Lectionary notes

Lectionary for Trinity Sunday

Lectionary for Trinity Sunday

Jesus said: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me; remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:18, 20

Collect. Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Enable us to live by the Spirit, that, walking with Christ and rejoicing in your fatherly love, we may become partakers of the mystery of your divine being; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, three persons in one indivisible God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. 2 Corinthians 13:11-13. The Corinthian church seems to have been one of the most spiritually gifted churches in the New Testament. At the same time it seems also to have been one of the most wayward of all the churches. Thus as Paul writes his final section his thoughts turn to the good ordering of the church in Corinth. Much of the letter has been addressed to the leadership of the church, but now he deliberately addresses each member with the request to “put things in order!” Despite the many differences they are to live in peace and harmony with each other. No matter how divided, no matter how estranged they were from one another, their first duty was to Jesus Christ, the one who had redeemed them and called them into being the church at Corinth. Christ has made them new and as new people they had to put differences aside. As they lived and worshipped together in harmony the love and peace of God would surround them. Paul would not suggest that because they were in harmony the love and peace of God would come but rather once they stopped their squabbles they would recognise the love and peace that God continually provided. Enfolded in this love and peace they were linked in relationship with all other Christian leaders and congregations, one great family together under God. Jesus calls us all to be disciplined enough to allow differences to be overcome in order that we as Christian congregations live in loving harmony.

Following his request, as an epilogue, Paul writes this amazing benediction which has blessed not only the Corinthians but the whole Christian Church down through the centuries. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you”.

It is of course a fitting reading to reflect on as we celebrate Trinity Sunday yet more than that, this cluster of phrases remind us of the all encompassing love of God which surrounds each Christian. Furthermore it is this love which is so complete that it allows and at the same time compels us to live together in love and harmony regardless of differences.

Prayer. You Holy Spirit are the true source of harmony and love among all believers; so today we pray for your coming among us day by day, bringing that change of heart and mind which allows for all to work together in agreement. Though we may be different, help us each to recognise that it is by your grace that any of us are included in God’s family. So help us to rejoice in the privilege, rather than debate the differences. Help us to recognise more and more that truth, honour and glory belong to you. We pray through Jesus Christ the only Saviour. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 28:16-20. Many words have been used unpacking this reading, often referred to as “The Great Commission”. Today as it is the Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday let us pay some attention to the Trinitarian aspect of the reading, namely the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Because Matthew records the words that Jesus used this helps us recognise that from the very beginning the Christian Church has regarded the Trinity as the accepted way towards belief in God. Some have argued that because the word “Trinity” does not occur in the bible we should not use or consider this formula. However everyone who believes that the bible is the word of God can clearly read that the description of God falls within these three eternal persons. In the first chapter of Genesis we read that God was the Creator, the Father of all that is. Directly involved in this creation was the Sprit of God brooding over the formless darkness anticipating the coming creation.

We read that God spoke the word and it came into being. John in his opening chapter reminds us that God’s Word was Jesus and as the Son, Jesus was also directly involved in the creation of all things. (Colossians 1:15) Thus at the very beginning of our scriptures a description of God as Trinity is already in place. Scattered through both the Old and the New Testaments we find reference to God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is with this Trinitarian formula that Christians have traditionally been baptised as this was the stated direction of Jesus.

The New Testament makes it perfectly clear that God is one. The God whom the Christian church believes in is the God spoken of in the Old Testament. We do not worship several gods. As Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, “there is no God but one”. (1 Corinth 8:4) Christianity is essentially faith in a monotheistic God. This God is the creator of all that is and also a God who reaches out to humankind in order to reconcile them to himself, through a New Covenant. (2 Corinth 5:19)

The passage we are reading today confirms that God is one and yet Jesus names three persons within that oneness. God comes to us as three persons which is for us most important. It is because God is three persons that we can even begin to relate to God in a personal way. Without the relationship within the Trinity God would be obscured in mystery.

John says in the opening of his Gospel that the Word of God who was with God and in God was also God. We recognise the Word as being no other than Jesus. Then John goes on to say that the Word became flesh, that is to say Jesus became a human being. It is because Jesus became a human being that we can even begin to have some knowledge of God. In Jesus, God and humanity became coupled together and we as human beings could see, hear, and understand something of God’s essence and nature. That is why John in his first letter names Jesus as the Word of life. (1 John 1:1) Jesus came, we can know him and by knowing him we can receive true life.

Jesus came from the Father, revealing himself to humanity so that we could love him and also be loved by the Father. (John 14) The Holy Spirit comes to us from the Father and the Son so that we can know more of the truth about Jesus. God gives us faith in order to believe and it is the Holy Spirit who is with us who helps and guides us in that faith.

The authority we have to go out on mission comes from Jesus and the ability to be effective as missionaries comes from the equipping of the Holy Spirit. Recognising the Trinity is more than trying to understand a doctrine it is recognising the very nature of the God whom we love and adore, the God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Prayer. You O Lord are a good and gracious God; your ways are perfect and through the power of your Holy Spirit your commands are always possible. Forgive us that we hear your commands so faintly; forgive us when we are neglectful of your call. Help us to hear again your words of command. Thank you for giving us the gifts we need to fulfil all that you desire. Help us to be ready to receive good news and then be prepared to share good news with all those that we meet on the journey into life. In all that we do may we give praise and honour to you, for you are, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Collect. O God, in you we live and move and have our being. You have taken flesh in Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit you give yourself to us; gratefully, we bow before you, and offer our thanks and praise in Jesus name. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:13

Lectionary for Pentecost

Lectionary for Pentecost.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people; and kindle in us the fire of your love.

The day of Pentecost had come, and they were all together in one place. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:1, 4

Collect. Let us pray (for the power of the Holy Spirit): Almighty God, who on the day of Pentecost sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples with the wind from heaven and with tongues of flame, filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel: send us out in the power of the same Spirit to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. John 7:37-39. This passage written after the Ascension reminds us that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is linked to the victory that the ministry of Jesus achieved. The festival that Jesus is attending in Jerusalem is the festival of Tabernacles. (Lev 23:33) It was a joyful celebration which called to mind the journey made through the wilderness and on into the Promised Land. It was a celebration filled with hope; the hope of God’s future promise of salvation. Conducted at the end of the year it anticipated the New Year with optimism.

During each day of the festival the priest would pour a golden container of water over the altar in the temple, looking forward to the rains which would bring the harvest but it was also looking forward to the time when God would pour out his Spirit and bring the Messiah to liberate Israel. The festival looked forward to a time of freedom, prosperity and security. Thus the festival was conducted with a joyful sense of expectation. For it recounted the words from the prophet Isaiah who had prophesied, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation!” (Isaiah 12:3)

It was into that setting that Jesus makes his statement, making it all the more dramatic by standing and with a loud voice calling out his announcement. He is not teaching for a teacher sat to teach. By standing he is like a Town Crier informing the people of an event or an action that is now taking place. Furthermore Jesus is also drawing attention to himself as the giver of the living water of salvation.

We remember that John is looking back to this event and so reminding the believers that the living water of the Sprit is poured out after the cross and resurrection and so the gift of the Spirit is given by Jesus direct from the throne of grace where he is now seated, i.e. glorified.

It is a reminder that the nourishment from Jesus comes to all believers through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit protects and sustains and also equips each believer to serve in Jesus’ name.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you for the Living Water that Jesus brings; water that refreshes and sustains us each and every day. We thank you for His unfailing love and for his sacrifice which continues to bring the forgiveness that we need to stay close to you. We thank you that through your gifts from the Holy Spirit the ministry on earth can continue until that day when our Lord returns in triumph. In all things we give you praise and honour, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Acts 2:1-21. This passage is very familiar and has many interesting points. Pentecost is a Greek word meaning fifty. In the Jewish calendar this event occurred fifty days after Passover and was called the Festival of Weeks. It was like a harvest festival for it marked the beginning of the wheat harvest. It was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and provision. Pentecost then is the Christian name for the harvest that the power of the Holy Spirit gave to the church. Jesus had promised an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which would give power from on high to continue the work that Jesus came to do.

They were “all together” and so it is the whole community that is blessed and empowered. All receive a blessing from the Spirit and the visible sign of this gifting is that they all begin to speak in other languages.

The church has lived through an era where this ability to speak in a language which has not been learned has assumed perhaps a greater significance than was intended in this passage. In Luke’s description the emphasis is not on the ability to speak in a foreign tongue, (though this is undoubtably true), but that as they spoke they declared God’s deeds of power. The Holy Spirit gave to the whole community the ability to witness to the power and promise of God, made visible in Jesus Christ!

Luke describes a gathering of people who have come from many different nations. This would be in accord with the usual Jewish gathering for the festival of Weeks for it was more popular even than Passover.

It is to this varied gathering that the first Christian sermon is preached. Peter addresses the sceptics by reminding them that is early in the day. Then he quickly moves on to link what he has to say, with the promise from the Hebrew Scriptures familiar to all the hearers. The prophecy from Joel anticipated the Day of the Lord, a day which would re-establish the nation of Israel as God’s People and usher in the promised Messiah. This future promise longingly anticipated by the people was also linked with the Festival of Weeks that was being celebrated. Peter draws together all these hopes and dreams and powerfully points to Jesus as the one who will bring God’s salvation to all who call on the name of the Lord.

As Christians Pentecost is a day of celebration. It is often described as the birthday of the church which is not strictly accurate for the church was born when Jesus rose from the tomb as the Head of the Church but it is the empowering of the church. This was the day when the whole church was empowered to declare that Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. That empowering did not stop at Pentecost but continues on today: only through the empowering of the Holy Spirit can the Church declare the true message that the life and death and resurrection of Jesus accomplished. With that in mind it is a day of celebration!

Prayer. Almighty and everlasting God we give you all thanks and praise for the Day of Pentecost when from the throne of grace our Lord Jesus Christ gave the promised Holy Spirit to fall upon the Church, bringing the gift to preach justice, peace and power within your perfect love. We give you thanks that Pentecost reminds us that Father, Son and Holy Spirit bring the unity which constantly maintains the life of the Church. We pray that as we receive your gifts we may use them wisely to honour the Name of Jesus our Lord. Fill us afresh with your peace and love that we may go out as your people and in word and deed declare your love and salvation. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, breathe upon us today as you breathed upon the disciples; fill us with your Spirit of peace and send us out to be your people, for you live as the Risen One, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 7

Lectionary for Easter 7

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your cares on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Collect. Almighty and eternal God, your Son our Saviour is with you in eternal glory. Give us faith to see that, true to his promise, he is among us still, and will be with us to the end of time; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Acts 1:6-14. The reading for this week points us to the Ascension. In some Christian traditions it passes by almost unnoticed yet it is the necessary conclusion to the earthly ministry of Jesus. Jesus came in human form, ministered and died as a human and then rose again. This final earthly act reveals to the disciples that Jesus is returning to God as a man. The implications for this are profound, that Jesus as the New man has entered into God’s presence. As a human he is now seated at the “right hand of God”. (Hebrews 10:12)

Luke reminds us that for forty days after the resurrection Jesus taught them and his major theme was the Kingdom of God. We remember that from the first records we read of Jesus in the gospels Jesus announces the coming Kingdom of God. (Mark 1:15. Luke 4:43) Some scholars suggest that by asking the question “Will you now restore the kingdom to Israel” they still did not understand Jesus’ ministry. However after forty days of teaching their understanding of the kingdom that Jesus foresaw would have been quite clear. With his return to the very throne of grace Jesus is now placed in the seat of power and so establishment of a kingdom directed from heaven would have made perfect sense. Jesus reminds them of the tasks to which they are called and that is to witness to all that Jesus has taught them. This action of witnessing will be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit which will soon be given to them.

After this commissioning Jesus is taken up as they are watching. This final act that the disciples observed inspires them to greater confidence and they return to Jerusalem filled with joy and worshipping God. (Luke 24:52) The descriptive words used are “lifted up” and just what this means we can only speculate, but that a cloud obscured their view of him tells us that he is no longer visible to the disciples. William Barkley remarks that the disciple’s current understanding was that heaven was beyond the sky and so that fits with their description of the Ascension event. (Daily Study Bible. Acts p.7) For us today the description assures us that Jesus has entered the glory that was rightfully his from the beginning. Jesus is with God in every sense of the word and from there his power and authority is now absolute, no wonder the disciples returned to Jerusalem praising God with joy. Knowing that Jesus is seated in this position of power fills all believers with confident hope.

