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Scripture: Luke15:1-3,11-32

Reflection:

The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Which one of the sons do you relate to? Or perhaps you resonate more closely with their father. In any event the parable shows us people filled with pride, arrogance, foolishness, anger, compassion, tolerance, understanding, mercy, forgiveness, and love. It tells us that no matter how far we wander, no matter what we do, and regardless of what others may say or do, God’s love, mercy and grace will never be refused to anyone - ever.

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Reflection:

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (part of verse 13). The tax collector knew himself. He knew his failures, he was honest with himself and then he was honest before his God. No vain glory, no prideful attempt to gloss over his faults by listing his piousness, there was just an open and honest admission. When was the last time you went to God like the tax collector?

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Reflection:

“The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (part of verse 31). It is probable that we can all identify who our neighbours are. We can also probably say, with the knowledge we have of the gospels, how we should treat them. Yet we often fall very sort of this commandment. Is this because we are focused on ourselves? Have we, in our hedonistic western culture centric view, forgotten how to love ourselves, (without being narcissistic or ego-centric) and so our neighbour has no hope? Or is that we now simply don’t care?

Scripture: Luke 11:14-23

Reflection:

“whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (part of verse 23) Notice there are two parts to this statement? We have to be with Jesus. Working alongside, in the work of the kingdom. If we are not with him, then we are not simply being idle, we are working to the opposite purpose. We sometimes think that it is OK if I don’t do such and such. Or that doing nothing is not doing any harm. Jesus says the opposite, there is no room for complacency in the work of the kingdom.

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-19

Reflection:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.” (verse 17).   Most of us, have a tendency to think in absolutes. That before the new can start the old must be dealt with, perhaps disposed of. Jesus asks us not to think of endings, but of new beginnings. The old is still there, but now seen in a different way. Does this make you uncomfortable? Why?