Lectionary Reading    Easter 3    26 April  

Collect. Lord God Almighty, the radiance of your glory lights up our hearts. Enable us to truly understand the waters in which we were cleansed, the Holy Spirit by which we were reborn, and the blood by which we were redeemed; that in this earthly pilgrimage we may walk more closely with our risen Saviour and Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

Read:  1 Peter 1:17-23

When Peter writes about calling on God as Father it is clear that he has a particular understanding of whom this Father is, namely the one who creates us and furthermore gives us a new birth into a living hope through Jesus Christ. Peter then is not thinking of an indulgent parent who simply offers us everything but one who having created us looks to us to live in harmony with him and his wishes.

Peter begins the chapter by reminding his readers of their new status, and because of their new status they can call God Father. However having this new status brings with it new responsibilities and Peter wants to remind readers of these. In recent times Harry, Prince and Duke of Sussex has renounced his royal titles and privileges and chosen to be just an “ordinary” citizen.  Just a week or so ago Harry chose to make some disparaging comments about the government in the UK. The content of the comments is not important, the point I am trying to make is that although he has a new status, the habits and privileges of the old status linger on. That is the point that Peter is trying to make; while our status has gone from “ordinary” to “royal” (c/f 1Peter 2:9) we can easily slip back into behaviour more akin to ordinary than royal. Peter wants to remind this royal family of their need to have a deep respect for the one whom they call on as Father. They do this by both being, and also doing, what is appropriate for family members. Peter goes on to remind the family members that we are not children by right but by choice, God’s choice. This was a choice made from the very beginning of creation, thus in Jesus Christ we are indeed a people of privilege and are challenged to respect both the choice and the privilege.

Prayer. Holy Father, mindful of the privilege that is ours through Jesus Christ we lift our hands and our hearts to you in wonder and in praise. We thank you for the blessings that come to us as your children. Grant that we may always live under the guidance of your Holy Spirit and so never fail to live out the promise that is ours. Keep us at all times, mindful of the needs of those around us, using our gifts for the good of all. In the midst of trouble grant to us an unwavering faith and a generous spirit that our whole being may in every way show honour and glory to you for the great salvation that Jesus Christ has won. Amen

Read: Luke 24:13-35 The two disciples walking to Emmaus is a story recorded by Luke but also seems to have been known more widely as the longer ending to Mark also makes reference to the episode. (c/f Mark 16:12) The risen Jesus joins the two on the way but though they welcome him as a fellow traveller they do not recognise that it is Jesus. From the snippets of conversation we sense that the two walking along are rather sad. They had begun with high hopes that this Jesus would be the one to rescue Israel from the foreign invaders and place the nation back under the lordship of God. For many years the faithful people of Israel has held out hopes that a great leader would emerge to release them from oppression.  Jesus’ death had crushed that hope. However a glimmer of hope did remain for they relate the story that some women from the group had found that the tomb was empty. Luke makes it clear that these two are at a loss to understand just what these events indicated. Jesus begins with Moses and the Exodus story and unfolds how many of the ancient scriptures relate to the current events. Still they do not see Jesus even though, as they recall later, their hearts burned within them as the story and the prophecies were explained. Only when they invite him in and begin to share a meal together do they recognise this stranger is Jesus. It is in the intimacy of sharing a meal that the revealing occurs but also Luke notes for us that understanding the scriptures also played a part in the recognition of Jesus. As we saw in the reading from Peter above and now here in Luke, the events surrounding Jesus and his victory were actions not merely by chance or unexplained, they were carefully set out, laid down in the ultimate plan of God for the redemption of the world.

Prayer.

Gracious Lord we thank you for your plan to present Jesus as Lord and Saviour, proclaimer of your kingdom. Help us as we walk along life’s pathway not to miss the presence of Jesus but to see and experience him in every situation. May his presence guide us and his teaching instruct us, that we may be equipped with all wisdom and discernment to live the life which honours you. Though the whole world lies under the grip of the present pandemic, help us not to lose hope but to look constantly to you for protection, health and strength. May we be of good courage, knowing that you are the world’s one true Saviour. We pray for leaders in all the nations, grant to them helpful insights and a wisdom which comes from you. Protect those who serve in hospitals and places of healing. Comfort those who have lost loved ones and strengthen those for whom this time, is a time of difficult trial. Above all help us all to turn our thoughts to you as Creator and Sustainer of life in all its fullness, and to give you praise and honour, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Lectionary Reading for Easter 3 (part 1).  26 April

Collect for today. (Methodist Prayer Book) Almighty Father, who in our mercy made glad the hearts of the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give to us such knowledge of his presence with us that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life, and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen .

Read. Acts 2:14a, 36-41. Verse 37 comes at the end of Peter’s sermon but the lectionary leaves this out to return to it at Pentecost. So we begin in this reading at the climax of Peter’s teaching as he announces that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah; some versions have Lord and Christ.

Peter now proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Messiah which marks a big change of thought for in the Easter stories the disciples are pictured as both bewildered and afraid. We are not left with any great confidence that they have understood exactly what has happened. Now, we view the story after 2000 plus years and so we have a distinct advantage over the disciples. We need to remember that the disciples did not expect Jesus to return to life. Like us they knew very positively that dead people do not return to life again. And similarly, like us their minds did not readily accept that Jesus could possibly be alive. However here we are, with Peter not only confident but publicly declaring this remarkable happening to anyone and everyone who would listen. What had happened that had brought about this radical change of mind and more importantly change of world-view? Firstly, Peter and the others had seen Jesus and once more shared life with him. Secondly, through the coming of the Spirit they had begun to realise what Jesus’ return signified. As people seeped in the Hebrew Scriptures they had discovered that Jesus had indeed fulfilled all that Messiah was prophesied to be and do. Now Peter is empowered to declare this message to everyone. In recording this sermon presentation fully, Luke leaves the reader with the question Peter’s hearers had; “What must we do?” If however this is not our response then perhaps we have failed to hear that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.

Prayer. Gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus we thank you for bringing Jesus to new life and through him bringing to us a new awareness of your power in both life and death. You sent Jesus to seek and save those who were lost and away from you. Your plan before the foundation of the world was to reconcile all things into your kingdom. May we who have found your love, value those who still do not know you and never turn away from those who need to hear. Remembering how our faith was formed, may we proclaim Good News in our words, our deeds and our attitudes, so that your love may be known far and wide. Lord we pray that we may hear your call to so serve you, and pray for faith to trust that your word may take root in all our hearts and lives and produce the fruit of faith filled believers. To your honour and glory, we pray. Amen

Read. Psalm 116: 1-4; 12-19 There are two parts to this reading, in the first four verses the psalmist is reaching out toward God, clearly in distress. Some event has brought the fear of death upon the psalmist and so calling out to God is the only remedy. Still it is not without a sense of hope for the psalmist is also recognising that God has been listening. Since God listens the psalmist is prepared to trust God, “as long as I live”. In the face of deepest trouble and concern there is the determination to place all trust in God. Then the reading moves to a different section and a different mood, “What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people”. Here is recognition of what God has done, what action God has taken in the life of one who at one time was in deep distress. Lifting the cup of salvation as a thank offering has echoes of the Passover Festival which took the Israelite people back to the story of the Exodus.  In its Hebrew setting salvation is also interpreted as deliverance. Salvation has a huge range of meanings, saved, healing and health but also deliverance: The whole Exodus story is one of deliverance and rescue: a rescue leading to healing and wholeness, hence salvation: Deliverance that occurred in the past brings hope also of deliverance that will occur in the future. Israel looked forward to that time when once again the Lord God would deliver his people. This is the theme that the psalmist picks up; God is a God of deliverance. The God who listens is also the God who acts and in this action people are protected and restored. God can and will deliver his people: There is no need to be afraid for we can trust God whatever is to be faced. In God’s safe hands all his people can experience hope and security. Therefore, “I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people”.

Prayer: Lord God, like the psalmist, help us to put our whole trust in you and look to you alone for deliverance. Grant to us, hope which will lead us on into the future that you have prepared. Though at present we are isolated from one another keep us faithful to you. May we share the concerns of one another in an honest and compassionate way: Make us fruitful and faithful to our calling as your servants. May our love be sincere as we reach out in your name. Visit, each of our homes O Lord, and let your holy presence dwell in them to preserve all who live there in peace; and may your blessing surround each one who is in need of comfort and assurance. Help us all to look toward the future with hope. Bless and guide those leaders who are making decisions which will have far reaching consequences for all of us. Be with those attending to the sick and those who are critically ill. Give to them wisdom courage and protection. In all these situations we look to you for deliverance and for better times ahead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Ideas on the Gospel reading. John 20:19-31

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:23

The title of this passage could be the giving of the keys. The keys were a sign of authority, as we read in Isaiah; I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; he shall shut, and no one shall open. Isaiah 22:22

Authority and power in the church is derived from Christ, he is the head of the church and if the church tries to minister without this power nothing of Christ will be achieved. In today’s reading we see Jesus empowering the church to fulfil its ministry. He does that in a very decisive way.

1]. He stood among them. He didn’t walk through the door. He didn’t manifest from the ceiling, he stood among them. In their fear and their anxiety he stood with them. One minute they seemed alone the next they were aware that he was truly there. This is a personal encounter. Resurrection is a practical fact. His presence reminds us that Christianity is not a set of philosophical propositions: It is an action of God on our behalf. Best of all is God is with us. The resurrected Christ, eternally Emanuel, God is with us as Lord & Saviour. And for each of us the person of Christ stands with us. Relationship is paramount.

2] He demonstrated that forgiveness had been won. He demonstrated the reality of that forgiveness.  Jesus came and they were at peace, fear was turned to joy. No recriminations only a future filled with hope and promise. He showed them his hands and side. Here was a clear proof of identity.

Underneath this pile of stones; lies the remains of Harry Jones. His name was Smith, it was not Jones. But Jones was put to rhyme with stones.

He has been through the cross, death and the pain of separation. Was this the Jesus they had been with for all those years? The scars are evidence that this is the body of Jesus, the crucified one. It was the wounds of Christ that made them whole. (1 Peter 2:24)

Then he adds a new phrase. As the father has sent me, so I send you! For the Disciples and for us Jesus does not come simply to bring us comfort. On the contrary, he comes to send us on our journey. We are practical people, ever active, that is why we don’t still live in caves eating berries. Our passage reminds us that disciples are equipped. These people who had seen Jesus were to witness that they had seen Jesus. This sending is linked to receiving.

3]. They were to receive Holy Spirit. No definite article. Not a gift of magic but part of Jesus own life, breath. The Holy Spirit is person “God in 3 persons; Blessed Trinity” But it is not a person they received but the power and energy of which the Holy Spirit is the source. Just as Jesus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit so now he transfers to the church the authority to minister in his name by the same power!!!! (This is John’s record of Pentecost?)

All of God’s people are gifted. This gifting is for the work of ministry, so that the witness to resurrection and the coming Kingdom is effective and recognised.

They are all together and are given Holy Spirit and then commissioned to release or bind according to the direction of the Spirit. As the gospel is proclaimed and received the release from sin and the gift of righteousness comes. Not that any have to decide who is in or out, the gospel does that for us, a disciples task is to simply declare it. In the declaration we recognise the powerful forgiveness and acceptance of Jesus through his sacrificial death and glorious resurrection.

And of the ministry gifts Paul says:  Ephesians 3:8  Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9  and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10  so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11  This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12  in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. 13  I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.

The power comes from Christ even though the congregation elects people into the various offices.

This power is firstly Spiritual power that is exercised in the Name of Christ. It confronts evil and brings release to people from spiritual bondage so that a life of obedience can follow. It does this without force or manipulation or coercion. (Because it is Christ’s power not human power)

Secondly it is ministerial, Power to minister: working in harmony with the Word of God, preaching, offering the sacraments, healing, and administration each gift flows out of the word of God. These things make for the effective ministry of each and every congregation. All comes from Christ, and so honours Christ, working under the power from the Holy Spirit, given through the work and promise of Christ. But it is not a collective ministry, not done by one or a small group, each of us is gifted and subsequently empower under the same ministry. Thus we together bring honour to Jesus Christ and by our ministry and service, lift high His Name.

Second Sunday of Easter

Collect for today (taken from the Prayer Book)

God our Father, may we look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters, and restored the joy of our youth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

Read. 1 Peter 1:3-9 This is a good reading to have on the Sunday following the great festival of Easter for it continues to pick up the theme of new hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Most translations begin with “Blessed” although a few use the word Praise.  I am sure you will be longing to know that the Greek word used here is eulogētos (pronounced “You–log-A-toss”)!! It is translated blessed but it has a meaning close to “adorable” or “to speak well of”. It carries the sense of one who is complete in every way to be and do good: and indeed that is the emphasis of this passage. The great mercy of God has acted and this action has given to us a hope that will transcend every situation in life and also carry us through into the life to come. This hope springs from the resurrection of Jesus who as we celebrated last Sunday has come through death and into a new life, again by the mercy of God. Through the resurrected life of Jesus’ we too have this ‘new life’ which is given to us.

Many of us are living a very limited life at the moment; some of us are isolated because of age or we are at risk, others are working from home and only going out when on essential business: in some way all of us are affected. The things we normally do are not available so our lives have a feeling of being limited. This means that most of us are longing for this new thing that will come once the virus has passed. We will not be quite the same again as this experience will have changed us, for in a very real way we have been shown how dependant we are one other, but also that we are not separate nations getting on with our separate lives, we are all inter-connected: above all we have been shown that there are many things in life we cannot control; and yet because of the Easter message we still have hope. That is what our reading is saying. No matter what happens and no matter how vulnerable or inadequate we are our future, our inheritance is secure. Out of his mercy we belong to God and nothing can take away the future that is ours. We may be restricted for the moment and experience things which cause us disquiet but God will see us through. That is the hope of the moment it is also the ongoing hope that every Christian has, because of the adorable God whom we worship.

Prayer: Lord Jesus we bring our prayer concerns to you. We pray for our whole world as it works to withstand the effects of the pandemic which is affecting us. We pray for the leaders of the nations that they may have both wisdom and compassion. We pray for those who are isolated from family and loved ones, those who are alone and those who find their circumstances hard to bear. Give them courage to face each day and strength to endure. We pray for those who are helping to comfort those affected by the virus, for doctors and nursing staff, those who have to keep the peace, those who have to attend to the dying. We pray for funeral staff overwhelmed by the volume of work. We pray for those who grieve and mourn that they may all be upheld in your loving arms and protected and strengthened. We pray for those who face severe hardship because of the shut-down; the unemployed, those who cannot pay their rent or mortgage, those who having to deal with a variety of government agencies. May they find a way forward that will bring them hope. And we pray for those who are experiencing situations which are unjust because of the pandemic. May your love and peace touch hearts and lives, bringing a renewal of hope. We also pray for those who in so many ways are bringing comfort and a sense of belonging by making contact through technology, or phone calls or even letter writing and we thank you for them. Gather our prayers together Lord and grant that our whole world may join hands and in unity and with you face together whatever the future holds. We ask in Jesus Name. Amen.

Read John 20:19-31. The appearance of Jesus brings with it the promised Holy Spirit. Immediately on receiving the Holy Spirit the command to begin ministry comes, using the power the Spirit supplies: Who would be bold enough to forgive or retain without God’s wisdom! From the moment Jesus appears the task of taking the message of salvation to a waiting world begins.

John’s story quickly moves on to Thomas, often called the doubter but possibly that is a harsh judgement. (c/f John 11;7-16) Before we label Thomas we need to remember that none of the disciples expected Jesus to return from death. In the ancient world as in ours, death was pretty final. Indeed death held Jesus for three days but then surprisingly, alarmingly, he returned to a new life; Jesus was resurrected: As the famous hymn says, “Death of deaths, and hells destruction”.

Something beyond comprehension had happened. Perhaps John has a significant point to make; one only recognises that Jesus lives through revelation. Knowing that Jesus lives is not head knowledge but heart knowledge. “Unless I see”, but notice even with the invitation to touch, Thomas does not stretch out his hand but simply believes.

Still there is a blessing for those who believe without seeing, and yet, we all believe because Jesus has revealed himself to us. However in the concluding verses we note that John has written his record of Jesus’ ministry in order to encourage us all to believe in the Lordship of Jesus over sin and death. The written word has a powerful influence. Belief in Jesus can come to us in many different ways; some come to belief through reading and prayer, others through worship, still others through adverse situations. It can also be through meeting people, a chance conversation, an amazing sunrise, or an answer to prayer; in good times and is bad, faith can emerge. No matter which pathway unlocks the reception of faith it is always a gift from God.

Prayer. Jesus, you are the Lord and giver of all that is good. It is to you we turn to find life in all its fullness. Look graciously on us as we pray that we may live our life honouring you, thankful for the blessings that come from your hand. On you we cast all our cares and find the solace we need. Only in you Lord, do we find the rest and peace which strengthens us for true discipleship. So we thank you and we bless you for you alone give to us the promise of eternal life and a place in your glorious future. All praise to you, Lord most high. Amen

A brief mediation for Easter.

The epistle reading for Easter day is Colossians 3:1-4. So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3  for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4  When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. NRSV

Reading these words it raises the question, how well are we following this short passage? Are we focussing on our limitations, or maybe we feel afraid either for ourselves or for members of our family or folk in the wider community, alternatively does it give us a glimpse of how things really are!. This passage can help to get us properly focussed.

1]. So if you have been raised with Christ– This is not a question but a statement. Jesus died and rose again. In baptism you are incorporated into his new life. From Jesus you have received a new status. Paul is saying that needs to always be our starting point. You have been given a new life, the old has gone, a new way forward is now open to you because of Jesus Christ.

2]. seek the things that are above, Many of us have a quite restricted lifestyle at the moment, not at all what we are used to. This can be quite oppressive and indeed become all consuming. Paul’s word here is very appt, “Don’t let your present circumstances overwhelm you”. The book of Proverbs says much the same thing; Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov.3:5-6 NRSV One of the good things that keeping close contact with the Lord is that God will always show you a way forward, but first you have to take your mind off the problem. How can that be done? Firstly by recognising how powerful is the Lord. Secondly, by truly recognising that through Jesus you do have a new status and with that new status you have new resources.

3]. where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Paul is not asking us to simply forget our troubles nor bury our head in the sand. Seated at the right hand is to be in the place of authority and through that authority comes the word of command. As we look up to the seat of authority we are putting ourselves back under Christ’s command. As we look to where Christ is seated we are awaiting instructions. It is that instruction that puts us on the right pathway, the pathway that brings us true fulfilment and satisfaction. We should not be afraid of being under the command of Jesus for he always has our welfare in mind.

Having been raised with Christ we are in Christ.  In Christ we have peace with God as a gift. Christ deals with us gently and we are covered with God’s kindness and forgiveness. Peace is ours in Christ and we are equipped to face life in his name.

Lectionary Reading 12 April;  Easter Day

Collect for Easter Day. (from the Prayer Book)

O God, you gave your Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. May we die every day to sin so that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Read John 20:1-18. There are four biblical records of this post crucifixion event and each account is essentially the same and each account differs in some of the details, as one would expect from different witnesses. The principle of Jesus resurrection remains constant as does the first witnesses being the women companions of Jesus. Also the stone rolled away and the empty tomb remain as essential parts of the description. One of the other consistent things is the repeated phrase, “the first day of the week”: this phrase marks a new beginning, not only the new beginning of a week but a new beginning of a distinct era, an era with Jesus alive after death. We have become so used to hearing that Jesus rose from the tomb at Easter that the event has lost the impact that it would have had on the first believers. The ancient world knew very well that once someone had died they had passed out of this life. No one was expecting Jesus to re-appear after crucifixion. The women did not go to the tomb out of idle curiosity but to perform the traditional burial rites which had not been possible because of the Sabbath restrictions. Their surprise, even dismay is mirrored by the other disciples. Therefore writing a whole generation after the crucifixion the writers are emphasising that with the resurrection of Jesus something new had happened, hence a new beginning. This new beginning continues to have a profound effect on everyday life right up to today. As the old chorus says, “Because he lives I can face tomorrow’. The story of Easter opens up a new door into the future, a future that we can look forward to no matter what are our present circumstances. The issues of the present have been dealt with and the future is filled with both promise and hope. As we celebrate Easter in  a very different setting this year it is worth remembering that a significant part of the Easter message is that Jesus has opened up a joy filled future for each of us.

Prayer. Risen Lord Jesus we come to give you thanks and praise for all that you have accomplished through the cross of Calvary. We thank you that forever your sacrifice has broken the finality of death and granted to us a new and dynamic future filled with life and living. For the blessed hope that Easter brings, we praise your name. Lord, may the reality of your living touch our lives today as we are separated from family and friends and from the community of hope to which we belong. Though we are apart may the unity of our prayers and praises join together in an exclamation of celebration. How good you are Lord and how wonderful is this day when we remember afresh that your victory has begun a movement of love and thanksgiving that is changing the whole world. All praise o you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Read Colossians 3:1-4. This reading follows on neatly from the Gospel reading for the day and that is why they have been taken in reverse order for these short meditations. Paul like us is looking back to the events of the death and resurrection of Jesus. He sees very clearly that the new beginning that Jesus has won through the cross has begun a significant change in every believer. The verse begins in a very positive way “Since then”… Because Jesus lives you who are connected with Jesus through baptism have also begun a new life just as Jesus has begun a new life. The difference is that Jesus has passed through death into this new life. We still have to pass through death though we already have this new life. Because of the future aspect of this new life we are to live as if we are already there. We still live in a fallen world and day by day we have to deal with this world with all its faults and failings; however our minds keep always the thought that ahead is a glorious future. It is the thought of this future that guides our decisions and actions. What we are in Christ will be revealed and we will be like Him. (Romans 6:5) This is the hope that we cling to while we are in the present trials. They remind us that our world is far from perfect but by God grace, through Jesus Christ we will overcome whatever we face because of the future hope that Jesus has given to us.

Prayer.  Holy Lord, we stand amazed as we offer our prayers to you on this special day, remembering all that you have given to us through Jesus the Risen Saviour. We thank you for your recreation of us in his image and pray that by your grace we may live lives worthy of his name and sacrifice. Through his ministry Jesus Christ has redeemed the whole world and we give to you wholehearted praise and thanksgiving. On this great day of resurrection we pray for all those who are suffering from loneliness and isolation, those afraid of what the future holds, and all those who find the separation from loved ones hard to bear. Grant that your church though unable to gather may still be the witness to your grace through love and compassion as the opportunities arise. In all that we do may the joy of knowing your love and forgiveness fill every part of our life. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ who is King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen

Good Friday 10 April (A reading and short reflection.)

Collect for today (from the Prayer Book)

Lord Jesus, you carried our sins in your own body on the tree so that we might have life. May we and all who remember this day find new life in you, now and in the world to come, where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Read John 19:17-30

This is the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross. In John’s gospel this journey is a gradual unfolding until the final act of crucifixion, which for John is the great climax of his gospel, and as far as he is concerned the great climax of Christ’s ministry.

1). Every journey has a destination. Jesus’ journey led him to the cross. That was always going to be the outcome of his ministry, but the cross was not to be the ultimate destination, it was not journey’s end. The cross was the human end but God was involved in this journey, and so there is something as it were, through the cross.

Jesus had to travel this journey alone: His was the choice to keep on with the quest. God would not make the choices for him, anymore than God will make choices for us.

The Christian life is not one large decision but a series of choices. It takes a lifetime of choices to be a follower of Christ.

2). Christ’s life was a series of choices. He was connected to God, not by pressure or fear but through prayer, and by opening his thinking processes to let God in. He then made choices that signalled his obedience. Because of that lifetime of choices, Jesus went to the cross alone and yet not alone for God was vitally involved: Not to hold the cross away from Christ but with him as he bore the pain and shame of it. 

Charles Wesley’s hymn, God if unexampled grace. Reads:

Never love nor sorrow was like that my saviour showed,

see him stretched on yonder cross and crushed beneath our load.

Now discern the deity, now his heavenly birth declare.

Faith cries out, tis he, tis he My God that suffers there.

And Paul reminds us “… in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”    (2 Corinthians 5:19

3). God was with him because of the choices that he made. The cross was essential for Jesus to complete his mission but because God was involved it was not the ultimate destination but a door into newness. “God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,”   Ephesians 1:20

It was his choices that brought that victorious outcome.

As we contemplate this act today, as we see this godly drama displayed we too are reminded of our choices. It is possible to view this drama as a bystander, not involved in the action, but that is to miss the entrance to a new way of life, a new opportunity to face life, a new possibility with Christ, for though Jesus had to walk that lonesome valley alone, no else could walk that walk, we need to remember that he walked it for ‘me’, for each of us, we were involved

 “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.”    Romans 8:18

Prayer.  Lord you went out carrying your cross to the hill of Calvary, bearing a load of sin and shame, a load you willingly embraced; and on that cross and in that place, together with sin and shame you died, that we might live a life of forgiveness and peace. Surely the prophetic word has come to pass, “by his stripes we are healed”. So in wonder and in love today we remember that cross and your great sacrifice. We are torn with many emotions but above all we are thankful for your acceptance and healing. Help us dear Lord to live a life worthy of your gift to us. May our choices draw us ever closer to you: And may your love fill our hearts and our minds and bring us peace. Today we pray for those who are lonely, those who are missing the gathering of family and friends. Cover each one in your loving embrace that the waiting may not be too long or too hard. Bring us all through to a satisfactory resolution so that once again we may gather to praise you, our Lord and our God. Amen

Thursday of Holy week 9^th April.

Collect for today (from the Prayer Book)

Grant, Lord,  that we who receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ may be the means by which the work of his salvation shall go forward; take, consecrate, break and distribute us, to be for all people a means of your grace and vehicles of your eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. This reading is perhaps best known as, ‘the words of institution’. They are often said as the congregation prepares for Holy Communion. In this reading we are taken back to the events just prior to the crucifixion and Paul is bringing these events to mind for his people.  Firstly we are reminded that it is a received word in other words it is an event that has been handed down directly from Jesus himself. As we celebrate Communion we are linking back to this primary event and doing as Jesus did. Communion is like a golden thread which links the whole Christian church together. We are a unity for all of us look back to this one tradition. In the Last Supper the Lord himself looked back to the Passover meal which went right back to the earliest Jewish origins. In this Passover Meal God declared the Covenant of Rescue encapsulated by the words, “I will be their God, they shall be my people.” In the Lord’s Supper Jesus said that it marked the beginning of the new Covenant. Through Jesus, God is the God of all people and all who believe in Jesus come under God’s salvation. The words of institution are not only words, as a received tradition we also believe that as the Supper is constituted Jesus himself is present with His people. As the Basis of Union says, speaking of the sacraments. “Christ himself acts in and through everything that the Church does in obedience to his commandment:”

For us, as we reflect on the events of Holy Week are reminded again that despite what Jesus had to face he was intentionally reminding his core followers that this event, this death and subsequent resurrection was instrumental to everything that God was doing. Each time we celebrate Holy Communion we look back to this key event but we also look forward to the final event when Jesus Christ will return and become Lord of all. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 NRSV

Prayer: Lord as we remember sharing communion with our community of the faithful we also remember the times when we have seemed so very close to you. In the sacraments you come very near to us, indeed you are present with us in a very real sense. So in this moment, though we are a scattered community grant to us that sense of your presence, that your hope and consolation will fill our hearts and minds and lift us above this present situation into the amazing sense that we are all united together in prayer and adoration. You alone are the one true God and in you alone we find all that we need for daily living. So dear Lord, refresh us and renew us. May we be strengthened to serve you in all that we are able to do. We ask in Jesus name. Amen

Read. John 13:1-15. This is a challenging reading. John pictures the action of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in the middle of their final supper together. In the culture of the day it was the action of the lowliest servant. In a dusty climate with dirty walkways and roads to wash your feet would bring a feeling of relief. Jesus chooses this most special of moments to perform this act. We have seen key church leaders symbolically washing the feet of people in a church setting, but this was not what John is describing. Here we have a real washing, a real cleansing and a true act of humble service. No wonder Peter draws back from letting Jesus touch his dirty feet: But Jesus is determined and will not let him withdraw. Notice too that Jesus washes all of their feet including Judas as John makes perfectly clear. The comfort of cleansed feet is given to each one. We can marvel at this lowly action on this momentous occasion. However Jesus then goes on to say that this is what I want you to do, this is how I want you to act. In what is a special time, one could say a sacred time in the best possible sense, Jesus sets aside his teaching role and takes up leadership through the humblest service. And that is surely the challenge for each Christian to be prepared to serve as the lowest, not striving always to be on top. It goes alongside of the command to love without exception. As we approach the festival of Easter and rejoice in all that Jesus has achieved on our behalf it is to strengthen us for lowly service. We are not called to be in charge but to serve the Lord and attend to the needs of those around us. At Easter we are transferred from the kingdom that promotes struggle and strife into the kingdom of the Lord who brings peace and blessing: We can do this only under his leadership.

Prayer. Holy Lord as we consider the challenge of humble service help us always to look to your leadership in our lives. Help us Lord to be ready to renounce worldly ambition and unworthy methods and trust only in your direction and power. Grant to us Lord the willingness to always work together in a harmony that promotes your Lordship. May we keep in focus the good news of all that has been achieved through your death and resurrection. Show us the way that we should go through the direction of your Holy Spirit. Grant us the courage and the insight to follow your leadership without hesitation. Take us by the hand and lead us into the glorious future that is ours because of Easter. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen

Wednesday of Holy week 8^th April.

Collect for today (from the Prayer Book)

Father in your plan of salvation, your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy.

May we come to share the glory of his resurrection, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Read. Hebrews 12:1-3. These are familiar, even comforting words. We are encouraged to think of all the saints that we have all known looking on and cheering us on as we run the race. Think how great a cloud there is encouraging us. Yet their encouragement is not simply an urging on but is a concerted effort to help us keep our eye on Jesus. It is this urging that brings us to the very heart of what we are about today, reflecting on Jesus as he prepared for the agony of the cross: but not only that, he was preparing for the very climax to a ministry that would set the whole creation free and hand it triumphantly back into God the Father’s care. As we think of this amazing feat about to be completed our own struggles are put into perspective: what is accomplished on the cross empowers us to face each day with renewed strength. It is this victory that assures us that in the end God will see us through; as the psalmist says, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLT2

Why? Because Jesus endured the cross, because of the victory he knew was within reach. That’s why Paul can say to the Corinthians, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT2 No matter where we are on life’s journey we too can be encouraged to know that Jesus will not only walk with us but will see us through to victory, the victory that was won on the cross.

Prayer. We enter into your presence gracious Lord because we come in the name of Jesus the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We come with joyful hearts for we know that long ago this same Jesus walked the way of the cross for our wholeness and healing. Yes Lord, by his stripes we are healed and by his grace we rejoice in the new life that Jesus brings. Though we remember events of long ago, we also know that Jesus now lives and reigns with you and his love and grace surround all his people. So we come to you with thanks and praise, asking only for a closer walk with you; that we may live the new life that Jesus has given. All praise to you Lord God Almighty. Amen.

Read. John 13:21-30. This story from Jesus’ last days brings with it a mood of sadness, even questioning. Betrayal brings with it such a sense of disappointment and failure. No true follower of Jesus would ever want betray him in any way, still as for the disciples it raises for us the question- “Lord who is it?” The question is answered and the betrayer is revealed. John ends this story with the sentence, “And it was night” or He went out into the night. On one hand it is just as statement of fact, the sun had set and night had come. His errand was to be conducted in the night. Then again maybe John presents us with a slightly different picture, namely that Judas was stepping out into darkness and away from the one who was to bring light into the world. The theme of Jesus as the bringer of light runs through John’s gospel and we are being reminded that Judas is moving away from light by his betrayal. Judas, by stepping away finds he has moved so far away that he can no longer return, and so is not able to receive forgiveness. We know that his failure was forgivable for Jesus died for the sins of the whole world; nothing stands outside of that forgiveness. The sad thing is that Judas could not bring himself to seek forgiveness and his life ended in tragedy.

What a distressing thing it would be to feel that you had stepped so far away from Jesus that you could not return and find both acceptance and forgiveness. The death of Jesus that we commemorate each Easter should dispel any doubt that anyone could move beyond the covering of forgiveness that Jesus has won. There is a song written late in the 19^th century by William Rees titled, “ Here is Love vast as the Ocean” The second verse reads:

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

No one ever stands outside of Jesus Christ’s forgiving love.

Prayer. O Lord, you have searched me and you know me, you know everything about me, you know my doubts and fears, you understand my weaknesses and my strengths, you know and understand me better than I know myself and still your love and care flows over me and I am surrounded by the amazing sense of your loving presence. Never let me stray from you but keep me close that I may live my life in true harmony with you and your will and purpose for me. In times of trial grant me strength and in times when all things are going well, help me to keep my attention fixed more surely on you, for you are my one true hope. Grant to me Lord the ministry to life my thoughts from my own needs to attend to the care and needs of others; recognising again and again that we are all your children and above all you call us to love one another. Keep safe all those who are in danger, and bring those who are in need to the comfort and strength that is necessary for them. May your peace and blessing surround those who are isolated and kept apart from loved ones, those who fear for the future and those whose hope is fading.

Grant to all of us dear Lord the gift of peace that passes all understanding; may our heart, mind and spirit be at one with you: may the name of Jesus be lifted high among us all. Amen