Prayer. Gracious Lord, you have put all things in their proper place and by your hand you sustain both life and living. Grant that we may trust you more and more and put our whole confidence in you. We know that Jesus our Saviour sits at your right hand and through him we have access to your presence. May this great privilege inspire us to greater faithfulness, trusting in your goodness alone may we be true witnesses to all that Jesus has achieved. This we ask in his most holy name. Amen

Reading. John 17:1-11. This is the Great Priestly Prayer that Jesus verbally prayed in the hearing of his disciples. It is a very personal prayer but clearly was important for the whole church to know and understand. In this prayer we discover that Jesus is sharing his father’s glory in a perfect union.

Just prior to the prayer Jesus has promised that the disciples will be equipped with all that is needed for the ministry that they will undertake. (Thus, ask for anything you need; John16:23f) The work that Jesus came to do is now complete for through offering himself on the cross the victory has been won. Now Jesus is glorified in God’s sight. In one sense it is “mission accomplished!”. Now the time has come to pass on his authority to those who are called to continue the work of proclaiming all that Jesus has achieved. Part of that calling is the understanding that with eternal life comes a union with Jesus himself. Just as Jesus is in perfect union with his Father, so through eternal life comes a similar union with each believer. Jesus does not pray for all but for those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. It is belief that separates those in union with Jesus and those who are not in union. Only belief and trust in the finished work of Jesus brings eternal life.

John’s message to the church comes as many believers are facing hard times not least were the spasmodic persecutions by the Roman authorities. Along with that was the rise of significant heresies which often denied the divinity of Jesus. John is writing to assure the church of the essential nature of the ministry of Jesus. Thus the wisdom and insight that comes through the reading and remembering of this priestly prayer gives a great sense of confidence to those who are witnessing to Jesus’ ministry as well as greatly encouraging believers. Today as we carefully read Jesus’ prayer we see what a privilege we have through Jesus for by his grace we too are linked into a harmonious union with God.

Prayer. Holy Lord, it is by your grace that we dare to approach you through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ. By your mercy we are sustained day by day. You surround us with good things and at all times uphold us. In all of life’s circumstances we can rely on your caring presence. So we give thanks and praise to you for all that you have done for us through Jesus. Grant that we may always trust in him as we live out our lives as his faithful witnesses. May our words and our deeds flow always from the inspiration of your Holy Spirit. We pray in the of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Jesus, you have prayed that we may be one, as you are one with the Father. Prompt our imagination, that we may look beyond the divisions of your Church; empower us by your Spirit of unity that we may live in life eternal, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 6

Lectionary for Easter 6

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who challenges you to account for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15

Collect. God our Father, you have redeemed us in Jesus your Son, and given to your Church the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, to dwell with us for ever. Strengthen us by your Spirit of truth, that we may show our love for Christ by keeping his commandments, and by always being ready to give an account of the hope that is in us. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. 1 Peter 3:13-22. The letter of Peter was probably written in Rome and some scholars suggest that the letter was present in the church some time after the death of James the brother of Jesus. This death seems to have caused a dispersion of believers during the reigns of Emperors Nero and Domitian and during this time persecution of the believers occurred. It is perhaps why a significant theme in this letter from Peter is that of suffering. No one by nature looks to experience suffering but Peter is recording that suffering is a real and present danger for believers at this time. The writer does not give an explanation or even a justification for suffering it is simply stated that Jesus suffered and so do believers. However as we see in this short passage despite suffering, believers at all times should choose to be virtuous and so honour the name of Jesus who did not kick against suffering but bore it with grace. Jesus’ forbearance not only fulfilled scripture (Isaiah 53:7) but it also signified his trust in God and so honoured God. In all his suffering Jesus demonstrated his reliance on God which enabled him to endure. Peter is urging all believers to emulate the action and attitude that Jesus showed by always being ready to do those things which are good. He is urging believers to accept suffering even when one is suffering for doing what is right. This acceptance will develop ones character and emphasise that our hope is not in self defence but in the lordship of Jesus. Furthermore, growing in this hope will provide an opportunity to witness our faith in Jesus Christ more effectively. The whole tone of this passage is that a believer should live out their lives in a gentle way, always ready to trust that God will provide all that is needed.

This passage is quite at odds with the expectations of modern society. Today we almost see it as our right not to suffer and see suffering as a bad thing. Yet the fact remains that suffering is a normal part of life. All of us will experience loss, failure and disappointments both slight and deep. How we respond to these events in life will reveal our character and the depth of our trust in God. Hebrews 13:5f reminds us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (NRSV). It is easy to say, “I trust God with all my heart” when things are going well but it takes character to truly believe those words when things are going badly. Peter recognizes that life will present us with bad times and for the sake of the faith, and for our own peace of mind, he wants us to develop character and so be ready!

Prayer. Holy Lord help us to remember that Jesus was often surrounded by experiences of suffering and constantly drew his strength from you. Help us to similarly rely on you to give us the strength to endure in all circumstances. We thank and praise you that Jesus has faced all the things in life that would hold us away from you. Grant that by your grace we may trust fully in your providential care for each moment of our lives. When a time of suffering comes may we have the courage to face it firm in our faith, always trusting in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; in whose name we pray. Amen

Reading. John 14:15-21. As is usual in this short passage John touches on many points. Here, Jesus as he comes to the completion of his ministry through his death on the cross, is transferring the task of ministry to the disciples. Thus the major emphasis in this passage is on faith. Ephesians reminds us that faith is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8). It is faith that guides us to believe in Jesus Christ and recognise what he has done on our behalf. This in turn leads us to love him and his work. It is love which moves us to keep the commandments of Jesus. We might think that because the disciples saw Jesus both before and after the crucifixion that love and belief for them would be much simpler: yet we need to understand that accepting the resurrection was just as challenging for them as it is for us. Only faith recognises that resurrection is God’s action and has accomplished so much more than bringing back to life someone who had died, wonderful though that is!

It is love that keeps each believer living in God’s way not in the world’s way, trusting in what Jesus has done. Keeping the commandments of Jesus is different from keeping the Law. It was keeping the Law which related you to God but it is first knowing and loving Jesus that keeps you obedient to the commandments of Jesus.

As we love and obey, Jesus has ask that we continue to receive the help of the Holy Spirit. We need the presence of the Holy Spirit in order to belong to Jesus. (Romans 8:9). Furthermore it is the Spirit who keeps us informed about the true message of Jesus as we live out our lives. It is the power of the Spirit which allows us to love and forgive those around us in the way that Jesus would want. John further reminds us that we live in a world where there will be those who know nothing of the Spirit’s existence so we should not be surprised when some are hard and unloving.

