Thought for the Day               11^th August 2020.

Following on from Tony’s Sermon on Sunday on Faith----I want to focus on 2 verses in today’s appointed Lectionary Reading which have made particular impact on me.

Mark 1 v 12. “The angels ministered to Him.”

Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan: he was with wild beasts and the Angels ministered to Him.

We may have the picture of angels, as we see them in paintings or icons---with wings, but they are really God’s messengers, loving people, people in everyday life. We must surely have met them in our time. People unexpectedly ministering to us, with kindness and help when we most needed it. There have been many examples of kindness from people, especially during the last few months---these are God’s angels too.

I want to highlight the work of the Red Cross, celebrating 150 years, this year: surely, they are “angels” helping in disasters around the world without discrimination. Now particularly, they are helping in Lebanon, bringing kindness into action for those reeling from a massive explosion which devastated the port of Beirut. They are clearing debris, helping the homeless and looking for missing people.

Our own kindness is needed wherever we can bring love and hope----we are called to be angels.

The second verse that made impact for me today was Acts 1v 14: “All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer.” Our times of prayer are important.

O God, have mercy on me, You know my needs: teach me to feel them,

You know my ignorance, teach me how to pray.

You know my weaknesses, teach me to look to You for strength. AMEN.

                                                  (Bishop Wescott.)