Consider the Word, June 29, 2023

 
Consider the Word, June 29, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for July 2
Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
 
Collect:
Provoking God, calling us through the face of the Other: free our fickle hearts from our need to divide and exclude both the foreign and the misfit; lead us through the storms of rage to a clear and new beginning; through Jesus Christ, whom hatred cannot touch. Amen.
Prayers for an Inclusive Church (2009) alt.
 
The Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42
Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -  truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."
 
And again, from the Message, a translation in the modern vernacular:
“We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”
 
Reflection Question
“Welcome”, is not just a greeting in scripture but an invitation to receive support, shelter, food, etc., what if we used the word in the same way?
We can be easily discouraged when people ignore us or refuse to listen to our message, how might we find ways to be heard (and to listen)?
 
Closing Prayer:
Generous and life-giving God,
whose Son became poor for our sake,
hear our prayers,
and let all who draw near to you be healed
and strengthened to serve you
in the power of the Spirit that dwells among us,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Consider the Word, June 22, 2023

Consider the Word, June 22, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for June 25
Genesis 21:8-21
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10:24-39
 
Collect:
O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid.
Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and ever. Amen.
 
The Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39
Jesus said, "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."
 
Reflection Question
If it is enough for students to be like their teachers, then what goal should we have?
Why does Jesus share this illustration about sparrows?
What is the importance of a public professions of faith?
 
The Message Bible
^24-25 “A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect?
^26-27 “Don’t be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don’t hesitate to go public now.
²⁸ “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
^29-31 “What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.
^32-33 “Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?
^34-37 “Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
^38-39 “If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
 
Closing Prayer:
God of power,
you uphold us in times of persecution
and strengthen us to meet the trials of faithful witness.
As you delivered us from death
through our baptism in Christ
and the victory of his resurrection
send us forth to proclaim that glorious redemption,
so that the world may claim
the freedom of forgiveness
and new life in you. Amen.

Consider the Word, June 15, 2023

Consider the Word, June 15, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for June 18
Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7)
Psalm 116:1, 10-17
Romans 5:1-8
Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)
 
Collect:
Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you.
Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
First Reading: Romans 5:1-8
(First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament, Terry M. Wildman)
¹ This good standing we have brings peace with the Great Spirit. This peace comes from trusting in Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One and what he has done for us. ² Our trust in him opens the way into Creator’s great kindness and is now the solid ground on which we stand. Now our boasting is in him, as we look forward to being the kind of people the Great Spirit created us to be, a people filled with his beauty and shining-greatness. ^3-4 But we must also find joy in our sufferings on his behalf. For we know that when the trail gets rough, we must walk with firm steps to reach the end. As we walk firmly in his footprints, we gain the strength of spirit that we need to stay true to the path. ⁵ This gives us the hope we need to reach the end of the trail with honor. All of this is because of Creator’s great love that has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is his gift to us from above. ⁶ When the time was right, while we were still weak human beings following our bad hearts and broken ways, the Chosen One died for us. ⁷ It is not easy to find someone who is willing to die for a good person, even though we might find someone with the courage to die for a very good person. ⁸ But here is the way the Maker of Life proves how deep his love is for us: even when we were still following our bad hearts and broken ways, the Chosen One gave his life for us.
 