It is this unspiritual way of life that we see all around us at times that makes the promise of Jesus’ presence to be with us such a comfort. Knowing his presence gives us confidence in the future for it reminds us that God’s plans through Jesus will succeed. Additionally this encourages us to look forward to a time when like the first disciples we too will see the risen Christ in all his glory. Now when we see the state of the world we can only pray come soon Lord Jesus and yet if we reflect on our passage for this week from Peter we are reminded that sometimes simply enduring when times are tough is the best witness that we can give.

Prayer. Lord Jesus you are the author and the giver of peace for by your death on the cross and your victory all things have been reconciled back to God. Forgive us when we believe that things are getting worse, rather than trusting in your ongoing work against evil. Through your sacrifice we know that change is not only possible but necessary. So Lord we ask that you re-direct our lives, transforming us with the power that lies with God alone. Grant us your peace and grant peace to all those who struggle with their daily existence. By your Holy Spirit protect your people and bring about that harmony of purpose that always seeks to honour you and you alone. Let our hearts be as one as we pray, may our minds be focussed on gaining new understandings from your word, and may our lives be so changed by your radiant presence that life itself will for us be an even greater blessing. In all we do may your name be glorified, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect. Ever living God, in you we live and move, in you we have our being; may your Spirit of truth open to us the mind of Christ, that we love one another as he loved us, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 5

Lectionary for Easter 5

Jesus says:‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.’ John 14:6

Collect. O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. 1 Peter 2:2-10. As we look at this passage from chapter 2 let us look first at the final two verses. Verse 9 is a snapshot of what the tribes that were descendants of Abraham were destined to be. This is summed up in a number of places for example Isaiah 43:2f. “my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise”. Then in verse 10 Peter is directing his thoughts both to Jewish Christians as well as gentile Christians, “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” From the writers perspective this is not a promise for the future but is a practical reality right now in the present; his is what you are! This is a great affirmation and a joyful climax of what the writer is trying to express. However before we grasp at that wonderful promise we need to go back to consider what Peter has written previously in the earlier part of this passage. It is clear that the “Old Israel” if we may call them that, had lost their promised destiny because of their disobedience and so the “New Israel” has now come into being. The disobedience which caused people to stumble was none other than the person of Jesus, risen and victorious. Jesus is the “stone” on which the whole people of God stand. The word used to describe this “stone’ is Lithos which describes a stone that has been shaped by a stone mason and then put in just the right place, as God intended. This rightly placed stone is precious to all who believe for from this stone true life proceeds. Peter is urging the believers to long for pure milk as a hungry infant would. The emphasis is on the “pure milk”, it is not opposed to “meat” as for example in 1 Corinthians 3; this “pure milk” is the real substance of the Christian life for which we need to long. It is this pure milk which grows each believer on into salvation, each taking their place as a living stone, resting on the Living Stone.

This is an exciting affirmation of the Christian faith and is made even more exciting by clearly including all who believe in Jesus Christ. The security of resting on the Living Stone is not just for a chosen few, all are welcome in God’s spiritual house.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you that you have sent Jesus to be the Saviour to redeem us. May our hearts always cling to him and trusting in him alone may we grow in grace, each day rejoicing in the salvation that Jesus has won for us. In all our daily living grant that our lives may express our thanks and praise, always honouring you. We pray in the name which is above all other names. Amen

Reading. John 14:1-14. Jesus has been teaching his disciples about his death and resurrection and these events, because they are so revolutionary, will leave the disciples shocked and insecure. Though they do not as yet understand Jesus word is guiding them past doubt and unbelief and so it is belief which is the key component of this well loved passage. Believe and everything else falls into place for it is belief not only in God but in Jesus Christ himself. The key thing that flows from believing is that there is room for “you’ in God’s house. Various translations use a variety of words to signal this welcome, mansions, dwelling places, and even “more than enough room”.(NLT) The word used in the Greek is “Mone” which has the meaning of a place to stay, It is a place in which to settle and be secure. This security is unlike our earthly life which is often very unsettled, indeed can sometimes be quite disturbed. Thus these words from Jesus give the believer the certainty of a settled life which remains in eternity and gives a permanent place with God. It is the sure promise of our eternal home.

Jesus is teaching his disciples that he is going on ahead to prepare a home with God for them but then will return and take them to the home which is prepared. Thomas’s question is often our question, what is the way for us to get where Jesus is? Jesus shows Thomas that that is the wrong question for there is no method which will achieve that security there is only Jesus himself for only in Jesus can we make it to our eternal home.

We live in a world where it is thought right to be inclusive and that has led to the understanding that there are many roads to God. However Christianity believes that there is no road to God there is only the person of Jesus who himself gathers us into god and the security of God’s home. When Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” it was not meant as an exclusive statement but is an inclusive statement for through Jesus all can find God and the home he has prepared for them. Jesus is reminding us that it can never be our way it will always be God’s way and Gods way is Jesus.

Prayer. Lord we live our lives juggling with a myriad things and each one seems so important that it is easy to forget that you are the one who holds our life and our hopes in your hand. You are never hurried but are surrounded by the peace which passes all understanding. Renew in us the belief of your great love for the world. Through your gracious love we can be at peace, at peace with ourselves and at peace with each other. Help us Lord to live the life that you have given to us; help us to live in ways that honour you and may our every action proclaim the victory that is ours through Jesus Christ. In his name we pray that our whole world might find peace and a place in which to belong. We pray, hasten the day when all will find a harmony with each other, so that the whole world will be a true home again. Amen.

