Lectionary for the seventh Sunday of Easter

Jesus said: ‘I do not pray for my disciples only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.’     John 17:20-21

Collect. God, our creator and redeemer, your Son Jesus prayed that his followers might be one. Make all Christians one with him, as he is one with you, so that in peace and concord we may carry to the world the message of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21. The theme for both readings this week is our unity under God. The selection of verses from Revelation maintains that message of unity. We are reminded that Jesus is going to reward all those who have kept the faith. Just as Jesus, as the Alpha and Omega, has been Lord from beginning to end so each believer is to keep the faith until the end. Together the faithful enjoy the fruit of the tree of life as welcomed members in the City of God.

Then the angelic invitation to come and enjoy the blessings God has prepared is received with great enthusiasm. The reading ends with an encouragement to be ready and anticipate this blessed and victorious return of Christ Jesus.(“Surely I am coming soon!”) It is good to remember that despite all the upsets and disappointments there is going to be a victorious ending when God’s plan is finally put into place and Jesus is Lord of all.

It is good to focus on the positive message that these verses portray because they bring the anticipation of a future hope when wrongs will be righted and justice and mercy will prevail. It is also good to spend a moment reviewing the verses that have been jumped over for they seem to bring a divisive note by reminding us that entry into the city does have some conditions. If we are to be a unified community who receive all the blessings that God has prepared, both now and into the future, then we can’t make our own rules we must abide by the word and the direction of God. My mind is drawn to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians when he considers the congregation in Corinth and produces a list not too dissimilar than the one listed here in Revelation and then he writes. ^“And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinth. 6:11) Thus rather than being divisive it is a reminder that each one of us becomes an inheritor of God’s blessing never by right, but always because God in his grace has declared that by the action of Jesus we are made righteous. It is here that our unity begins for all of us begin at the same starting point.

Prayer. Lord God, you are the giver of life, and all that has breath owes its existence to you. Help us to trust you more and more and face life unafraid of what the future might hold. Take our hand and walk with us through the shadows as well as through the brilliant sunshine for in both instances we need you Lord. Let our love for you flourish and through your love for us help us to find peace and joy close to you. For this we ask through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be all honour and praise. Amen

The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! The heavens declare God’s righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.      Psalm 97:1, 6

Reading. John 17:20-26. This reading reminds us that what Jesus wills for his followers is a unity with God. Not that we would be close to God or able to “see” him, but that we would be in unity with him. Jesus likens the “oneness” to the relationship that Jesus has with the Father. This then reminds us that the oneness that Jesus is praying for is not easily achieved. Firstly to be in unity with God requires that we are pure and spotless. This is why we can only come to a unity like the one that Jesus prays for through his own spotless purity. It is not about whether some are good enough or not good enough, this requirement speaks of perfection well beyond human perfection. Yet before we begin to even think about perfection we need to think about love; not our love for God but God’s love for us.  “We love because he first loved us”. 1 John 4:19. It is love that creates the desire in each believer to submit themselves to God, and willingly accept whatever is required to be in step with God. We most often think in terms of rules and regulations but what Jesus is praying for is all about relationship; a relationship of loving acceptance to be obedient to God’s will and way.

We note that while the prayer is directed at the gathered disciples the prayer also gathers in all those who believe the teaching of the disciples whom Jesus has sent out; namely the apostles. The major feature of that teaching is that God’s love was poured out on us through the cross. Indeed it was the cross that best expressed the loving unity that existed and continues to exist between the Father and the Son. Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice and the Father recognised that gift and from death restored Jesus as the New Adam. (1 Corinth 15:20ff). Each new believer shares in that new beginning and so there is a unity of love and purpose for all who continue trusting in Jesus. By keeping the cross central to our faith we keep the unity that Jesus prayed for central. It is when that unity is clearly demonstrated that the good news of the Gospel is most clearly heard.