Reflection Question

1. What is “joy” in “suffering”?

 
The Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8-23
(First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament, Terry M. Wildman)
³⁵ Creator Sets Free (Jesus) continued to walk about and visit the villages. He taught in their gathering houses, helped people to understand about Creator’s good road, and healed people from every kind of sickness and disease. ³⁶ When he saw the great number of people needing help, he was moved in his spirit with great compassion for them. He knew they were pushed down with no one to help and scattered about like sheep without a shepherd to watch over them. ³⁷ So he said to the ones who walked the road with him, “There is a great harvest in front of us, but only a few to gather it in. ³⁸ Pray to the Great Spirit Chief of the harvest, so he will send out more helpers into the fields.” ¹ Creator Sets Free (Jesus) then gathered his twelve message bearers together to prepare them for this great harvest. He gave them authority over evil and unclean spirits, to force them out of people, and to heal all kinds of sickness and disease. ² Here are the names of the twelve that he chose to be his special message bearers: First there was One Who Hears (Simon), who was also called Stands on the Rock (Peter), and his brother Stands with Courage (Andrew). Then he chose He Takes Over (James) and his brother He Shows Goodwill (John), who are the sons of Gift of Creator (Zebedee). ³ He also chose Friend of Horses (Philip) and Son of Ground Digger (Bartholomew) and Looks Like His Brother (Thomas) along with Gift from Creator (Matthew), the tribal tax collector. Then he chose He Takes Charge (James), the son of First to Change (Alphaeus), along with Strong of Heart (Thaddaeus) and ⁴ One Who Listens (Simon) the Firebrand (Zealot). And last of all, Speaks Well Of (Judas), also known as Village Man (Iscariot), who later betrayed him. ⁵ Before Creator Sets Free (Jesus) sent out his twelve message bearers to represent him, he gave them these instructions: “It is not the time to go to the Outside Nations or to the villages of the people of High Place (Samaria). ⁶ Instead, go to your own people—the lost sheep of the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel). ⁷ This is what I want you to say to them: ‘Creator’s good road from above is close. Reach out and take hold of it!’ ⁸ Heal all who are sick, cleanse the ones with skin diseases, raise the dead, and force evil spirits out of people. Give away the things I have given to you and ask no price for your service. ⁹ “Take no trading goods with you or coins for your money pouches. ¹⁰ Take no traveling bundle, moccasins, or extra clothes to wear, not even a walking stick, because the ones who work hard in the harvest fields deserve to be fed and cared for. ¹¹ “Whenever you enter a camp or village, find an honorable person who will give you lodging. ¹² When you come to their dwelling, greet the family with respect. ¹³ If they are people of honor, your greeting of peace will rest on them. ¹⁴ But if no one in that village welcomes you or listens to your message, then go from there and shake the dust from your moccasins. ¹⁵ The truth is, on the day when the fate of that village is decided, it will be worse for them than it was for Village of Bad Spirits (Sodom) and Village of Deep Fear (Gomorrah). ¹⁶ “Look and listen! I am sending you out like sheep into a pack of wolves, so be as crafty as snakes but as harmless and gentle as doves. ¹⁷ Look out for men with bad hearts, for they will bring you before their councils and whip you with leather straps in their gathering houses. ¹⁸ You will also be dragged before government rulers and leaders—all because you are representing me—and in this way through you both the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel) and the People of Iron (Romans) will hear my message. ¹⁹ “When this happens, do not be afraid or worry about what you will say or how you will say it. ²⁰ When that time comes, you will be given the words to say. For it is not you who will speak, but the Spirit of your Father will speak through you. ²¹ “Brother will betray brother and parents will betray their children, even putting them to death. Children will turn against their parents and have them killed. ²² The time will come when all will hate you because you represent me and carry my name. But remember, it is the ones who never give up and make it to the end of the road who will be rescued and made whole. ²³ “If they hunt you down in one village, leave there and go to the next one. I speak from my heart, the True Human Being will come before you finish going through all the villages in the land of the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel).
 
Reflection Question

1. Why do we find the pronouncement of a plentiful harvest so difficult to believe? 
2. What does it mean for the church today, to be missional?

 
Closing Prayer:
God of compassion,
you have opened the way for us
and brought us to yourself.
Pour your love into our hearts,
that, overflowing with joy,
we may freely share the blessings of your realm
and faithfully proclaim the good news of Christ. Amen.
 

Consider the Word, June 8, 2023

Consider the Word, June 8, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for June 11

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 33:1-12
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

 
Collect:

O God, you have assured the human family of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Deliver us from the death of sin and raise us to new life in him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
First Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

The Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother's son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

 
Reflection QuestionWhat might a “call” from God be like today?

1. What about the members of Abraham’s family: what do they experience in the move?
2. Imagine what it might be like for refugees today.

 
The Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

 
Reflection Question

1. How is the calling of Matthew an extraordinary call story?
2. How is it that someone’s faith can make them well?
   

 
Closing Prayer:

In your graciousness, O God of the covenant, you have revealed the commandments that open before us a life of blessing and love. Teach us the wisdom of your law that we may obey your will and enter the blessing of the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Consider the Word Bible Study

 We will be taking a break from the Bible study group for the month of May.

Consider the Word, April 27, 2023

Consider the Word, April 27, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for April 30

• Acts 2:42-47
• Psalm 23
• 1 Peter 2:19-25
• John 10:1-10

 
Collect:

O God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

by the blood of the eternal covenant,

make us perfect in every good work to do your will,

and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
The Psalm (23)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.

He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his name's sake.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 
Reflection Question

1. Where is the “comfort” in being in the “presence of those who trouble me”?

 
The Gospel: John 10:1-10

Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

 
Reflection Question

1. If Jesus is the “good shepherd,” could there be bad shepherds?
2. Do we think of “eternal life” that prepares us for a life in the hereafter with no concern for what life is like in the here-and-now? Or do we decide to inhabit this world with the hope that a life in the present is what Jesus calls us to? 

 
Closing Prayer:

Holy Shepherd,

you know your sheep by name

and lead us to safety through the valleys of death.

Guide us by your voice,

that we may walk in certainty and security

to the joyous feast prepared in your house,

where we celebrate with you forever. Amen.

 

Consider the Word, April 20, 2023

Consider the Word, April 20, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for April 23

• Acts 2:14a, 36-41
• Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17
• 1 Peter 1:17-23
• Luke 24:13-35

 
Collect:

O God, 

your Son made himself known to his disciples in 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. Amen.

 
First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, "Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

 
Reflection Question

1. Although we often think of sin as wrong deeds and actions, a much fuller understanding is that sin is a sense of alienation from our true selves. What then is repentance and how does it help?

 
The Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

 
Reflection Question

1. How can it happen that “their eyes were kept from recognizing him”? And how may we avoid the same fate?
2. Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives the bread to them, the same sequence of actions we recall from his final meal: reflect on the significance of the Holy Eucharist today?

 
Closing Prayer:

Elusive God,

companion on the way,

you walk behind, beside, beyond;

you catch us unawares.

Break through the disillusionment and despair

clouding our vision,

that, with wide-eyed wonder,

we may find our way and journey on

as messengers of your good news. Amen.