Collect. Gracious Father, we have seen you in your Son Jesus Christ; may he keep us from faithless ways of stumbling, falsehood and death, and hold us in communion with you, in whom is life eternal; in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 3

Lectionary for Easter 3

How could I ever repay all God’s bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon God’s name. Psalm 116:12-13

Collect. O God, on this day you gather together your pilgrim Church throughout the world to keep the memory of the Lord’s resurrection. Pour out the Holy Spirit on us now, that in the celebration of the eucharist we may recognise the crucified and risen Christ, who opens our hearts to understand the Scriptures and who reveals himself in the breaking of the bread: for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Acts 2:14a, 36-41 In the oral history and in the sacred writings of the Hebrews there was never any attempt to down play the failures and disobedience of the people. The whole of their history was a record of disobedience and then return. It was a history that the prophets did not try to avoid because it was the consequences that followed from their disobedience that brought about God’s judgement and also emphasised his faithfulness and mercy. Time and time again the prophets had proposed that only in returning to God and resting in God’s way would the people find true salvation. (Isaiah 30:15)

With that in mind we see that Peter’s sermon is following the pattern the prophets had set ages before. Their disobedience has led to disaster. However this time Peter announces that the very one that the people were expecting to come from God to rescue them was indeed the same Jesus that they had betrayed and destroyed. To discover that they had rejected the very one that God has sent would have cut deep into their relationship with God. In their minds for centuries they had waited patiently and expectantly for God’s promised salvation. (Isaiah 25:9) No wonder the text says “they were cut to the heart”; this was the last thing they would have expected and they are mortified. Peter, speaking with the authority of the Holy Spirit brings the truth to them and they respond. The question is, “What shall we do?” and the answer is to repent and be baptised. Repentance is to actively change our mind about the love and mercy of the Lord God.

Though all hear and many make a welcomed response there are those who do not respond. God communicates with us in many different ways but the spoken word often brings a message from the Spirit through the audible words of a speaker. Sadly in our culture we are trained to evaluate messages for so often we are bombarded with messages. Just at the moment there is a debate about the negative role of internet influencers who peddle misinformation to the detriment of others. So discernment needs to be actively exercised and yet sometimes we can miss the opportunity to hear a clear message from God.

Peter’s hearers were confronted with a significant act of disobedience and they needed to make an immediate adjustment to their relationship with God. Peter declares the truth and it is this truth which opens the way to forgiveness and freedom. (John 8:32) The new believers waste no time and at once turn to God and accept God’s forgiveness and mercy. Having made that decision the new believers joined in the activities of the Christian fellowship. For us, our decision needs to be equally decisive: Thus, when we hear God’s call we too need to respond.

Prayer. Lord God, we thank you that you have not required of us that we should comprehend Christianity; for if that were required, we should of all people be the most miserable. The more we seek to comprehend it the more incomprehensible it appears to be. Therefore we praise you that you only require faith, and so we pray that you would increase it more and more. To the honour and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Adapted from Soren Kierkegaard)

Holy Lord give us the ears which will hear your voice and in obedience follow on your way, trusting only in the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit One God for ever more. Amen

Reading Luke 24:13-35. This story which tradition has named the “Walk to Emmaus” comes to us on two different levels. Firstly it is Luke who has set out to record all that Jesus did and taught in his two letters retained by the early church. (Acts 1:1) Here then is Luke’s description of a resurrection appearance of Jesus. The New Testament hints at many appearance stories which are not fully described. This is perhaps not surprising for Jesus was physically present with his disciples for forty days after the resurrection event. Thus Luke is reminding the early church that Jesus met with these two disciples as they journeyed home to Emmaus.

Secondly Luke is recording this event in order to teach the church members who would be reading this passage many years after Jesus had returned in glory to the Father. For this reason alone it is worthy of more careful consideration.

Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the significant centre of the Jewish faith. Just the act of walking away reminds us of the disappointment that the two companions are feeling. While they are fully engaged in the ministry and the expectations of Jesus, their understanding was incomplete. As Jesus joined them Luke says, something kept them from recognising who he was. We do not know why they failed to recognise him, only that his true identity remained hidden. Sometimes the harshness and the reality of life can lead us to believe that the help that God can provide is far away.

When Jesus asks them what they were discussing one of the disciples is named. This suggests that this disciple at least was known by many in the church and so gives added veracity to Luke’s remembrance. There is also a little mystery here for while Cleopas or Clopas was a relatively common name, (the name means “the whole glory”) Cleopas was also the name of the husband of Mary who was the half sister to the mother of Jesus. Is Luke reminding his contemporary readers that these two disciples are known to the church?

In order to answer the description from the two disciples of who Jesus was and the events that had preceded their journey, Jesus himself takes them back to through the scriptures, showing them that it is in the scriptures that the life and destiny of Jesus is described. The faith is more than a feeling but is grounded in all that God has planned and purposed and revealed to us through the written word of prophecy. Amos 3:7 As the word comes alive the disciples respond. It is as Jesus explains the scriptures that he brings a new hope that opens their eyes to a whole new possibility but emphasising that Jesus was destined to suffer and die but then be revealed in all his glory. Were not our hearts burning within us.

As Luke’s description comes to an end Jesus makes to walk on but the disciples invite him into their home. By inviting him to break and divide the bread as they share the meal they show him what was normal Jewish hospitality. It is in that normal life sharing experience that their eyes are opened and they see that this person in front of them is indeed Jesus. The formula that Luke uses is suggestive of the Lord’s Supper but that does not mean that Jesus was preparing to distribute “communion bread”, it could be that but more broadly this is the sharing of an ordinary meal. Luke’s point is that the Risen Lord meets them in the ordinary and the every day. Jesus renews their faith and gives them all the confidence they need to face the future with hope.

Prayer. Risen Lord Jesus we pray that you would walk with us as you walked with those two disciples long ago. Refresh and renew our faith that our trust in you may flourish and grow. Guide us through all the events of life that at all times we may place our confidence and hope in you. As we stay close to you may we never be ashamed to own you as our Lord and on every step may our obedient walk demonstrate your goodness and your grace. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect, Loving God, guide and friend, in Christ you walk through life with us. We thank you for his presence in word and sacrament. Renew and restore us, that we may proclaim Jesus the Living One, the hope of the world; this we pray in his name. Amen.

Lectionary for Second Sunday of Easter

Lectionary for Second Sunday Easter

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Collect. Let us pray (that Christ will give us a share in his glory): 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.

Reading. Acts 2:14a, 22-32. The lectionary passage for today emphasises that Peter is speaking to Israelites. Peter begins by reminding them that he and many of his listeners have witnessed the events which lead up to the crucifixion. This was despite the common understanding that Jesus was truly a man of God because of the ministry he had conducted. Despite this understanding the people colluded with the religious authorities and handed Jesus over to those who were “outside the law”. In other words Jesus was handed over to those who did not know or understand the ways of the Lord God of Israel. Despite this Peter reminds them that all this action was fully understood by God for it was part of God’s definitive plan for Jesus. However God’s plan still had one more action to follow the crucifixion and God raised him from the finality of death, freeing him to live again. Peter connects this godly event with the well established promise that one of David’s descendants would sit on the throne of Israel for ever. Eternally!

