St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh

Midweek Devotion 11th May 2023

Led by Rev Calum MacLeod

Let us worship God

The lesson is Luke 21: 29-33

29Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees;30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

The word of the Lord; thanks be to God.

Reflection

I am very fond of the lyrics of a hymn by John L. Bell. It begins

“First born of Mary, provocative preacher,

itinerant teacher, the Son of God”

Bell states boldly something that we often lose sight of – that Jesus’ ministry, his healing and teaching and preaching, were of a radical nature. In his words and actions, Jesus challenged the prevailing structures of his society – social norms, religious strictures, convenient political alliances – all were brought into question in his ‘provocative preaching.’

The impetus for this radicality lies in the revelation which Jesus brings that “the kingdom of God is near.”

From another contemporary hymn – this time from the Taize Community:

“The kingdom of God is justice and peace

and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

How much our broken and fearful world needs to know the nearness of such a kingdom. And what a radical departure for humanity!

A prayer from Nicaragua:

May it come soon, to the hungry, to those who thirst for justice, for a truly human life…Grant us a clear vision to know the way on which your kingdom comes to us.

Amen

Son of God, source of life, we invoke your goodness upon us

and upon the entire human family.

Allow us to live by your life

and to walk as children of light in the joy of Easter.

Increase the faith of your church;

may it faithfully bear witness to your resurrection.

Give strength to the sick, O Lord, support the infirm

and reassure the dying by your saving presence.

O Lord hear our prayers for ourselves and others as we join together in the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father,

which art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil;

for thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory

for ever and ever, Amen.

The Benediction

Be of good courage, render no-one evil for evil,

but hold fast to the good; honour all of God’s people,

and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with you

and all whom you love

this day and for ever.

Organ music

J.S.Bach Wir glauben all an einen Gott BWV 1098