Trinity 6 2017 | St. Paul’s Athens

Is 44, 6-8; Romans 8 12-25; Matt 13, 24-30, 36-43

I wonder how many of you know what a Hirax is? It is a funny little creature that you find in parts of north and east Africa. Strangely enough you also find them around the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Hiraxes are a little bigger than guinea pigs, have special padded feet that allow them to climb on rocks and they are very good at jumping. They entertain tourists and pilgrims effectively when they visit Galilee. So far you might think I’m making it up, but the best is yet to come. Although this little mammal is like a large guinea pig the nearest animal to it genetically in the animal kingdom is the elephant. There you are – now you are convinced I’m telling you a pack of lies.

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Trinity 4 2017 | St. Paul’s Athens

When the Body of Christ, whose sign is the church, is invited forward to receive the signs of Christ’s body and blood, the bread and the wine, there are a number of choices for the words we can use. One option is ‘Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you, and his blood which he shed for you. Eat and drink in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

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