Sheep into the midst of wolves

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Today is Friday the 10th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time.

Paul Zach with The Porter’s Gate sings a setting of Psalm 46, from Companion Songs. Can you join in with this Psalm? Where can you find some comfort in it?

We will not fear, though the earth gives way

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,


The holy place where the Most High dwells.

We will not fear, though the earth gives way


God is within her, she will not fall

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall

He lifts his voice, the earth melts.

Come and see what the Lord has done

The desolations he has brought on the earth

He makes wars cease


To the ends of the earth.

We will not fear, though the earth gives way


He breaks the bow and shatters the spear

He burns the shields with fire.

We will not fear, though the earth gives way


He says, ‘Be still, be still, be still

and know that I am God’

We will not fear, though the earth gives way

2:41

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 10:16-23

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.’

4:25

Triumph and Tragedy

Dear Gravity & We Dream of Eden

Imagine for a moment you are being sent out here by Jesus... How does it sound to hear that you will be like a sheep among wolves?

Jesus speaks to his disciples of then but also now, who will be facing persecution. Have you faced persecution, or perhaps you know someone who has? Take a moment to pray for all those facing suffering because of their faith...

Spend a few moments now just talking to God about the thoughts and feelings that have awoken in you as you listen to the Gospel again.

7:21

Matthew 10:16-23

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.’

9:00

Talk to God now... you might find yourself talking about your own need for the courage and wisdom to respond to the call of discipleship and the cost of following God. Or you may want to simply share with God what is in your heart.

11:17

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen