St Barnabas Anglican Church ‐Bluff  Parish 
17 .09.2024

Today's Gospel 
Luke 7:11‐17

Reflection 

Today's Gospel tells us that Jesus is the Lord, not only of the living but of the dead as well. Jesus cares for the most vulnerable people in  society. Here, the widow  without children and without  means of support .Through the power of His words, He was able to bring back the life of a dead young man and cleanse him from his sins.

Indeed, nothing is impossible  when you believe in Him. May all the believers  of Christ Jesus  be granted  with abundant life. 

Let us pray

Lord Jesus,  your healing presence brings life, restores us to wholeness of mind, body and spirit. Speak your word to us  and give us renewed  hope, strength, and courage to follow you. 

​Amen.

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
16.09.24

Today's gospel 
Luke 7:1-10:

The text gives us Jesus' encounter with the centurion, whose concern was for his servant. In humility, the centurion recognizes Jesus' authority.

Jesus takes a  journey to the centurion's home. Before arrival,  a message is sent to Jesus not to come to his house, feels undeserved such a visit. That makes  Jesus to be amazed at the centurion's faith.

The text teaches us the importance of faith and humility. We need to exhibit similar faith and humility. It is vital to recognize Jesus' authority, and have faith in Jesus, for He overcomes impossible situations.

We must be  kind and generous towards others. 

Application Questions:

1. How can we demonstrate humility like the centurion?
2. What areas do we need to trust Jesus' authority?
3. How can we show kindness and generosity to others?

Let us pray. 

Lord, increase our faith and humility.
Help us to recognize Your authority and power. Grant us kindness and generosity towards others. In Jesus name.
 
AMEN

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
14.09.24
Today's gospel 
Luke 6:43-49

Reflection
Ultimately, all the principles Jesus talks about in Luke 6 are heart issues. Our hearts, not just our actions, need to be conformed to God's will. Yes, our actions are crucial. Yes, obedience is necessary. However, that obedience needs to be heartfelt and heart-driven. When it is, then our hearts determine the fruit we bear. So let's ask God to guard our hearts, cleanse our hearts, and conform our hearts to his own.

Prayer

Holy God, purify my heart. Remove from it all bitterness and rivalry. Get rid of self-interest and evil. By the power of your Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love. In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen.

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
13/9/24

Today's gospel 
Luke 6 v39 to 42.

Short and sweet.
We should not focus on the fault or sin of our brother or sister,  but understand our own sins and failings before we look on the fault and sins of our brother or sister. Also, are we so blind that we have NO business guiding anyone. We need to find a good teacher and be  faithful disciples.
Finally, we need to carefully judge our own righteousness and discernment, before attempting to help another.

Let us pray.

Father God teach us to be humble, kind, discerning and understanding. We pray in Jesus' Mighty Name.

Amen

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
12.09.24
Today's gospel 
Luke 6:27-38

Love Your Enemies (vs. 27-30)

The text challenges us to love those who hurt or oppose us. We are to show 
 "love" (agape) by 
loving enemies in action. We told "Do Good to Those Who Hate You," (v. 31-36).

Share examples of doing good in difficult situations, and be Merciful. 

Let us pray 

Lord, help us to see the connection between love, mercy, and forgiveness. May we treat others with kindness and respect. May we see Christ in other people around us.

Amen

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
11/9/24
Today's gospel 
Luke 6 v20 to 26.

This scripture has a very profound and deep meaning for all of us living in today's society. 

God's mercy means doing justice for the poorest and most humiliated. Jesus meets families on his travels who are battling to survive and who are defenseless against powerful land owners.

We too, see the  poor and powerless people today. The
question is, as Jesus’ followers, are we defenders of the poor?

Let us pray.

Father God, give us perfect action and mind to bring a smile to the face of someone who is poor and broken, in Jesus' Mighty name we pray.

Amen