Proclaim from the Housetops

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:24-33

Creator God, you give us voices to share

the joy of love of everyday experiences

the sorrows of loss, deep and breaking

the hope on the gentle winter winds.

You knew the how we worry each day

yet you promised we are counted precious

sparrows and lilies in tender beauty

remind us how you care for us all.

We sigh and wring our hands these days

there seems no end to illness and rage

hearts are breaking and often broken

and you have promised to be with us all.

Lord, draw close to your people today

remind us of your love and care for us

help us to draw near to the most fragile

so that your love can sound from housetops. Amen.