Prayer. Gracious Father, your Son Jesus Christ prayed that his followers might be one in him. Lord, today may we make that prayer our own and in sincerity and trust be ready to reach out to all who trust in your name. May we look forward to a time when there truly will no longer neither Jew or Greek, male or female but all will be one through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. As we trust in the unity that Jesus has won so empower us that we might carry to the world your message of love; This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect. Father, the unity of the Church is both your gift and your desire; may we be one as you are one with Christ, that you may be glorified in our life together, and the world may believe for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Lectionary for sixth Sunday of Easter.

Jesus said: ‘The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.’  John 14:26

Collect. O God, you have promised to make your dwelling place within the hearts of all who hear your words and put them into practice. Send your Spirit to bring to our mind all that your Son did and taught, and empower us to bear witness to him in our own words and deeds. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Acts 16:9-15. This reading finds Paul on his second missionary journey. On this journey Paul is accompanied with Silas having had a major disagreement with Barnabas his previous travelling companion. In a vision Paul is directed to take the message of the Gospel over to Macedonia and so to Europe. The preface to this reading reminds us that Paul no matter how much we might revere him was a fallible human being just like everybody else. ( In Paul’s defence we might note that later in his ministry he did change his mind about Mark, the young man over whom he and Barnabas quarrelled. {c/f 2 Tim 4:11}) Despite his flaws the reading reminds us that God continued to use him.

The direction of this second journey is guided by this visionary call to travel to Macedonia rather than to Asia as Paul had wished. We do not know what prevented Paul from preaching the Word in Asia but it is interesting that his friend Dr.Luke joins them at this point in his travels. Luke’s arrival has caused some scholars to wonder if Paul was unwell and so his doctor friend joined him in Troas.

The scripture does not tell us why Luke joins the group but it is interesting that the next incident from Paul’s journey is written in a much more personal way. Luke writes of this first foray into Europe as an eye witness. Through Paul’s preaching Lydia becomes the first convert to Christianity in Europe and Luke’s description gives us a remarkable insight into the person that Lydia is. As a woman of some wealth and prestige she gives Paul and Silas a base from which to continue the ministry in Philippi.

From Luke’s description of this whole incident we see that God directs Paul to travel to Macedonia to preach. God also has been preparing the ground for the reception of the Good News of Jesus. The group of women of whom Lydia was a member are part of a praying congregation. What began with a closed door to Asia ended with a whole new ministry in Philippi. It is a clear reminder of the importance of being open to God’s guidance and direction.

Prayer. O God, slow us down and help us to see that we are put in charge of our lives with the help that comes from you alone. Help us to get in tune with the rhythm that makes for life. We keep moving, even though we know that we are made to centre down, as well as to be actively engaged in the business of life. We compete for things and make those things more important than they ought to be. We eat what we ought not to eat. We neglect and misuse our bodies. We fail to discipline our minds and to be still and know that you are God and that we are the temple of the Most High. Yet we often complain about our misfortunes and our hard luck, when at times it is we who are guilty of disregard. Help us to know that we can be broken by life only if we first allow the victory of evil over our spirits. May our hope and strength and faith be grounded in you; and may we recall the strength of our model, our brother and your Son; Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.{George Thomas in, Conversations with God:Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans.}

Reading. John 14:23-29 Jesus makes this statement in answer to the question raised by Judas (not Iscariot!) “How will you reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” The sub-text of that question is surely why is it that some accept and understand who Jesus is while others do not. In chapter 15:16 John goes some way towards answering that question when he records the words of Jesus, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” John is indicating that the disciples understood that following Jesus did set them apart for they recognised something about him that the world did not. Maybe they did not fully understand who Jesus was nor fully understand his ministry but they had begun the journey of faith and obedience. Moreover they were willing to learn.

Most faith systems work on the principle that the more you keep the rules of that religion the closer you are to the deity and therefore the more you are blessed. Christianity works in an entirely different way. Jesus loves his people unconditionally. In scripture that principle is clear; as Paul writes, “we still were sinners Christ died for us”. Romans 5:8.  It is this unconditional love that encourages us to love, and for the believer it is the act of loving Jesus that leads to living a life of obedience to Jesus. Love is the primary motivator, as the statement suggests; “If you love me you will keep my commandments”. However, having said that the passage also reminds us that the more we live in obedience to Jesus the stronger our relationship with him becomes. It is within this loving relationship that the Spirit is given or as John says, “Comes to us”.

