​St Barnabas Anglican parish Bluff. 
15.04.2025

Today's Gospel 
Luke 13:21-36

Reflection 
Jesus is deeply hurt by His friend, one of His disciples  who chose to trade Him for a silver. Jesus invited Judas into all the private parable explanations, entrusted him with his rhythms and movement. Jesus raised and  exposed his secret plans. He said, "one of you will betray me."
The disciples wondered who Jesus was referring to. They all asked, "Lord who is it?" He answered them, "one I'll deep my hand  in with." Remember, that time they were sharing supper.
Jesus was still heavy in heart speakes no more of betrayal nor resort to exposure. He was  strangely focused on the Glory of God that was soon to be revealed. The word Glorify was on Jesus lips all the time.

Let us pray 

Lord Jesus Christ,  You shared Your teachings of truth and Your example of love with us. You did not sin against God and man. Thank you  for teaching us how to handle betrayal  from a dear friend. Help us to remember that You say, and do all things wisely and well. Forgive us Lord for betraying You and our loved ones. Keep us under your light always. We ask all this in Your Mighty Name. 
Amen.

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
14.04.25

Today's gospel 
John 12:1-11

In this text, Jesus visits the home of Mary, Martha and  Lazarus in Bethany. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. Mary's actions demonstrate her love and reverence for Jesus. 
The perfume's value highlights Mary's willingness to sacrifice. While Judas' objection to Mary's action as a waste is not really out of concern for the poor, but masks his own greed intentions. Jesus defends Mary's actions,  emphasizing her devotion, and the act as a preparation for His burial.

May we prioritize worshipping Jesus Christ over anything else. May our giving to Christ and others 
 be willing to sacrifice.

Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father,  reminder us always to give sacrificially, and to serve You faithfully. May we follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly, even to the cross.
Amen.

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
10.04.25

Today's gospel 
 *John 8: 51-59*

 *Reflection* 

Through Christ, God offers us an unbreakable covenant of love. When God established a relationship with Abraham, he offered him an unbreakable everlasting covenant. (Genesis 17:7). Jesus came to fulfill that covenant so that we could know the living God and be united with him both now and for all eternity. God made us to know him and to be united with him and he gives us the gift of faith and understanding so that we may grow in the knowledge of what he has accomplished for us through his Son, Jesus Christ.

 *Prayer* 
Loving Jesus, thank you for your words, which are a source of life and hope. As you said, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death," I place my trust in you and your promises. Help me to abide in your word, to listen to your teachings, and to live in accordance with your will, so that I may experience the fullness of life you offer. May my heart be open to your truth, and may I be a witness to your love and grace in this world. *Amen* .

​St. Barnabas Anglican Church,  Bluff. 
9/4/25

Today's gospel 
John 8 v31 to 47

Reflection 
This reading tells us not to be slaves to sin. Here, Jesus provides support to His own testimony.
Firstly, He cites the testimony of John the Baptist.  
Secondly, He cites His miraculous signs and wonders. 
Thirdly, He cites the testimony of God the Father. 
Lastly, He cites and uses the testimony of the scriptures. 
Here, the word and belief is backed up not once but four times.That is enough proof to make us believe.

Let us pray 

Father God,  teach us today to live Your Words that reflect our Truth. Ma

​St Barnabas Anglican parish, Bluff 

08.04.2025

Today's Gospel 
John 8:21-30

Reflection 

The people who heard Jesus' message, often  took the words on the surface. His meaning was hidden from them. They failed to listen on a deeper level to reflect about what  His words might mean for them.
In Jesus, we are all loved by the Father, and He is always in our lives. Our prayer time is the  time for allowing ourselves to soak into this mystery of live relationship with  God.

Let us pray.
 
Loving Father, thank you that we have been born into Your family and have become Your children. Lord we want to grow in Grace and in a knowledge of You. Help us not to die in sin, but to dig deep into Your Word everyday. May we  hold fast to the Truth. We pray this in Jesus Mighty Name. 
Amen.