A large congregation had gathered at St. Mary's for the Eucharist on such a cold and blustery morning. The processional hymn was 'New every morning is the love.' Rev. Michael John warmly welcomed everyone to the service.
Mrs. Jennifer Richards gave the first reading from the Book of Amos and Mr. Wilf Hardy MBE gave the second reading from the first Book of Timothy. Psalm 113 followed the readings. Rev. Michael gave the third reading from the Gospel of Luke.
Rev. Michael went on to deliver the sermon taking the reading from Luke as his text. Jesus related to his disciples the parable of a rich man who had a manager working for him. The rich man had been told that the manager was squandering his property, so the manager was called and told that his services would terminate shortly. Before being sacked, the manager summoned all the rich man's debtors and asking each one 'how much do you owe the master?' immediately slashed the debts and found favour with the debtors.
In relating this parable of the manager trying to outwit his boss, Jesus shows an unusual sense of humour. On realising that the manager's action is immoral, the listening disciples know that this situation is no longer funny.
At the end of the parable, we expect Jesus to make a moral point, but he commends the manager, and we do not expect Him to praise this immorality. St. Augustine, in later years, could not believe that Jesus had related this story, for it is funny on one level and disturbing on another, one of the toughest parables to explain.
The manager, faced with catastrophe, recognises his predicament and does something about it. Our normal reaction when in a position of adversity is to freeze, we pull the covers over our eyes, we are in suspended animation and try to ignore or refuse to recognise the problem.
This parable challenges this way of looking at the world, with the immoral and the dishonest we must go from the defensive to the offensive, we Christians must be ready to move and react quickly. We must be constantly vigilant, ready to move and not ignore adversity. We must trust that the future belongs to God. We must make definite decisions and be part of it. Strive into the future with confidence with the grace of God.
Jesus told this story, but He also embodied it. He moved towards Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him and saw beyond that to his future with his Father. That going to Jerusalem was vindicated at Easter. It is no risk to put yourself in the hands of God. The offertory hymn was 'Lord enthroned in heavenly splendour.' Rev. Michael invited all members of the congregation to join him in communion with our Risen Lord at both altars. During communion, the choir sang 'Breath of God - life giving' by Bach.
Before the final hymn, 'Go forth for God, go forth to the world in peace,' the congregation was invited to Church House to view the work of Sunday Club and to have some refreshments.