,we are taught by your wordthat all our doings without love are worth nothing.Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our heartsthat most excellent gift of love,the true bond of peace and of all virtue;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,you have broken the tyranny of sinand sent into our hearts the Spirit of your Son.Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,that all people may know the glorious libertyof the children of God;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,you sent your Holy Spiritto be the life and light of your Church.Open our hearts to the riches of your grace,that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spiritin love, joy, and peace;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungrywith the bread of his lifeand the word of his kingdom.Renew your people with your heavenly grace,and in all our weaknesssustain us by your true and living bread,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,your Son Jesus Christ has taught usthat what we do for the least of your childrenwe do also for him.Give us the will to serve othersas he was the servant of all,who gave up his life and died for us,but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,you have taught us through your Sonthat love fulfils the law.May we love you with all our heart,all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength,and may we love our neighbour as ourselves;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty Father, whose most dear Son, on the night beforehe suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it in thankful remembrance of Jesus Christ our Savior, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Father, we praise you:through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things.You reveal your salvation in all the worldby sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.Through your Holy Spirityou give us a share in your life and love.Fill us with the vision of your glory,that we may always serve and praise you,Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.
Almighty and everliving God,who fulfilled the promises of Easterby sending us your Holy Spiritand opening to every race and nationthe way of life eternal,keep us in the unity of your Spirit,that every tongue may tell of your glory;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christwith great triumph to your kingdom in heaven.Mercifully give us faith to knowthat, as he promised,he abides with us on earth to the end of time;who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.Give us grace to love one anotherand walk in the way of his commandments,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
O God,your Son made himself known to his disciplesin the breaking of bread.Open the eyes of our faith,that we may see him in his redeeming work,who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Lord of life and power,through the mighty resurrection of your Son,you have overcome the old order of sin and deathand have made all things new in him.May we, being dead to sinand alive to you in Jesus Christ,reign with him in glory,who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,one God, now and for ever.
Most merciful God,by the death and resurrectionof your Son Jesus Christ,you created humanity anew.May the power of his victorious crosstransform those who turn in faithto him who lives and reigns with youand the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Gracious Father,whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came from heavento be the true bread which gives life to the world,evermore give us this bread,that he may live in us, and we in him,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Father of mercy,alone we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves.When we are discouraged by our weakness,strengthen us to follow Christ,our pattern and our hope;who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God,whose Son was revealed in majestybefore he suffered death upon the cross,give us faith to perceive his glory,that being strengthened by his gracewe may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, abides under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall say to the Lord, "You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust."
Materialism makes citizens as such merely passive. Irreligion is the opium of the people. G.K. Chesterton
But to you who are listening I say: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Looking at his disciples, he said:
Blessed are you who are poor,for yours is the kingdom of God. But woe to you who are rich,for you have already received your comfort. I theLordsearch the heartand examine the mind
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me! Isaiah 6.8
All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. Isnt this Josephs son? they asked.
18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lords favour.
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:11