The Spirit constantly reminds us of what Jesus has said and done on our behalf. It is that constant reminder of the complete ministry of Jesus that brings the assurance that allows us to be at peace. Once we begin to understand that the ministry of Jesus is ushering in a new beginning for the whole of creation then we can know that no matter what the circumstances are we can be at peace. The whole of chapter 14 begins with one of the most comforting verses in the New Testament, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1. Jesus has completed his ministry and is now working towards a glorious fulfillment, why would we not want to be obedient to him?

Prayer. Lord, grant to me a generous spirit and a grace filled heart, that my words would honour you and I would be an encouragement to all I meet. When I am called to serve, help me to serve with diligence and vigour. When I am called to lead let it be with wisdom and humility, trusting in your power and guidance. When I am to wait, let me do it with patience, and at all times Lord may my heart and mind be ruled by you. Forbid it Lord that I should ever put a barrier between you and any other person but on the contrary always strive to present Jesus Christ as the only way to growth and full maturity. Grant me the wisdom that in my words and deeds no one would ever be discouraged or put down, but would grasp more firmly the truth that you are leading them on. In all things let me live to please you alone, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Collect. Loving God, you make your home with your people; may the Spirit arouse the love of Christ among us, that we may do your will and find your peace in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lectionary for the forth Sunday of Easter

Praise and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honour, power and might, be to our God for ever!  Revelation 7:12

Collect. O God, the fountain of joy and peace, you have subjected to the royal power of your Son the destinies of all peoples and nations. Sustain us by the power of your Spirit, and grant that, in the midst of all life’s varied changes, we may never be separated from our Good Shepherd, who guides us to the springs of life, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings. Revelation 7:9-17. Anyone who has attended a Christian funeral will probably have heard the words of comfort in this reading: the promise that there will come a time when every tear will be wiped away. They are wonderful words of comfort but they are not just for the comfort of people recently bereaved. The setting of the verse is quite specific. Often the words are used to suggest that the person who had died is now safe and secure and in the company of Jesus. Indeed there are verses which do give us that assurance (e.g Luke 23:14. Rev 2:7.). However this passage has a more far reaching meaning. The setting of the passage is here on earth, not in some far removed place. It is on earth but is very different from the present experience of life on earth. In this setting God is on his earthly throne and standing by is The Lamb; they are receiving the praise and honour due from every nation and all earths’ people: The throne is surrounded by the whole people of God and there is no division. It is a wonderful description of universal unending praise and worship. Then the message comes to John that these worshippers are the ones who have trusted Jesus through to the end. They have remained faithful through all the attacks that have come upon them on the journey through life. Thus the prophecy is for a time still to come when the whole ministry of Jesus Christ will have been completed and every enemy of God has been overcome. With the victory fully and finally in place the worshipping celebrations can begin. It is then that the promise of being lead to the “water of life” takes place. These closing verses then become great words of comfort for the whole people of God; a word of hope and a powerful reminder that the victory of Jesus Christ will one day be completed and God will reign and all of God’s people will join in a time of endless rejoicing.

Prayer. Almighty God we thank you for your great love for each of us. We thank you that like so many others we can be gathered around your throne and cheer and rejoice because of your great goodness. We thank you that we can look forward to that time when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”. Help us Lord to fix our thoughts on what you have done for us and recognise how great your power is to overcome evil and injustice. Help us to live in the wonderful power of your love, today and every day and every day look forward to the fulfilment of your promises. Amen

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me; I give them eternal life.     John 10:27-28

