​t. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
16/7/25

Today's gospel 
Mathew 11 25 to 27.

We shall call this reading being humble and receptive. In this passage we see the unique relationship between Father and Son, emphasizing that we can only know the Father through the Son (Jesus). So, through being humble, we receive a teachable spirit like a child. We need to remember that God chooses to reveal Himself and truths in His way and time. 

Here, we also see the close and intimate relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. This closeness indicates to us that if we want this relationship as well,  we need to be humble. Lastly, we need to understand that only through Jesus will the Father's power be revealed to us.

Let us pray.

Father God, we thank you for revealing yourself to us. We thank you for guiding us in our daily lives. We ask that you give us a discerning heart and mind. We pray that you make us compassionate to people's needs. 
Lead and guide us. We pray in Jesus' Mighty Name. 
Amen.

​St Barnabas Anglican church_ Bluff parish 

15.07.2025
Today's Gospel 
Matthew 11:20_24

Reflection 
The Gospel emphasizes that while all judgment is severe the consequences for those who reject God's truth, dispute greater knowledge will be more severe than for those who live in ignorence.
But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you.

Let us pray 
Lord open our eyes and our hearts to the signs of your grace around us . Help us to hear your message in Jesus name 
Amen.

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
14.07.25

Today's gospel 
Matthew 10:34 - 11:1

Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Mt 10:34). Here, Jesus warns that His message brings misunderstanding or  division, even within families (oppositions/against). Following Jesus requires prioritizing Him above all else, be it family or personal relationships.

There's peace that comes from following Jesus, even in the midst of conflict. We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, and that peace will be within us. We are called to be faithful in our relationships and in our service to others. Let us look for opportunities to serve others and be faithful in our discipleship and  relationships. May we trust that God has a plan, even in the midst of difficulties. May He see us through in any situation of life. 

Let us pray 

Lord Jesus Christ,  we are Your disciples, prepare us  to face challenges as we minister in society. Help us to trust that Your Spirit is with us in all our trials. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You and be faithful in our service to others.
Amen.

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
12.07.25

Today's gospel 
 *Matthew 10: 16-23*

 *Reflection*
After introducing us to the reality that not everyone will accept the Good News message of the Kingdom, Jesus now prepares us for how difficult that rejection will be. There will be some who have a benign attitude that ignores the message. But others will have a malignant and vengeful attitude toward the Good News and those who share it. How vicious? Jesus' followers will be like sheep hunted by a den of wolves (Matthew 10:16). In such circumstances, two qualities are not only essential; they are commanded. First, Jesus' followers are to be bright, insightful, strategic, smart, clever, and wise. In other words, we won't stupidly muddle through when opposed. We do not want to bring unnecessary shame or hardship on ourselves, the cause of Christ, or Jesus' people. Second, even if we are hounded, criticized, and despised, let's make sure we are a people of character, peace, and purity. Clearly the apostle Peter got the message, because a reading of 1 Peter teaches us how to practically live out what Jesus teaches here: purity and prudence in a hostile world in which we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.

 *Prayer*
Give me wisdom, please dear God, to face those who despise your name, your cause, your message, and your people. Help me not to become hateful toward them like those who hate me and your cause. Instead, create in me a pure and loving heart that I might know and live your ways in witness to those who do not know you. In Jesus' name, I pray. *Amen* .

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
11/7/25

Today's gospel 
Mathew 10 v 16 to 23.

This reading highlights the challenges and hostilities that the disciples would face when preaching the gospel. This also shows us the experiences that we also face if we decide to follow Jesus. Jesus gives us key themes such as; sheep amongst wolves, danger and conflict. Wisdom and innocence, wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Persecution and opposition, hatred and betrayal. Divine guidance led by the words of the Holy Spirit is granted to the disciples in cases of attacks or conflicts.  The Holy Spirit speaks through them. 

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, as disciples of your Son Jesus Christ,  we are sent out into the world like sheep among wolves, we ask for your wisdom and protection to face the challenges and dangers. Lord  help us to love and be kind in Jesus' Mighty Name we pray. 
Amen.