The prophetic voice that one would come who would rescue God’s People was critical to the understanding they had with God and with each other. It was on this promise that they built the hope that led them on into the future believing that God was securing their ultimate destiny. The Jews came from a fascination for ancestry for they all traced their origin from one human father, Abraham. Thus in this sermon Peter is saying that Jesus was one of us, he was family but more than that he was also the one whom God had promised. Though Jesus had died, God’s promised victory through him could not be denied and so Jesus lives and still is ready to lead God’s people on to freedom.

Prayer. We offer our grateful thanks to you again and again, O Lord. We never cease to marvel at your patience and kindness as we stumble along life’s way. Today we give you thanks for the Christ whose love is believable because it is founded on the truth of your faithfulness. It is the Risen Jesus who stands with us as we experience the struggles, issues and situations of life which we face. It is Jesus who gives us the courage and the strength to endure and to remain faithful. Thanks to you, O God, for the wonder of your grace. May we continue to be bold and strong for you. Amen.

Reading. John 20:19-31. Often as we read this passage our attention turns to Thomas but we know that John’s focus is always on Jesus. Suffice it to say that in Jesus Thomas’s need to know is fulfilled and then swept aside as the realisation of the Lordship of Jesus dawns on him. This is as John intends. Thomas was only verbalising the fear that all the disciples were experiencing as they gathered together in a locked house. Through the isolation that fear had produced Jesus comes and joins them. The first thing that Jesus offers to them is his peace. In Jesus there is a deep and lasting peace as he had promised in a previous teaching session. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.(John 14:27) As his peace flows over them the disciples rejoice for in that peace they know that this is the Lord and it is then that Jesus commissions them to take out the same message that God had given to Jesus. The message is that God’s Kingdom was breaking in through the Lord Jesus. In order to accomplish the task set before them by Jesus they would need the power and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Taking out the true message of Jesus is not a human work but is always the work of the Spirit.

It is after the commissioning that John describes the struggle that Thomas has with the resurrection of Jesus for resurrection is always a supernatural event that only Jesus can reveal. John is reminding his readers that in order to know the resurrection one must also know Jesus for when you know Jesus you know that resurrection is true and can be trusted. As Jesus’ peace comes to Thomas he no longer wants to put is fingers in the nail-holes but utters the statement of worship, “My Lord and my God”. John places Thomas in the position that all who hear his gospel would have been in, namely believing without physically seeing the Risen Jesus. John then emphasizes the fulfilment that believing brings. Those who continue to believe that Jesus is the Lord have the peace and joy of life eternally in the presence of Jesus the Risen Lord.

Prayer. Almighty God, we give our heartfelt thanks that our Lord Jesus Christ your Son has overcome death and opened for us the promised gift of everlasting life. We thank you for he peace and assurance his victory brings to all who believe. We continue to live in the hope that even in death you make all things new; now by his power we have new life with you. Keep his words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep our focused on his presence and grant us the power to be obedient to your word. You O Lord are our sword and shield, the defender of our live in you: Keep us firm in the faith until that time we like those first disciples enjoy life face to face with you. All praise to you ever one God, world without end. Amen

Collect. O Christ, raised from the dead, you come unbidden, the wounded God in our midst, bringing life to all; enlarge our minds and our hearts, that we may believe, and love you, for all you have done, for you live now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter Day.

Lectionary for Easter Day

Jesus said: ‘It is written, that the Christ is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations.’ Luke 24:46-47

Collect. God our Father, by raising Christ your Son you conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today renew our lives by the Holy Spirit who is given to us. Grant 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.

Reading. Isaiah 25:6-9. We have made reference before to the social situation that prevailed when Isaiah was prophesying. The nation was facing a dire situation and the judgement of God was hanging over the surrounding nations and also in the nation of Judah as well. Despite the word of judgement here in this section from Isaiah there comes this word of hope. The future amplified by the phrase “this is the lord we have waited for him” lies at the mercy of God. Despite all the failure the faithful Lord is still waiting to rescue his people and fulfil his promise to them. However, Isaiah’s vision recognises more than just restoration of the Jewish nation, his vision sees a whole world restored. The desolate “shroud” that blankets out all hope is to be lifted from all the nations. This picture shows a wonderful insight. In Isaiah’s prophecy the rescue is not just for a time or a period it is forever for he goes on to say that this victory will “swallow up” death. In other words this rescue that the Lord will bring about will open up an endless future without pain and suffering, it will be everlasting. As Christians we understand this promise in the light of Jesus’ ministry and sacrifice, for this promise is confirmed through the resurrection. Isaiah did not know of Jesus in the same way that we do: For him this promise of eternal salvation is essential to the loving nature of the Lord God. Yes! the Lord God is a God of justice who demands from all people that they live in a just manner. Though these same people and nations may fail to do justice, still this God of justice is also a God of mercy, and continues to reach out with a plan of rescue. we see revealed in the Easter story the prophetic insight that Isaiah describes. It is here that the God of justice and mercy lays down his life in order to offer an eternal rescue. As we marvel at the mystery of the Easter events Isaiah is saying look, here is our God, we have waited for him so that he might save us!

Prayer. Merciful God we stand in awe at your great salvation, won for us through your Son Jesus Christ who on the cross became the world’s Redeemer. How we thank and praise you for the gift of life that was won for us in that full and sufficient sacrifice. May we never handle that gift lightly but nurture and treasure the new life we now can live, honouring you in all we do and say. This we ask through Jesus Christ, the one true Saviour. Amen

Reading. Luke 24:13-49. Luke has already described how the group of women who witnessed the place where the crucified body of Jesus has been laid had now received the message from two men in dazzling clothes that Jesus had risen and so was now once more alive. It is little wonder that the gathered disciples found that message hard to believe. From Luke’s perspective the empty tomb is singularly important for the empty tomb signals the failure of death to hold Jesus down; his life and ministry are ongoing.

It is then in Luke’s account that the resurrected Jesus meets two disciples on their journey to their home in Emmaus. Luke is revealing the Risen Lord once again in the ordinariness of human life. Through his resurrection Jesus has become the new Man, no longer in bondage to death, he has faced judgement and returned to life and living. He is the New Creation, but he is also the link between the old order and the new order which is now breaking in. The disciples describe how they had seen Jesus as the one who would redeem Israel and now Jesus uses the scripture to describe how through the Messiah the Kingdom of God is a present reality.

