Sunday Letter
Benefice of Padstow & Trevone,
St. Merryn, & St Issey with Little Petherick
During this extraordinary time, we thought our congregations might appreciate an emailed letter with the prayers and readings for the Sunday and a short devotional piece, as a way of keeping us together and sharing any thoughts we may have.
Sunday February 14th 2021
The Sunday next before Lent
Collect
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Today’s Readings
First Reading 2 Kings 2:1-12
Elisha recognized the Spirit within Elijah. He wanted to be with him and to know that divine presence and power for himself.
Second Reading 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Believers and non-believers see the world differently. Those who believe see the knowledge of the glory of God as light: those who have no faith cannot see this light.
Gospel St. Mark 9:2-9
God’s presence at the transfiguration of Christ reveals the mystery of God’s glory. God’s glory is seen in Jesus.
Reflection – What does it mean to ‘listen’?
“This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (Mark 9.7)
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who you knew was not listening? Instead, you can see them just lining up their words to try and speak over you! Sometimes the desire to be heard is overwhelming, we want others to know what we think and (dare I say it) some of us have strong opinions that simply must be aired!
At the heart of the transfiguration of Jesus is his Father acknowledging who he is. He is ‘my beloved Son’. This short statement by the Almighty is a clear demonstration that God wants to speak to us, to be with us and that he loves his Son (and all who are counted as beloved by Him!). In Greek the word ‘beloved’ means esteemed, dear, favourite, worthy of love. This is not a gushy title but something that clearly separates Jesus from anyone else. He is simultaneously loved by God but also worthy of his love. These words are meant for those closest to Jesus; even though the frail, imperfect and wayward disciples are fighting back sleep (Luke 9.32), they are meant to be the witnesses of God the Father affirming who Jesus is.
The second part of this short speech from God the Father is often overlooked but it is no less weighty and significant for us today: ‘Listen to him’.
The reality is we live in a world full of noise; it does not want to listen or perhaps doesn’t know how to. Social media is simply an expression of our wider culture where those who shout loudest get the greatest likes and followers. Yet, one of the most incredible characteristics of God is humility. We see it in the life and ministry of Jesus, we see it in the way the Almighty stoops to save and seek a relationship with each of us. Humility is also a desirable characteristic of the church (you and me). As we look forward to the season of Lent, it is a time of listening, of submitting, of stopping and being willing to change.
Pause and ponder the words from God: ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him’. If you are a follower of Jesus you already know he is beloved, but will we really listen to him? To listen means to stop. It means we need to shut up. It means we need to set aside our opinions. It means we need to put behind our preferences. We need to listen to the beloved Son.
So, what is Jesus saying to you? What is Jesus saying to his church as we enter a new season?
Perhaps this week take some time each day to listen.
Post Communion Prayer
O holy God,
we behold your glory in the face of Jesus Christ:
grant that we who are partakers at his table
may reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know his power to change and save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYER
Workers in health and social care and emergency services, local GPs, all keyworkers.
Our Benefice with all its communities
Our new Rector – Revd Ian Gulland and his family Schools – teachers, children and parents
Those losing jobs, or facing financial difficulty
Those with mental health problems
Church – worldwide, Diocese and Benefice
World – peace, equality and justice for all
– those affected by Coronavirus
Suffering – all who are sick, anxious, lonely
– refugees and all who are homeless
Radio 4 8.10am Sunday Worship
Online video services:
(Video Recordings page)
www.kerdh.co.uk for readings, prayers & reflections.
Facebook pages:
United Benefice of Padstow, St Merryn St Issey
St Columb Minor & St. Colan Parish Churches
Facebook Newquay Online Church
https://www.facebook.com/groups/690831511862960/
United Benefice of West Kerrier
Ash Wednesday Service 10.00am by Zoom
Sunday Service of the Word 10.00am by Zoom
Email Revd Fiona for links giorlaf@outlook.com
PRAYERS FOR THIS TIME
Gracious God,
as we remember before you the
thousands who have died,
surround us and all who mourn with
your strong compassion.
Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair,
and give us grace to persevere
and to face the future with hope
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray to Almighty God,
who alone makes us dwell in safety …
For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For those who are guiding our nation at this time, and shaping national policies that they may make wise decisions, and that all people will be considerate of others …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For a blessing on our homes and families, and our local communities, that all who need help will be known and cared for …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
