Joint service at St Stephen’s Church today

It was lovely to welcome back Revd Graham Steele and his wife Mandy. Revd Graham pointed out that today’s Gospel reading follows the news of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. Jesus wanted to go to a quiet place to grieve but the crowds followed him. Last weeks readings focused on the value of the Kingdom of God. Perhaps the people were so keen to seek this treasure that they followed Jesus, ignoring his need to grieve. They came unprepared. There was no food, but Jesus used the little was available to feed many. We don’t have to have everything in place to follow Jesus – he can use the little we offer.