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
10.07.25

Today's gospel 
 *Matthew 10: 7-15*

 *Reflection*
The Kingdom of Heaven is about two central things: our surrender to the will of God and God's desire to bring us healing, peace, victory, and salvation. We find it so very hard to believe that victory is in surrender, but that is the principle of the Kingdom taught by Jesus all the way through Matthew's Good News story. While Jesus is the key player in the work of the Kingdom, he also reminds us that we have important roles to play as well - turning the direction of our lives around and offering them to God to do his will is where we start. When we do that, healing occurs at all sorts of levels - physical, emotional, and spiritual.

 *Prayer*
Father, I confess that I have blocked your Kingdom from fully dawning in my heart. I have to battle self-will and my own rebellious spirit. Yet I want to serve you powerfully and faithfully, not just to be accepted by you, but to please you and honor you for being so gracious in sending Jesus to redeem me. Please forgive me for my sins and bring your Kingdom in all its fullness so all may worship you on earth as the angels do in heaven. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. *Amen* .

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
2/7/25

Today's gospel 
Mathew 8 v 28 to 34.

This reading we will call the POWER OF JESUS OVER ALL EVIL. Here Jesus shows us that he is in control of everything. Even the demons fear him because they know that he is pure, loving and just. So, we need to walk in Jesus' footsteps to have faith in him. He will do what he says, love us and redeem us of all our iniquities, if we give him 
allow him to control our lives. We know that the day will come when God will judge the world. 

Let us pray.

Father God, we thank you for your love and  mercy. We thank you for faith that we can trust in you. Please comfort those that mourn, bless those with financial needs.
In Jesus' Mighty name we pray.
Amen.

​St Barnabas Anglican church - Bluff parish

01.07.2025
Today's Gospel 
Matthew 8:23_27

 *Reflection* 
In the storm whether of the sea of our lives, in our own emotions, Jesus is there. We may feel Jesus is asleep, is not near us . With the disciples on the sea in a storm, He woke up at the moment He was really needed and calmed the waters. Maybe not immediately but when we really need Him, He stretches out His hand to save us from the darkness and dispair. The Lord of wind and sea, the One in whom all was created is the One who creates calmness and confidence in everything in life.

 *Let us pray* 
Jesus, Your love is through Your Word. Help us to deal with difficult situations in our lives. Encourage us when we are down.You challenge us with possibilities and You rescue us when we are in trouble. Thank you Jesus for Your love.
Amen.

​t. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff.
30.06.25

Today's gospel 
Matthew 8:18-22
 
Jesus encounters two individuals who express their desire to follow Him. The first one expresses his desire to follow Jesus, but Jesus responds by emphasizing the challenges and sacrifices involved.
The second one, asks to follow Jesus after burying his father, and Jesus responds saying,  " *let the dead bury the dead* ."

Sisters and brothers,  following Jesus Christ requires prioritizing one's commitment to Him above all else, including family and personal obligations. Discipleship involves sacrifice, hardship, and potentially facing uncertainty and rejection. If all is done well, that comes with the eternal rewards.
Let us trust Jesus' guidance and provision as we navigate the challenges of discipleship.

Let us pray 

Lord Jesus Christ,  may we prioritize our commitment to You more than anything or anybody else. May we deepen our understanding of what it means to follow You and live out our faith with courage and conviction.
Amen.

​St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff. 
28.06.25

Today's gospel 
 *Matthew 8: 5-17*

 *Reflection*
Today, another person of strong faith is presented to us. This man has no doubt that Jesus both can and will cure his servant, even by a word, without needing to come to the house. And again, Jesus does so. And later, he cures Peter’s mother-in-law. The compassion of Jesus and his desire to relieve human suffering is manifest in every encounter he has with people. What is the healing we desire from Jesus?

 *Prayer*
Lord Jesus, just as you healed the centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and many others, I come to you today with faith and trust in your power. I believe that you are able to heal and deliver. I ask for your healing touch upon [mention specific needs for healing, physical or spiritual]. I also acknowledge your authority over all things, and I thank you for fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. May your healing power be evident in my life and in the lives of those around me. *Amen* ."