Luke describes Jesus embracing all the ancient truths that they would have been familiar with. In his Emmaus story he is extending this teaching to all his readers. Here in the everyday life of two ordinary disciples the Risen Lord walks with the disciples as they struggle with the issues of life. Here was a couple immersed in sadness, with lost hope and facing a grim future. Jesus helps them face the realities of life as they understand what the scripture says about Jesus. In this way Jesus opened their eyes to a whole new set of possibilities. In Jesus the Risen Lord, new life is possible.

We have lived with the idea of resurrection for we live post the Easter event. Perhaps to some extent we may have lost sight of how radical and amazing is the resurrection. Resurrection changes life completely: It opens a door into a new world. Through the resurrection of Jesus we see that God is in charge and there is no limit to the future God offers. Jesus really does make a difference and Luke’s description reminds us, where ever his disciples are the love and care of Jesus surrounds them.

Prayer. Forgive us Lord if in the rush of life we have missed your presence. Touch our lives again today. Help us to see clearly and with confidence look for signs of your presence among us. We thank you that you are the Living Lord, always with us. If we have held our lives apart from you, fearing that you would not understand: Forgive us Lord for your woundedness expresses a pain we will never have to face. When we have lightly passed by others, oblivious of the depth of their struggle or casual about what it would mean for them to receive a helping hand: Forgive us and help us begin to see the depth of your love. Teach us to be more like you, even though we ourselves are often wounded by life and must constantly turn to you. Help us always be those who seek to bring comfort and healing by your grace alone. Amen.

Collect. Lord God almighty, the radiance of your glory lights up our hearts. Enable us truly to understand the waters in which we were cleansed, the Spirit by which we were reborn, and the blood by which we were redeemed; that in our 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.

Lectionary for Palm Sunday

Lectionary for Palm Sunday

The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; how marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22-23

Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility. Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Philippians 2:5-11. There are many things in the bible that stand out against the way we often conduct our lives and if we grasp the overall meaning of this short passage we see that this is one of them. Our society is so often focussed on achievement and success. Nothing wrong with that but these twin themes are often attained through effort and pushing ourselves forward. We live in a competitive world and most often success results from being the superior competitor. The girls from St. Trinian’s so succinctly put it, “Those who draw the sword last always come of worst”. (Belles of St. Trinian’s. 1954). In contrast the bible gives no guarantees about achieving wealth and power, only that the person who is prepared to be obedient to God will achieve the purpose that God has for them. Jesus never strove for worldly achievements but strove to serve God. It was this obedience to serve that brought him Godly recognition. It also brought him worldly distain, at least from the ruling elites, a distain which leads him inevitably to his death on a cross.

Paul then as he writes this passage to the church at Philippi is reminding all believers that Jesus lived out his life to a very different rhythm from the one we so often choose. He was a very active human being yet on every step of his ministry journey pleasing God was what guided his actions. He faced both the joys and the sorrows of life consistently trusting in God to lead him through.’ As I write this sentence there comes the realisation of how far I am from that ideal. Yet surely that is a part of what Paul is writing about. Jesus is the one who is in the place of highest honour, brought about through obedience to God. As a result every other mortal will, in the end, have to submit to the superiority of Jesus Christ, the Lord of all. Our passage is reminding us of the opportunity to willingly and joyfully to recognise Jesus as Lord, and if not we will do it under duress. Paul is very clear, living a life trusting in Jesus is the only way to success in life. Worldly achievement lasts for this life only, Godly recognition lasts for eternity. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6.

Prayer. Lord God, Holy Father, in your love you have called us through Christ to share in worship and service in your body the church. Trusting in the merits of Jesus Christ as Lord grant that we may in all circumstances seek and do your perfect will In all things we give you thanks and praise for all that Jesus has done on our behalf.. May we have the grace to live our lives trusting in you alone and serve you in humble obedience. We thank you for sending Jesus to be our Saviour. Help us to look to him every day. May we live our lives in ways that honour him, relying on the love and power that his new life gives to us. This we pray though Jesus our Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 21:1-11. Matthew’s description of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem strongly emphasises, on the one hand his Kingship; while on the other is the recognition of the prophetic nature of Jesus’ call. He is the vehicle for God’s intentions to be made known. Furthermore all through the description Matthew highlights the sense of high expectation. Many of us will be able to remember the picture that hung in many church Sunday school rooms of a vast crowd surrounding Jesus and waving branches and cloaks.

The crowd is not only welcoming Jesus as king and prophet but is also expecting him to act on their behalf to bring release from the bondage of Rome. The crowds mind is firmly on the victory of God to set them free from the tyranny of Rome. Sadly it was this failure to fulfil their expectation that led them to be so easily swayed against him in just a few short days. The crowd that shouted “save us now!” will soon be shouting “Crucify him!”.

The people who would have read Matthew’s record of the event would have understood the outcome very well for Matthew produced this Gospel perhaps as much as fifty years after Jesus had died. Thus he is writing about a past event in a social climate of deep religious unrest. By this time the temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans. This destruction would have caused a whole change of emphasis for the Jews. Without a temple the sacrificial system so vital to their religion had to be discarded. This posed some deeply significant questions for the Jews. Perhaps that is why Matthew is so keen to link his entire Gospel with the prophetic history of ancient Israel. We remember that at the beginning of his Gospel Matthew linked Jesus resolutely with Jewish tradition by naming Jesus as a descendent from Abraham and David. Matthew directly quotes the prophet Zechariah describing the king coming on a donkey and colt. (Zechariah 9:9) He also uses a quote from the great psalm of victory, Psalm 118 verse 26. From Matthew’s description the prophet/king Jesus is neatly placed in the prophetic promises of ancient Israel. In a troubled time Matthew’s description is one of hope for here we see that Jesus comes in peace and while he does not fulfil the crowd’s expectation his soon to be completed ministry will result in the true and godly message of salvation. It will be a salvation that brings both freedom and peace to everyone who believes in Jesus.

Prayer. Most gracious Lord, as we remember again the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the city of Jerusalem we also remember how quickly we can change our moods and our minds: how easily we are swayed and even sometimes turn away from honouring Jesus. Forgive us we pray for the times when our impatience blinds us to what you are doing. Help us to more sincerely trust you to lead us on in both good times and in hard times. Help us always to keep our eye on who Jesus is, the Lord and Saviour of all humanity. We thank you that he came and stood against the powers of evil and ungodliness. Grant Lord that we being consistently surrounded by his grace may be ready to stand with him. This we ask in his name. Amen

Collect. O Lord Jesus Christ, who as on this day entered the rebellious city where you were to die, enter into our hearts and subdue them wholly to yourself. And, as your faithful disciples blessed your coming, and spread their garments in the way, covering it with palm branches, make us ready to lay at your feet all that we have and are, and to bless you, the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, King on a donkey, today you ride to shouts of ‘Hosanna’; soon, the cry will be ‘Crucify’. Strengthen us to stay with you to the cross as you empty yourself in love; and staying, may we kneel at your feet pierced for us; for you are the Saviour, now and for ever. Amen.

The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; how marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22-23

Lectionary for Lent 5

Lectionary for Lent 5

Out of the depths I cry to you – O Lord, hear my voice! With God there is steadfast love, and great power to redeem. Psalm 130:1-2, 7

Collect. Loving God our Father, we see your compassion revealed in the tears of Jesus for Lazarus his friend. Look today upon the distress of your Church, mourning and praying for your children dead in their sins. By the power of your Spirit call them back to life. 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. Romans 8:6-11. These few verses are tightly argued but Paul lays out two alternatives; death in the flesh or life in the Spirit. Simple! Not really!

There is an opening phrase in the funeral service which says “While death is the end of mortal life, it marks a new beginning in our relationship with God” {Uniting in Worship} Death marks a transition from the physical to the eternal. Once death has come there is nothing physical that we can do. Paul begins with the premise that due to the fall. our human nature has separated us from God, as he says our human nature is hostile toward God. We may not feel that to be so but that is the reality. In that sense we can do nothing which in any way will endear us to God. Indeed we are dead to God, even while we are alive! There is therefore nothing we can do because we are dead to God.

However, God fully understands our situation and that is why out of his love for us Jesus came to live our life in a sinless way. Jesus died as we all will but God called Jesus back from death and so Jesus lives eternally. The Spirit of God which raised Jesus from death now lives in every Christian and it is this same Spirit which gives new eternal life to each believer. In this new life we are now alive to God, linked in Him through Jesus.

It is as we consider this new status that Paul’s warning comes into place. Now with this new life in us it is imperative that we follow the leading of the Spirit and live in obedience to God. Keeping close to God is what keeps us faithful. Our own designs and desires need to be in keeping with the guidance and direction that the Spirit gives to us. The resurrection of Jesus has brought about an amazing transition from death to eternal life. However, this transition is not a once for all event but marks a new beginning; a new birth into a new life. Just as a new life has to be nurtured and nourished, so our new life needs to be allowed to grow and develop, and we do this by constantly following the guidance of the Spirit. Our status has changed and the Spirit now lives in us and as we follow the guidance of the Spirit so we are able to please God and enjoy a life of peace.

Prayer. Lord you are the giver of the life eternal and so we turn to find guidance and help. Grant that through the decisions of today we will always look to you first in order to find our true way. So by your grace, may our walk be always with you in the light of your Holy Spirit. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God and Father of us all, we praise you for your infinite love in calling us to be a Holy people, a royal priesthood, a universal church; and in giving us your son Jesus Christ our Lord to be the head of the church and the shepherd of our souls. We thank you that by his death he has overcome death and having ascended into heaven has abundantly poured forth his gifts; making some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers; to equip your people for the work of ministry and the building up of the body. May we as your servants, use your gifts wisely and grow in grace day by day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. (Adapted from The Methodist Prayer Book, 1975)

Reading. John 11:1-45. It is important to read this passage from John’s Gospel with extra care for he has woven many teaching points in his recounting of the raising of Lazarus. As we read we remember that John does not talk about miracles but always about signs. Thus the raising of Lazarus is from John’s perspective a sign of the power and the glory of Jesus the risen Lord. We remember that John is writing long after Jesus’ ascension and so his eyewitness account is aimed at teaching the church in order to help them have greater confidence in all that Jesus has accomplished.

All through his description John highlights the compassion as well as the divine understanding of Jesus as he ministers to this family that he loves. Jesus remains two more days after he has heard that Lazarus is ill before returning to Judea. It is a reminder that God is not our servant, there to help us just when we need him. Rather we are his servants there to serve him. At the same time we need to remember that God is never slow to respond to us but will always answer at “just the right time”. (Isaiah 49:8) Our urgency though does not hurry God for God knows when the time is right!

Jesus reminds his disciples of the need to do God’s work, “while there is still light”. Sometimes the urgency of the moment can take us away from the things of God. Sometimes a particular opportunity to serve only comes once and we do need to be ready. (Hebrews 10:23). Then he reminds them that his delay in going had a purpose, “so that you will really believe”. In other words it is important that his disciples understand what is happening in order to strengthen their faith, a faith which needs to be passed on to others.

Both Martha and Mary recognise that if Jesus had been there Lazarus would not have died, but Jesus was not there and so Lazarus did die. This leads John to his great statement that even in death Jesus is the “resurrection and the life”. Despite his greatness and his power when he goes to view Lazarus’s tomb he weeps at the experience of death. Death is so final, irrevocable, and yet Jesus speaks through the tears and opens the tomb. Despite the families misgivings Jesus gives thanks and calls Lazarus out from the tomb and back into life. Lazarus is unbound to find new life. The end of John’s description ends with the amazing return to life of Lazarus who now lives again despite the grief and sadness. Once again John is declaring that Jesus is Lord, furthermore he is lord even over life and death.

Prayer. Holy and gracious God, we thank you that Jesus is the Lord of both the living and the dead. That he alone has the power to restore to life that which is lost for he is the great Redeemer. We lift our hands and our hearts to give you all thanks and praise. Grant to us the patience and trust to be ready to wait always on him and in all situations be enabled to live each fully in his service. You Lord, are a God of justice and mercy; help us to act both justly and mercifully in all our dealings. May we delight to do your will. We pray for those who suffer from injustice in our world. In particular we pray for those who are denied justice in our own country. Those imprisoned without just cause, those who are too poor to find legal representation, and those whose life experience turns them away from the avenues of help that are available. Help us not to be unaware but to see injustice and work by your grace to help and heal. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Collect. O God, source and energy of all life, your Son is the resurrection and the life yet he wept in the face of death. Give us confidence in Christ both in life and in death, for he lives and reigns, one God with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.