God speaks this week through these scriptures:

Jeremiah 15:15-21 – God fortifies the prophet against opposition

Psalm 26:1-8 – “Your love is before my eyes; I have walked faithfully with you.”

Romans 12:9-21 – Live in harmony

Matthew 16:21-28 – The passion prediction and rebuke to Peter

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering, yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart.

 Paul describes sacrificial love when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil.

 In last week’s gospel reading, Jesus praised his disciple Peter. This coming week, Jesus rebukes him, calling him Satan. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them.

 

In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world. Come to hear this continuation of Matthew’s story, and receive the life that only Jesus can give.

 

From SundaysAndSeasons.com and Gail Ramshaw