First we should read John 10.1-10 The Jesus in John's Gospel, as he does here, gives himself memorable titles - I am the Bread of Life, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the True Vine, I am the Good Shepherd and here I am the Gate for the Sheep. Of all these titles this is the most everyday and yet most mysterious. Jesus has the image of Palestinian shepherds around him. He is conscious of the dangers that sheep are exposed to - from wolves, from thieves, from bandits - and the need they have of a firm shepherd and a safe place to spend the night. They need a sheepfold with a stout door. In a sinful world Christians need the protection of Jesus' love. Spiritually he is the door to their souls. He protects us against the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil. We are very conscious at the moment of doors and barriers. Whole days go by without our front door being unlocked. Strangers come to the door to deliver goods and stand back away from the door. When we go to the supermarket, only one person is allowed in. The other person waits outside in the cold or in the car. There is a threshold here over which some people must not cross. It is all very strange, and we don't feel comfortable with this situation. All we can do is go along with what is felt to be best for us and place our trust in the workings of God in our current situation. We have to find some way to understand that God is in this situation, that Jesus is guarding the door for us, and that we will come through soon. John
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Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Today’s Gospel comes from Luke’s account of the events of the first Easter Day and focuses on the walk to Emmaus (and, as it turns out, the walk back!). It describes the two disciples as they hurry out of Jerusalem. As they hurry along (and we can try to imagine what they are discussing on the third day after the crucifixion) they are joined by Jesus, but they do not recognise him. He challenges their unbelief by quoting scripture. Their hearts start to burn, but it is only when he takes bread, blesses and breaks it that they recognise who has been walking and talking with them. He leaves them, and they rush back to Jerusalem with their news of the resurrection. We are on a long journey now. We cannot break bread together at the moment. We need to find different ways to be with Jesus and with one another. It is hard of course, but with Christ all things are possible. Let us pray - Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give 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 your Son our Lord. Amen. Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. In your resurrection, O Christ, let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia.
1 Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us: so let us celebrate the feast, 2 not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 3 Christ once raised from the dead dies no more: death has no more dominion over him. 4 In dying he died to sin once for all: in living he lives to God. 5 See yourselves therefore as dead to sin: and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. 6 Christ has been raised from the dead: the first fruits of those who sleep. 7 For as by man came death: by man has come also the resurrection of the dead; 8 for as in Adam all die: even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven... May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. here to edit. |
AuthorCanon John Green Archives
May 2021
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