Sunday 15 October 2023

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Today is Sunday 15 October, the 28th Sunday of Ordinary time.

Jon Guerra sings, ‘The Lord Will Provide’.

In some way or another, the Lord will provide

It may not be my way

It may not be your way, but He will

At some time or another, the Lord will provide

It may not be my time

It may not be your time; we will

Trust in the Lord, and the Lord will provide

Yes we'll trust in the Lord, and the Lord will provide

Trust in the Lord, and the Lord will provide

Yes we'll trust in the Lord, and the Lord will provide

And the drive was almost over

And our love was almost gone

But the veins of the blood

Of the love between us

Held up

For the ways of God are higher

And the ways of God are small

And the days of men amount to

Nothing at all

Trust in the Lord, and the Lord will provide

Yes we'll trust in the Lord, and the Lord will provide

Today’s reading is from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Philippians 4:12-14,19-20

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The letter to the Philippians is full of joy and peace. Paul is writing a thank you letter to the church who have sent him a gift, brought by Epaphroditus. This must have been such an encouragement to Paul.

Can you recall receiving a gift at just the right time? What feelings arose in you?

Paul is keen to point out he has learnt the secret of contentment in all circumstances. What does contentment look or feel like for you, in your life at this moment?

As you hear the passage read again, what stands out for you? Stay with that word or statement in the presence of the God who cares for you.

‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me…’ Where are you in need of strengthening? Talk to God about this as one friend to another.

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.