A "Times"Reader, MM of Hendon,
asked “Times” Etiquette expert Philip Howard:
“Have you got a polite way of getting rid of guests who outstay their welcome?
I like having people round for meals, but by midnight I have had enough.
What can I do, short of saying goodnight and leaving them to let themselves out?”
Philip Howard replied: “My friend Paddy says to guests as they arrive:
"I go to bed at midnight - and I am not making an exception tonight."
That is possibly a bit brusque. There are gentler ways.
Offer to phone for a taxi.
"Anybody for orange juice/ tonic / fizzy water for the road / before you leave?"
Turn on the Radio 4 Shipping forecast.
Leave the room return in your pyjamas / nighty / dressing-gown.
Honesty is the best policy, he said.
"It's been lovely having you. But I have an early start.
I must be going to bed."
You are under no obligation of hospitality
to sit up with them after midnight unless you want to.”
Dinner Etiquette according to Philip Howard;
And today’s special edition: Life Etiquette according to Jesus.
The most-famous New Testament Rules of Etiquette
are to be found in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 5.
It is known as “The Sermon on the Mount”.
There, Jesus is seen to be teaching the etiquette of His Kingdom,
assuming the pose of a new Moses, from the top of the Mountain.
Jesus the new Moses, where his new followers looked up to him,
receive there from him the new law of God’s Kingdom.
There, Jesus assumes the stance, as did Moses,
as receiver and teacher of God’s Law, God’s etiquette,
where he states that the pure in heart, the meek, peacemakers,
and the like, are proclaimed as “Blessed”
Is Luke chapter 6 the same as Matthew chapter 5?
Well, quite a lot is similar, but in Luke’s version of events
Jesus is a bit more direct, as he introduces his new followers
to the new Etiquette of the Kingdom, in his “Sermon on the Plain”.
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God; but...
Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. but...
‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. but...
‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you,
and defame you on account of the Son of Man. but...
‘Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
Unlike the setting of the Sermon on the Mount,
in his Sermon on the Plain Jesus places Himself on the level,
face-to-face with his followers, an equal among equals….
He issues his followers here with challenges more than teachings,
questions our personal Christian etiquette.
The Challenge…Are we compassionate?
The Challenge…Are we forgiving?
The Challenge…Are we quick to judge?
The Challenge…Are we generous?
The Challenge…Do we love God?
our enemies?
to take offence?
Being a follower of Jesus is a great privilege, but alongside the blessing of discipleship there is also the cost.
Sacrifices that will inevitably be asked of us, demands will inevitably have to be faced, responsibilities will have to be accepted. This is the cost of the etiquette of God’s Kingdom, and Jesus pulled no punches on this.
Living in the way of God’s etiquette, however great the price may be,
means living sacrificially, means living a life of service,
means living a life that makes a difference to others,
which offers lasting blessings to you the giver,
and to those who receive blessings from God
through your endeavour to live according to the etiquette
of the Kingdom of God.
SOME PRAYERS
Living according to God’s Etiquette
Holy Father, In Your gentle embrace,
teach us the beauty of meekness.
Help us to surrender our pride and seek humility in our hearts.
May we reflect Your love through kindness and patience,
showing strength in gentleness.
Guide us to walk in Your ways, finding grace in our interactions.
Let our lives be a testament to Your quiet strength.
Living a life of justice
Ignite within us, Lord, a passion for justice, mercy, and truth.
May our hearts be filled with compassion for the oppressed
and a desire to seek Your will in all things.
Guide us to be instruments of Your peace,
reflecting Your love in a world in need.
The persecuted
Our Father, in times of trial and persecution,
grant us the strength to stand firm in our faith.
May we find courage in Your presence
and solace in Your love.
Help us to endure with grace,
reflecting Your light even in darkness.
Empower us to love our enemies,
and to seek justice with compassion.
Love for all, even the most difficult!
Lord Jesus, In Your boundless grace,
teach us to love those who seem undeserving.
Help us to see beyond their flaws and failures,
that we may extend understanding, compassion and kindness,
just as You have done for us.
The Bereaved
Holy Father, we seek Your comforting presence
for those grieving the loss of loved one..
Wrap them in Your love and peace
as they navigate the pain of loss.
May Your gentle hand heal broken hearts
and remind us of the hope found in Your promises.
Grant them strength to endure
and the assurance that their loved ones
rest in Your eternal embrace.
Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us, and not what we deserve; and, as you have called us
to your service, make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” St Paul.
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