The gospel reading today described quarreling disciples.  Father Stephen thought it would have been interesting to be a "fly on the wall" to hear what the disciples were talking about on the way to Capurnia.  Many of the disciples were fisherman and they could have been talking about and comparing their boats, nets, catch, who was the strongest, who had the most stamina?  Their language would have been a tad "ripe".  Matthew was a tax collector, was he boasting of his riches? Whatever they were arguing about, it would not have been very high brow. The reporting of the argument suggests to us that the scripture is true and reliable.  After all, if you were just writing propaganda, then you would hardly describe the foibles of Jesus's disciples, instead praising how wonderful they all were. If you want to become great, then you have to become the least of all and the servant of all.  Jesus wants us to become "like a child" as his teaching was radical and counter to the culture of the time when women and children were of no import at all. We should be grounded in the knowledge of God. True humility has nothing to do with self loathing or disgust, but is rather the opposite. Some people have the grace of humility, but most of us have to nurture this, and need prayer to help us achieve it.


Reminder to all of the wonderful concert at 3pm next Sunday in Church by Tom Cooper.  It is a celebration of Debussy and his influences.  Tom also educates us about the music and all his concerts in the past have been amazing.  There will be a retiring collection, and a delicious tea in the Parish Rooms afterwards.  And we really do a good afternoon tea.