Scripture: Ezekiel 11-12, 15-17; Psalm 22; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28; Matthew 25: 31-46

Sunday 26 November–Christ the King

Jesus said, ‘Then the king will say, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”

These words come at the very end of the teaching part of the life of Jesus – in a way they form a book-end to it with the Beatitudes the counterpart at the beginning. In these “beatitudes”, it is the actions of Jesus’ disciples that make them blessed. Jesus actually takes this further. He raises this care of our neighbours to a new level – telling us that it is not just the person who we feed or clothe or visit but him. He does not say “it is as if you are doing it me…” but that “you are doing it to me”. This raises the importance of what we are doing – we are not just being kind to others – we are serving our Lord himself.

How do these “beatitudes” echo those towards the beginning of Matthew’s gospel?
What difference does it make to know that your acts of love are done not solely to the person but to Christ in them?

Spend some time today thinking about these “beatitudes” and how they link to works of love and mercy. Do you sense a call to act on one or more of them? Bring your reflections – the actions you are proud of – and those you now wish you had done – into a time of prayer.

Monday 27 November

Scripture:Daniel 1: 1-6, 8-20;Psalm/ Canticle Daniel 3: 52-56;Luke 21: 1-4

Jesus said, ‘This woman out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’

Jesus is a great observer of people and has noticed this poor woman coming and putting two small coins into the treasury. It is likely that some people would look down on such a small offering but Jesus recognises the greatness of her gift. It may not just be about money, though. The woman’s attitude seems to be that she does not hold back – if there is something she can give, however small, then she will give it. It may only be a contribution to meal to a neighbour who is ill – or minding the older children when a young mother needs time with a baby – or taking time to wash an older person unable to do it themselves. Little things – that make a huge difference to someone else’s life.

When has someone done something for you that seemed small to them but which made a big difference to you?
When have you done something that seemed very small but made a big difference?

Try to live today being aware of the small things done for you that make a difference – and the things you do for others that do likewise. At the end of the day, give thanks for both.

Tuesday28 November

Scripture: Daniel 2: 31-45; Psalm/ Canticle Daniel3: 57-61;Luke 21: 5-11

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

To those who heard Jesus’ words, it would have sounded very gloom and doom laden. And yet, it was a powerful reminder that things are far less permanent than we often imagine. There was much to admire in the temple – people were as generous to it as they are to our own churches. The stonework would have been as lovingly carved as in many cathedrals and churches. There would have been some wooden carvings – and gold and silver and other precious metals. And above all, it would have had a place in the hearts of all who had worshipped there… until it was destroyed and lost for ever.

How do you think the Jewish people felt – and feel – about the loss of their main place of worship?
How would you feel if this happened to your church? And, if circumstances have caused the closure of a church precious to you, how do you reconcile your feelings of loss with the need to help to rebuild your people – your community?

Reflect on the importance of your church in your own faith life. What makes it special – and what would you miss if it were to close? Spend time praying in thanksgiving for all that has gone into making your church the place of prayer it is for you and your community. Reflect on how you might contribute to making it a beautiful place for others now and, where possible, long into the future.

Wednesday 29 November

Scripture: Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28;Psalm/ Canticle Daniel 3: 62-67; Luke 21: 12-19

Jesus said, ‘You will be hated by all because of my name.But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.’

It is probably an exaggeration to say that we will be hated by everyone – but it is certainly the case that Christians throughout the world suffer great persecution. Sometimes, this is because of misunderstanding and lack of trust between religions and ethnic groups who may practise different faiths. Sometimes, it is because of historical events – Christians did (and do) their share of persecution of others and this has led to a legacy of hatred. Our challenge is to acknowledge this hatred and pain but to stand firm for our faith in Jesus and to live by the standards he laid before us – and so to win our own salvation but also that of others.

Where are Christians suffering persecution these days? And why?
How does living in accordance with Jesus’ teaching help to overcome hatred and suspicion?

Pray today for Christians who are suffering persecution at the moment. Pray that they will remain faithful and that they will find the fortitude to live according to Jesus’ teaching and that their lifestyle helps to overcome suspicion and builds mutual understanding and trust.

Thursday 30 November– St Andrew

Scriptures: Romans 10: 9-18; Psalm 18; Matthew 4: 18-22

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.’

Andrew and Simon are an interesting pair of brothers. Simon’s name is thoroughly Jewish whereas his brother’s is of Greek origin. We might wonder about how this came about – and why Jesus was to later give Simon the name Peter – which also has Greek roots. Certainly, Greek would have been widely spoken in Jesus’ time. Traders and scholars and the legacy of the ancient Greek culture (Hellenism) clearly had an influence on the people of Galilee. By and large, devout Jews would have avoided too much contact with Gentiles which poses the question about why Jesus chose someone like Andrew whose family seem not only to have been influenced by them but, possibly, had even had very close relationships with them.

Why do you think Jesus chose people like Andrew – not just good Jews but people influenced by a wider culture?
What might have inspired Andrew and Simon to leave their nets and follow this man who simply walked by the water and asked them to?

Pray particularly today for places where there are clashes of culture – and for those who work to build better relationships between people.

Friday 1December

Scripture: Daniel 7: 2-14; Psalm/ Canticle Daniel 3: 75-81; Luke 21: 29-33

Jesussaid, ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’

It seems strange to hear Jesus say that heaven will pass away – we tend to think of it being part of the eternal kingdom. It is also hard to think of a time when there will not be an earth. Although astronomers assure us that it will be several billions of years before the sun absorbs the earth, many people question just how long humanity can survive on it in the face of concerns about the environment and warfare. All this makes it even more powerful that, even if though great things like the earth and some way of understanding heaven will pass away, the words of Jesus will endure into something even greater.

What do you feel about the inevitable demise of our home planet – albeit (hopefully) far into the future?
Which words of Jesus do you want to live with forever?

Spend some time today thinking about words of Jesus that mean a lot to you. Jot them down – or simply repeat them to yourself so that they seep ever more deeply into your eternal soul.

Saturday 2 December

Scriptures: Daniel 7: 15-27; Psalm/ Canticle Daniel 3: 82-87; Luke 21: 34-36

Jesus said, ‘Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Today marks the last day of ‘Year A’. Although our weekday reflections have been from the gospel of Luke for the last weeks, our Sunday gospels have been taken from Matthew’s and tomorrow we enter Year B, the year of Mark’s gospel. We are at a point of transition – between liturgical years – between gospels. We are also drawing close to the turning of the calendar year – and, in the northern hemisphere, to the darkest days and longest nights. Such times bring challenges and opportunities – and, as Jesus suggests, we need to be alert – to be prepared for all that might come our way and be ready to make every minute count so that we can stand before the Lord with joy and thanksgiving for all that has been given.

What other times of transition have you experienced in your life so far?
How might you use this Advent to pray and so deepen your spiritual life to prepare you to face the difficult times – and relish the good ones?

The Advent resources prepared for the diocese will be on the diocesan website. Your parish might be planning to use them but they can also be used individually. Take a look at them and see how they might help and support you over the weeks ahead.