Reading. John 10: 22-30. The Feast of Dedication was celebrated to honour the rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus after it was defiled by Antiochus Epiphanies in 167 BC. (Today this celebration is more commonly called the Festival of Lights or Hanukkah.) Lasting eight days, this festival was marked by the lighting of the Menorah and celebrated that true worship in the Temple could begin again. During this celebration the Jews challenged Jesus to reveal his true self. Jesus is in the south and the Jews from the south had a different relationship with Jesus that those in the North, in Galilee. The Jews from the south had a much more legalistic attitude to keeping the Law and that is why they constantly challenged Jesus’ orthodoxy. This is why in John’s Gospel that Jesus times in Jerusalem are filled with controversies. The Jews questioning of Jesus is a legalistic challenge but Jesus uses it to remind them that who he is can be clearly and consistently seen should they wish to do so. Jesus reminds them that he does the works to which God has called him. In one sense every leader in Israel should have been doing the works that Jesus did. As Luke reminds us in Acts 10:38; Jesus went about, “doing good”: That in itself should have told them that Jesus’ power to do those good works came from God for he could do them and they could not. They did not want to see and therefore they could not see. From verse 26 John is speaking more directly to the early church, namely: Only those that believe belong to flock of Jesus Christ. Not to believe puts one on the outside. Yet for those who believe they need also to hear and having heard they also obey. We need to remember that in the ancient world the shepherd called his flock and they followed. The shepherd never drove the flock to where the sheep needed to be to find good pasture! The result of being an obedient follower was to have the gift of “Eternal Life”. For people then as now, this was an announcement of good news for it reminded the reader that though trouble and strife, sadness and death might surround them, these did not take away the promise of eternal life that Jesus gave. Those who followed Jesus could know that their relationship with him was secure because Jesus and the Father were one in complete harmony.

It was this close harmony that Jesus possessed that so angered the Jewish leaders around the Temple. Jesus was a leader who cared for the sheep and after whom the sheep were beginning to follow. They as leaders should also have cared for the sheep by doing his will but they had failed. John’s point is made clear; Jesus is the true Shepherd for God’s Flock: through Him true worship of God is possible.

Prayer. Gracious God we thank you for Jesus the true Shepherd of the sheep. Grant that we may always be open to hear his voice and follow him when he calls. May our hearts ever be truly set on him and having been so cared for may we also be carers of your sheep: To the honour and glory of your name. Amen.

O God, the fountain of joy and peace, you have subjected to the royal power of your Son the destinies of all peoples and nations. Sustain us by the power of your Spirit, and grant that, in the midst of all life’s varied changes, we may never be separated from our Good Shepherd, who guides us to the springs of life, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Uniting in worship)

Lectionary for Third Sunday of Easter.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth, wisdom and might, honour and glory and praise!         Revelation 5:12

Collect. Let us pray (that we may submit ourselves to Christ’s direction): God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the everlasting covenant: make us perfect in every good thing to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Acts 9:1-6 [7-20]. The conversion of Saul is unique among the stories of conversion in the New Testament for it is the Risen Lord who confronts him on his journey. We know that Saul was a high ranking Jewish official as he was the witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54): As a witness he was a man of authority and his zeal to protect the integrity of the Jewish faith drove him to ruthlessly pursue any Jews who converted to Christianity. On his journey Saul is confronted with the presence of the living Lord and the direction of his life is changed in a most profound way. The Lord God had a different purpose for Saul. Saul was a proud man but he was brought to his knees when confronted with the reality of the living Lord. However Saul is not the only person challenged in this incident! Ananias a disciple resident in Damascus was also presented with a change of direction for he also knew of Saul the persecutor. Ananias’s thinking had to be changed so that he would accept that God had called Saul into his service. Showing great courage Ananias baptises Saul and his sight is restored. The great figure of Saul is ministered too by a faithful disciple who then disappears from the pages of the New Testament, the record of his work and faithfulness is complete.

