Sunday Service July 5, 2020

Happy Sunday! With Gary & Verna on holidays for July, there will be various resources shared each Sunday to help you continue to worship. Today, a shortened service to read and think about. I hope you find it meaningful. *Shauna*

OPENING PRAYER:

God, you invite us to venture into unknown places.

We can do that, for we know that You go with us.

Jesus calls us to take his yoke upon us, and to learn from him.

We can do that, for Jesus also says, “if you are tired, come to me, and I will refresh you.”

God, you have called all kinds of people together to be your presence of goodness in the world. Thank you for calling us together here. Let your diverse spirit fill each of us in the way you know is best for each. Amen.

OPENING HYMN:

Voices United #579 – The Church is Wherever God’s People

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30

Now, to what can I compare the people of this day? They are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group shouts to the other, ‘We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn't dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn't cry!’

When John came, he fasted and drank no wine, and everyone said, ‘He has a demon in him!’ When the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and everyone said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’ God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results.”

At that time Jesus said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned. Yes, Father, this was how you were pleased to have it happen.

“My Father has given me all things. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”

REFLECTION:

In the first part of today’s reading Jesus is saddened by the lives of many people. He likens them to two groups of children playing in the marketplace. One group says to the other, “Let’s play wedding,” and the others respond, “We don’t feel like being happy today.” So they suggest, “Let’s play funeral,” and the others respond, “We don’t feel like being sad today.” No matter what was suggested, they didn’t want to do it. No matter what was offered, they could find fault with it. John the Baptist had come fasting, retreating to the desert to reflect, and emphasizing repentance as a road to God. Jesus’ ministry has been more like a wedding, with guests included from all levels of society and with much eating and drinking in celebration of God’s gift of new life. The people thought John was mad, and dismissed Jesus as a lax party-goer.

What has escaped the intellectuals and religious leaders here has been understood by the humble and the outcast. Jesus offers his listeners a way to fullness of life, working together, yoked as a team, guided by his teachings. Jesus’ yoke is light and easy to bear in contrast to the legalistic yoke of the religious teachers and leaders. For them the law tended to be a burden or code by which to judge others. From Jesus’ perspective the law becomes a guide showing us how to make good choices. Peace comes when we make choices in tune with God’s purpose.

Listen to these words from Jesus: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Come with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Taking the risk of choosing life and dedicating ourselves to God’s service rather than yielding to the yoke of society can at times be extremely difficult. It is helpful to hear, over and over again, the empowering stories of people who found ways to trust in God’s yoke of liberation. Trusting in God can provide us with an inner strength and peace that will lighten all our burdens.

*Source: July 5, 2020 • The Whole People of God, Woodlake Publishing

CLOSING PRAYER:

We don’t always recognize you when you come to us, O God.

Help us to see you in acts of kindness.

We don’t always recognize you working in us.

Help us to see you in our struggles.

We don’t always recognize you in others.

Help us to see you in our neighbours and in strangers.

We don’t always recognize you in the ordinary.

Help us to see you in the smallest and plainest things.

We don’t always recognize you in our daily living.

We are ready to have the eyes of our hearts opened.

Open our hearts and minds to your peace, and help us to walk in your way. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

CLOSING HYMN:

Voices United #560– O Master, Let me Walk With Thee

CLOSING WORDS:

The Lord bless you & keep you.

The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace