The fourth Sunday after Trinity

Jesus said “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’;
the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;
yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

A prayer

Gracious Father, by the obedience of Jesus

You brought salvation into our wayward world:

Draw us into harmony with your will,

That we may find all things restored in him,

Our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen

Some thoughts

There were certainly times when Jesus became exasperated with those around him. Sometimes with his disciples when they failed to get the big picture, sometimes with those who stand at the back and carp and criticise. Perhaps it is the complainers that have caused today’s issue. 

However, notice that Jesus responds not with threats of damnation, nor with the horror of fire and brimstone that others have used. 

Instead he responds with a warm invitation. 

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This is not painful nor arduous, all are welcome, all are loved and wanted. No one is excluded. Becoming a follower of Jesus is open to all, whatever our background, whatever we have done, wherever we have been.