The final revealing of the resurrected Jesus is different from all the others but it allowed Saul to take his place as an Apostle who had truly seen that Jesus was both alive and was also reigning with God.(1 Corinth 5:8-9) From a New Testament perspective it was those who had seen the risen Jesus who were declared to be Apostles; those who were sent out with the message that Jesus lives and reigns as the fulfilment of the promised Messiah. It was this assurance that Jesus had come back to new life again that gave Saul and all the other Apostles the courage to continue to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God and the salvation that this kingdom afforded. In a world of oppression and the misuse of power, the message of Jesus as John in his Gospel said was, “A light shining in the darkness!” (John 1:5) God intervened into the life of Saul and it is from his letters written to the congregations under his care that have given us such a revealing insight into the theology of the early church.

Our world is different from Saul’s world though the cruelty and oppression of people still continues, but so does the Good News that Jesus lives and it is this truth that gives hope and courage to people everywhere. Saul, who in his work among the Gentiles chose to use the name Paul might not be the greatest Christian who ever lived, no one knows who that person is, but we do know that Paul considered himself to be the greatest sinner. However it was not his persecution of the church that brought him that title; it was his belief that he could achieve righteousness without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His confrontation with the risen Christ changed that view and the major contributor to the writings of the New Testament was birthed.

Prayer. Gracious God, we thank you for calling faithful women and men to serve and declare the good news that Jesus is Lord of all. By your grace continue to bless and prosper all those whom you have gifted to take out the message of hope that comes to all who follow the way of Jesus Christ. May His name be a blessing to people everywhere. May his peace bring peace to all those who are troubled. May his forgiveness bring a unity between those who have been estranged; and may his love bring the true joy of living to all who believe. This we pray in his most holy name. Amen

Reading. John 21:1-19. John’s record of this final appearance in his Gospel is very interesting. It begins with seven of the disciples deciding to go fishing. We need to understand that this was not some recreational pastime but was a decision to return to a former life, for they were fishermen before being called by Jesus. Thus John sets the scene by suggesting that they are ready to put aside the events of the past. Even the most devoted disciple can sometimes feel discouraged and contemplate giving up! At daybreak Jesus appears and in the ensuing conversation the disciples turned fishermen realise it is “the Lord”. I have always imagined that Peter clothes himself and hurries towards Jesus, and that may be true and yet the Greek text says that Peter threw himself into the sea. One interpretation is that he is afraid and trying to get away. If you were confronted by a dear friend who only a few days previously you had seen put to death in a most brutal fashion, would rushing towards them be your first reaction? The hesitation described by John reminds us just how unique this meeting is.

The net is now full of fish and their fishing exploits have been miraculously rewarded through the Lord’s direct instructions. Because the net is now full they are obliged to draw the net to shore and join the risen Jesus. Peter brings some of the catch and they share breakfast but as John describes it, it is not a comfortable communal meal. Prior to the crucifixion the disciples had all fled; meeting Jesus anew would have raised many feelings of guilt as they remembered how they had responded. John makes it clear that the disciples are forgiven and fully accepted by the risen Jesus. In John’s account the natural world is being linked with the supernatural world. Theologically our space and God’s space are suddenly joined!

Peter had denied Jesus three times before he fled and now John recalls the three times that Jesus reinstates Peter into the mission for which he has been prepared. Peter’s love for Jesus is restored and Peter’s failure is swept away through the love and care of the Lord. During the earthly life of Jesus many things have happened since the first calling of the disciples but the command to “follow” remains the same only this time it is the Sovereign Lord who issues the call.

Prayer. When you call Lord, let us answer, let us not be deaf to your voice nor slow to respond to your invitation; rather help us to be willing to be equipped by your Holy Spirit and readied for service: For you have great plans for each of those whom you have called. So Lord we pray that each of us will be ready to play our part and serve you. Grant that your voice will ring in our ears and we will hear your cry and command. And Lord let our lives be an open window through which others will see what you have done to restore broken humanity. Amen

Collect. Living God, Christ is indeed worthy of all praise; he died, and is risen from the dead. Feed us with your grace, that in times of success or failure we may find life in following you for the sake of Jesus the Lord. Amen

Lectionary for Second Sunday of Easter.

