Regathering

This sermon can be listened to here

Gate Pa –  11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time- Year A -2020

Readings:

Psalm -                       Psalm 116:9-17                        
First Reading -        Genesis 18:1-15        
Second Reading -   Romans 5:1-8            
Gospel  -                   Matthew 9:35-10:8                     

What I want to say:

As we return together, lets spend some time hearing each other’s stories

What I want to happen:

Spend time listening to and sharing with each other.

The Sermon

       1.     Introduction:

On Friday I went for a cycle ride at about 7am.

As I sat at the base of Mauao looking at sun trying to break through the clouds I wonders why it was so dark when we were still so far from the shortest day

-         Realised

-         Just over a week away from shortest day.

-         Where did that time go?

When last in this building when we were last in this building

-         Still hot

-         Summery really

-         Middle of Lent

-         World different place

-         Seems age ago.

A lot has changed over that time

Bonnie and I were watching a programme we recorded at end of March

-         Odd watching the ad for the news after the show

-         Strange being reminded of those days.

Our experience of the last 3 months will probably be quite different

-         Some really enjoyed it

-         Some it will have been a very difficult time

-         Many of us somewhere between that

So I have some questions for you

Invite you to spend the next few minutes having a conversation with neighbours listening to and sharing with each other

1.     What was most memorably good thing that happened

2.     What was the hardest thing about lockdown 3 and 4

3.     What was the gift of this time?

        2.     Gospel

Our gospel reading this morning is very significant for Franciscans

Gospel reading for celebration of St. Matthias

In 1208 St. Francis of Assisi was at mass

When he heard this reading he is said to have stood and shouted that he had found his way

-         This was what he had been searching for

-         Order of Friars Minor was born that day

Begins with summary of what Jesus had been doing up to that point

-         Teaching (Sermon on Mount)

-         Living out kingdom of reign of heaven

-         Then Commissions the 12, who are named, to carry on that work

Word that occurred in nearly all commentaries about this is compassion

Reign of heaven is marked by compassion

God’s compassion for all people

Particularly poor, sick, widow, orphan, outsider

Final question

4.  Where have you experienced the gift of Christ’s presence during this time?