|
St. Thomas à Becket Foundation |
|
|
making a
difference |
|
| 29th
June, 2008 |
 |
| Theme:
Our
‘Imperfect’ Saints |
|
| Thought: ‘Love
never comes to an end…..God is indeed among you.’ (1
Corinthians 13:8; 14:25) |
|
|
Sunday is
the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Just who were
they? Simon was introduced to Jesus by his brother,
Andrew, who was also a fisherman. Later Jesus changed
Simon’s name to “PETER”, from the Greek word, ‘Petros’,
meaning “Rock”. |
 |
Peter and his faith would be a rock on which Jesus would
build his church, even though Peter would run away and deny
knowing Jesus in hour of need.
Peter served as the leader of the first group of
Christians.
He traveled to the centre of the Roman Empire, and
there became the first bishop of the city of Rome.
|
The
bishop of Rome is now called the “pope”, a word which means
“father”, recognising his leadership.
PAUL used to be called “Saul” and had been a Jewish official
who hunted down Christians. He was one of those responsible
for their deaths, but then had a vision that changed his
life, and he became a Christian. Being given a new name
“Paul”, was a sign of being called to live a new kind of
life. |
 |
|
|
|
Peter and Paul were unlikely choices to help continue the
work of Jesus. Because they are both unlikely characters,
and because neither of them was “perfect”, we are reminded
that God accepts us as we are, with our limitations.
Peter and Paul are linked together because, in their
different ways, they did so much to inspire and build up the
Church. The words of St Paul to the Christians in Rome can
be part of our prayer this week. |
|
Readings:
Matthew 16:13 – 19;
Acts 12:1-11; Acts 9:1-31 |
Prayers:
Mon:
“For those who love God everything works
out for the good, because God has chosen us to bear the
image of Jesus, his Son. With God on our side, who
can be against us? Even if we face hard times or are
threatened – God’s love is greater still, and nothing can
ever separate us from his love. Through all difficulties we
can never be failures or losers because of the power of
God’s love.” Amen. (based on Romans 8: 28-39 |
|
Tues:
We
pray for all those in positions of leadership within our
Church. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit to lead
people to the Father through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen
Wed:
Lord Jesus be with
Fathers Andrew and Simon our two newly ordained Priests. May
their ministry be filled with many joys and blessings. We make
this prayer in Jesus name. Amen
Thurs:
Lord, we ask Peter and
Paul to inspire us to encourage others today and
throughout this week in our attitude and words and actions.
Amen. |
 |
|
Fri: Be
with all of the people of Israel and all Jewish people
throughout the world. May the Spirit of love and peace and joy
be with them all. Reverent Father, send your Spirit. |
|