Jesus came and stood among them and said: ‘Peace be with you.’     John 20:19

Collect. Father, you gather us together on this day which you have made your own that we may celebrate Jesus Christ, the First and the Last,  the living One who has conquered death. Breathe on us your life-giving Spirit, and send us out into all the world; that we may boldly announce the forgiveness of sins through faith in our risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Revelation 1:4-8. Revelation as the title suggests is a book of prophecy. This is an unusual genre of literature for the modern reader and therefore we need to read the book with some sensitivity. We read it taking notice of the era in which it is written, surrounded by hardship and persecution: Nonetheless it is still has a message a future still to be fully revealed.

John, the servant of Jesus Christ is revealing a message shown to him from the angelic messenger; as such it comes with authority and authenticity. The message comes to the seven churches in Asia. Thinking of it as a prophecy the number seven is significant for it signifies completeness or fully included. Thus we have seven candlesticks, seven seals, seven trumpets and bowls. With that understanding the message is one which applies to the whole church both present and future.

The message begins with a blessing of peace, a peace which is from God and those who attend him around his throne. The peace also comes from Jesus Christ who is recognised as having pre-eminence over all powers; death included. With this authority the message is of vital importance. God’s promise of peace is not simply an absence of strife but a promise that the fullness of God stands with the church to protect and guide both the individual and the church itself. Then, to the peace is added the record of salvation and all that that salvation has accomplished. Through Christ’s salvation the whole church is now unified into a godly kingdom which serves God through praise and worship. Such worship recognises that God is Lord of all and each believer can have confidence in that sovereignty, living under its freedom and protection.

Then the message contains what is the key purpose of the whole book, namely that Jesus the resurrected Lord is going to return in a public spectacle. Even those who have opposed him will also see his lordship and there is an implied sense of judgement for those who continue to oppose that lordship. When we think of the horrible events that across the ages have happened in our world, the understanding that judgement is coming promises not only a sense of closure but also one of justice. Indeed the “Amen’ which follows brings the understanding that this is as it should be!

The final disclosure of this passage underlines again the authority from whom this message is coming. Undergirded with such power the church can have full confidence that this message will not fail to come to pass. As such the passage encourages the church to keep pressing on into the future that God is preparing.

Prayer. Lord, the witness of Jesus stands secure throughout history, his message of love and forgiveness has touched and changed billions of hearts and lives and we thank you for the hope that his salvation continues to bring. Yet our world knows little of peace, rather we are surrounded by messages of trouble and strife. Today we pray for the on-going work of the church in proclaiming the saving love of Jesus. May the news that Jesus lives bring hope to those who suffer from the forces of violence and greed; may they face each day with renewed strength. May the message of faith bring hope to those who are suffering for their faith; may the gospel of peace bring an inner peace to those whose lives are fractured by events of the past; may the forgiving love of Jesus bring the gift of forgiveness to those whose lives are distorted with the blight of being unable to forgive. And most gracious Lord, may the presence of Jesus in all our lives bring a sense of wholesomeness and peace. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. John 20:19-31. The phrase that John uses to start this passage has echoes of the phrasing from Genesis chapter 1 and therefore reminds us that this is a whole new beginning, a new creation. John frames his story with only 10 of the disciples’ present thus leaving room for a further step on the ministry journey. John makes it clear that without Jesus they are so afraid that they have locked the doors to the outside world but Jesus breaks through. Just as he has broken through the powers of sin and death on the cross, so now he breaks through the fear and isolation of the disciples. Moreover Jesus comes among them to bring peace; peace in the face of all their sadness and pain. The response of the disciples on being assured that this is the Jesus they knew and loved is joy and thanksgiving. With the recognition that this is Jesus the new beginning is complete and with the new beginning comes a new direction. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you”. (John 20:21.) John is reminding his readers that the work of bringing the new life that Jesus promised is still to continue. It is God’s breath which gives life to all living creatures, (Psalm 104:29), and now it is the infusion of Jesus’ breath which brings the Spirit. With the Spirit comes new life to the disciples, a life which allows the work that Jesus began to continue. This meeting between Jesus and these 10 disciples must have been an interesting event. Before his death Jesus was a remarkable, and an exceptional teacher, but on his return he is clearly shown to be supernatural, a change has come. It is this change which gives him the authority to impart to the disciples the responsibility to bring forgiveness and freedom to those who will receive the message of Jesus the Risen Lord. For the readers in the early church this would have been a significant piece of information for not only did it give the church great power and responsibility it also assured each new believer that like the disciples they were true inheritors of the new life that Jesus offered.

