Worship - 5 October 2025

Summary of this week's theme

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is regarded as the most holy day in the Jewish calendar. It is solemn, but also celebratory, marking the second giving of the tablets after Moses broke the first in anger. It acknowledges sin but also God’s mercy - a second chance. Nevertheless, acknowledging the hope in God’s mercy, there is always a place for sadness, sorrow, and grieving.

The book of Lamentations mourns Judah’s destruction, exile, and the loss of worship in Jerusalem. Yet Judaism looks forward: lament - but don’t give up. A fitting soundtrack might be Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush’s Don’t Give Up: ‘You’re not the only one … You know it's never been easy … I believe there’s a place where we belong.’ Israel clung to that hope of second chances. Keep the faith. Don’t give up.

This theme connects with today’s Gospel. Before the disciples’ request for more faith, Jesus had taught them about forgiveness - seventy times seven times. That sounds overwhelming, especially as they sensed the danger ahead in Jerusalem. Perhaps they thought more faith would shield them. But Jesus reminds them: it’s not about the size of faith, but the greatness of God. Even small faith is enough, because God does the work. The image of a mulberry tree uprooted and planted in the sea is humorous exaggeration, not a literal task. Focus not on dramatic displays, but on serving God’s people with trust.

Jesus also used the example of servants: not to prescribe harshness, but to remind us that discipleship is not about applause or reward. Workers in Christ’s body are called simply to do the work given. To serve is not to be a doormat, but to meet real needs, becoming a channel of hope. Pride is about display; service is about connection and growth. And nothing we do - whether prayer, generosity, or suffering - puts God in our debt. It is all grace.

So we move forward, thankful for second chances and sustained by God’s presence. Let us watch for experiences of God’s love, not as trophies to keep, but as strength to go on. Even when daunted, we trust not in the measure of our faith but in the God who gives it.

And a fitting summary of that is in a prayer of Ignatius of Loyola: Dearest Lord, teach us to be generous; teach us to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for reward save that of knowing I am doing Your Will. Amen.