In the second half of our passage John goes on to recount the experience of Thomas. It is traditional to call him “Thomas the Doubter”, but the scripture does not name him as such rather it pictures Thomas as a brave and practical disciples. (c/f John 11:16) Thomas wants to see for himself and when just a week later Jesus appears once more to the disciples he is ready to meet Thomas’s needs but Thomas is already converted. From John’s description we understand that for Thomas, just seeing the Master he knew and loved was enough to bring him to faith in the resurrection. His affirmation of,”My Lord and my God” tells us that Thomas is fully convinced.

This is more than a nice story of Thomas being gathered back into the fold and accepted by Jesus. John’s reason for including this incident is linked to his reason for writing his gospel. He personalises the reason when he adds “that you may believe”. Christianity is a faith not simply a religion. It is based on the faith that Jesus has overcome the power of death and is both the promised Messiah and the Son of God. Moreover through faith in Jesus our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God and each other. As Paul writes, “we walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and so trust forms part of what it takes to continue as a Christian. With that in mind it would not be uncommon for people to have doubts from time to time. The reality is that life can and often is tough. John is reminding each of us that doubt does not mean that we are no longer a Christian; rather it reminds us that Jesus calls us again and again to trust in him and what he has accomplished: and each time we can say; ”My Lord and my God”.

Prayer. Lord as we pray, give to us a clarity of thought and will ,so that our prayers and our worship will open us to the new possibilities that your love brings. You are the first and the last and through you all things exist, so grow in us the truth of your power to act in our world that we may not be afraid but face each day with confidence. Breathe on us your life giving Spirit that we may venture out into our world with a fuller knowledge of you and your will for us. By your power help us to greet each person as a child for whom Christ died. In all things may we keep you at the very centre of our lives so that in all we do, your name will be honoured. This we ask in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. You come into our midst, Lord Jesus; you hold out your scarred hands, and surprise us with hope. Help us to receive your word and your Spirit, that in our woundedness we may know you as our Life, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter Day.

Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed!

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:20, 22

Collect. Lord of life and power, through the mighty resurrection of your Son you have overcome the old order of sin and death and have made all things new in him. May we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, reign with him in glory, who, with you and the Holy Spirit ever lives, one God, from all eternity. Amen.

Reading. Luke 24:1-12. All the gospel writers confirm the resurrection of Jesus and it is as we examine each author’s description that a fuller picture emerges. However, each writer brings his own emphasis in order to record for our information what is the single most important event in world history!

In Luke’s first record of the resurrection there is no mention of a physical sighting but Luke leaves us many clues which to the readers of Jesus time would have been very telling. As the crucifixion took place on the day before the Sabbath the tomb would have lain undisturbed for the whole of the Sabbath, leading us to the third day before anyone can visit the deceased.  The women who go first to the tomb are all named by Luke, meaning that not only are they personalised but they would have also been known to members of the early church. The scene is set in the very early morning, at first light, and yet the stone at the entrance is rolled away. Tombs were sealed from grave robbers and wild animals by placing a substantial stone over the entrance. This stone was rolled down a slight incline and at the end was a hollowed ridge; meaning that once in place it took many men to open the tomb. The open tomb is empty and Mark and John remark that the bandages which wrapped the body remain. The body had gone but not been stolen. Furthermore the women receive a message from God through the angels (messengers) to announce that though dead, Jesus is once more among the living. That the announcement comes from “men” is important because when the women recount the incident to the apostles they are met with unbelief. We need to remember that in Jewish law, the testimony of a woman was not considered admissible unless verified by a male! However, Peter feels the need to look for himself and finds it just as the initial witnesses had said. Peter looks into the tomb, sees the wrappings neatly laid aside, but then he returns home and we are left with a mystery which prepares us for Luke’s next resurrection incident, namely, “the walk to Emmaus”. In this next episode Luke links the bodily resurrection of Jesus firmly in the ancient prophetic writings of the Jewish family. Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. Luke 24:27.

Luke’s description gives us enough clues to tell us that Jesus though dead is now back once more among the living. How that will all work out Luke leaves for the next book which we call the Acts of the Apostles; a book that describes the development of the early church.

Prayer. Gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; With what joy does this day dawn for us, and with what celebration will we be pleased to greet this new Easter day. Yet how different it was for those first women and men of faith. A new beginning with new possibilities, for nothing would ever be the same again. As we look back Lord to the empty tomb and the folded clothes we thank you that you are not there. You are not locked in history. We thank you more because we know that we do not need to look back in order to find you but can look forward to a glorious future that you have established for us. So on this day as we prepare to worship at Easter again, may our hopes and dreams be fixed on the future that you have prepared when we will reign with you in glory, celebrating eternally your triumph over sin and death. Amen

Reading. Acts 10:34-43.This week we will look at the epistle after we have reflected on the gospel reading because it reminds us of the influence the resurrection of Jesus had not only on Peter but on all the apostles. In our passage today Peter is addressing the Gentile Cornelius in his home. In the ancient world a home would seem to us to be a public place for unless you were extremely rich each family’s life was open for all to see, people lived in community: From this we understand that as Peter begins to address Cornelius he is addressing many Gentile listeners.

We must also recognise how significant this presentation is; Jews believed that God loved the Jews alone and all other nations were doomed to eternal separation from God. Peter begins by announcing that he now believes in a God who loves all those who love and worship him. He links this message of peace with the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ. Peter recounts that Jesus was sent by God and through God’s power was able to heal and bring forgiveness to all who would listen. It is because of this ministry that Peter is present among them announcing the good news that everyone can receive the blessings that Jesus promised. This picture of God is very different from the common picture of God, for it promotes a God who loves and cares for people in all situations and conditions. Then Peter goes on to explain what has brought about this new understanding of God and his action in the world. Though Jesus had been crucified in Jerusalem Peter is now confident that Jesus returned to life and appeared after death in bodily form. Indeed Peter and many others shared food with him and were taught by him after his death. Peter recognises that it was the closest associates of Jesus who saw him and therefore became witnesses to the resurrection. This is the amazing event that has turned Peter’s life around and given him and all the other witnesses’ a new understanding of who God is. It is out of that understanding that the command to be a witness is received. Peter is willing and able to declare the Good News of Jesus to the Gentiles. Jesus is the one who judges and as judge Jesus is able to bring forgiveness to all who believe. Despite the cultural boundaries which are being broken and despite the physical danger that Peter’s message causes Peter knows that Jesus is the living Lord. Thus Peter is not just preaching about a philosophy, he is pointing to a Man who has changed his view of life. For Peter, Jesus has brought into being a new relationship with God, one built on love and forgiveness. This message is as fresh today as it was on the day that Peter chose to visit the home of Cornelius and for everyone who believes that continues to be Good News. Today every Christian preacher can say that Jesus lives and declare with confidence that God in his love is reaching out for each one of us.

Prayer. Gracious God, like Peter, give us a new understanding of your great love for us and all people. Help us to be ready and willing to put aside old truths and old ways and recognise your way of love. Jesus lived and died and rose again, help us to remember and to understand that He was wounded for our transgressions and it is by his wounds that we are healed. Grant that we may truly be new people, seeing life in a new way; living for you and not for self. May the reality of Jesus living as Lord change our hearts and open us to worship you alone. May the wonder that is presented through the resurrection of Jesus Christ touch hearts and minds around our world and as one glorious family we may rise and praise your name: for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever; Amen

Collect. God ever-new, you brought life out of death, and hope from despair when you raised our Lord from the grave. May we always proclaim the victory of Jesus in the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.