Collect of the Day
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 5:1-11
1 Once while Jesus* was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ 5 Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Devotional
A simple question: Do you believe in the Good News Jesus brought into the world of God's love and presence? Really? Do you really believe -- is the message Good News to you? By that I am asking if you have a personal relationship with God because you have believed the Good News? Can you imagine life without this relationship?
This story was preserved not to highlight or relive the Great Catch of every fisherman's dreams. The story is a metaphor for what was happening in the Early Church -- people were responding to Jesus' message which was now being proclaimed by Jesus' followers who were now energized/transformed by their experiences of the Risen Christ. They could not help but tell the story of Jesus' Good News because their very souls cried out with joy and with a desire for others to know.
So, if we really believe -- if we have a relationship with Jesus Christ that is crucial for our very existence, why is it so difficult to talk about God's love for all people? Why wouldn't we want everyone to know?
After all we are eager to tell people about a great sale at our favorite store or our discovery of a new restaurant. Hmm...
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Devotional
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Daily Devotional
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 4:38-44
38 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 39 Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.
40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 41 Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.*
42 At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. 43 But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ 44 So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.
Devotional
Jesus was on a roll. He was healing people right and left. His reputation was spreading and people were flocking to him. Even demons were responding to him. Religious and political authorities were watching and concerned. Jesus seemed to have an authority within him that was beyond them. Things were picking up momentum.
So, what did Jesus do? He went to a deserted place. By the time people found him again he was again focused and re-energized in his purpose and mission.
Going to a "deserted" place meant going off by himself to be with God -- to be in communion with the Father. If one watches in reading the Gospels, Jesus is often seen going off to pray -- to be in God's presence. That spiritual discipline seemed to be important for Jesus -- indeed it seemed vital, even necessary, for him in his journey.
If that was true for Jesus, how much more for us! Like Jesus, there are many distractions and demands on our lives. We would do well to carve out some contemplative time to simply be in God's presence -- no agenda -- just be there.
When we emerge from out "deserted" place, we too will be more focused and spiritually re-energized. Sadly, too many people have not learned or practiced this lesson. But there is no time like today for starting.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Luke 4:38-44
38 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 39 Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.
40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 41 Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.*
42 At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. 43 But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ 44 So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.
Devotional
Jesus was on a roll. He was healing people right and left. His reputation was spreading and people were flocking to him. Even demons were responding to him. Religious and political authorities were watching and concerned. Jesus seemed to have an authority within him that was beyond them. Things were picking up momentum.
So, what did Jesus do? He went to a deserted place. By the time people found him again he was again focused and re-energized in his purpose and mission.
Going to a "deserted" place meant going off by himself to be with God -- to be in communion with the Father. If one watches in reading the Gospels, Jesus is often seen going off to pray -- to be in God's presence. That spiritual discipline seemed to be important for Jesus -- indeed it seemed vital, even necessary, for him in his journey.
If that was true for Jesus, how much more for us! Like Jesus, there are many distractions and demands on our lives. We would do well to carve out some contemplative time to simply be in God's presence -- no agenda -- just be there.
When we emerge from out "deserted" place, we too will be more focused and spiritually re-energized. Sadly, too many people have not learned or practiced this lesson. But there is no time like today for starting.
Peace,
Fr. Lee+
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 4:31-37
31 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. 32 They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. 36 They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ 37 And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.
Devotional
Isn't Jesus' authority the issue here? The people in the synagogue were astounded at this teaching -- he spoke with authority. And, even the "unclean spirit" was obedient and came out of the man. From the most respectable people in Capernaum to the demon who possessed the man -- they all knew there was something about Jesus they had not experienced before. There was a authority within him that had everyone's attention. What was that authority?
I believe that authority flowed from his relationship with God the Father. He was in God and God was in him. This was the lens through which Jesus saw the people around him that day -- and that is what they sensed about him. As Marcus Borg might put it, "Jesus was full of God." That relationship had integrity, intimacy and power that was within and beyond Jesus.
But less we get caught up in the "wow-ness" of Jesus and his authority -- remember he invited us to follow him -- to take on his way of being in the world -- to be incarnational. When we come to know God as our "Beloved" and learn that we in turn are God's Beloved, there can be an authority in us that is transforming not just for us but for those around us -- from the most influential to the most mariginalized.
If we could only catch the vision.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 4:31-37
31 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. 32 They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. 36 They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ 37 And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.
Devotional
Isn't Jesus' authority the issue here? The people in the synagogue were astounded at this teaching -- he spoke with authority. And, even the "unclean spirit" was obedient and came out of the man. From the most respectable people in Capernaum to the demon who possessed the man -- they all knew there was something about Jesus they had not experienced before. There was a authority within him that had everyone's attention. What was that authority?
I believe that authority flowed from his relationship with God the Father. He was in God and God was in him. This was the lens through which Jesus saw the people around him that day -- and that is what they sensed about him. As Marcus Borg might put it, "Jesus was full of God." That relationship had integrity, intimacy and power that was within and beyond Jesus.
But less we get caught up in the "wow-ness" of Jesus and his authority -- remember he invited us to follow him -- to take on his way of being in the world -- to be incarnational. When we come to know God as our "Beloved" and learn that we in turn are God's Beloved, there can be an authority in us that is transforming not just for us but for those around us -- from the most influential to the most mariginalized.
If we could only catch the vision.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 4:14-30
14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ 23 He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ 24 And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. 25 But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26 yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27 There were also many lepers* in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Devotional
This has been one of my favorite scriptures for a long time. Jesus chose the ancient passage from Isaiah as the "text" for his ministry. This was his "calling" and reflects God's love and commitment to his people. Jesus lived this text/mission in the face of religious and secular powers that would ultimately put him to death.
That leads to another reason I like this scripture -- Jesus put the religious powers in their place. He was insightful, clever and bold. They were left speechless and reduced to violence and then became powerless in his presence. Great drama where
Truth prevailed.
I need this scene from Jesus' experience for yet another reason. Let's suppose Jesus came to St. Luke's on a Sunday morning. Being a thoughtful priest, I would invite Jesus to preach. He would open the scriptures to Isaiah and the drama would again begin to unfold. Except this time you and I are the religious folks in charge. Wonder what Jesus would have to say about us -- our rules and expectations and exclusivity and hypocrisy? What would he say about our relationships -- with God, each other and those who suffer? Would he actually come to church?
I/We need to hear this story from time to time as a "wake-up call" and let Jesus actually come and show us his way of being in the world loving as God loves.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Luke 4:14-30
14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ 23 He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ 24 And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. 25 But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26 yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27 There were also many lepers* in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Devotional
This has been one of my favorite scriptures for a long time. Jesus chose the ancient passage from Isaiah as the "text" for his ministry. This was his "calling" and reflects God's love and commitment to his people. Jesus lived this text/mission in the face of religious and secular powers that would ultimately put him to death.
That leads to another reason I like this scripture -- Jesus put the religious powers in their place. He was insightful, clever and bold. They were left speechless and reduced to violence and then became powerless in his presence. Great drama where
Truth prevailed.
I need this scene from Jesus' experience for yet another reason. Let's suppose Jesus came to St. Luke's on a Sunday morning. Being a thoughtful priest, I would invite Jesus to preach. He would open the scriptures to Isaiah and the drama would again begin to unfold. Except this time you and I are the religious folks in charge. Wonder what Jesus would have to say about us -- our rules and expectations and exclusivity and hypocrisy? What would he say about our relationships -- with God, each other and those who suffer? Would he actually come to church?
I/We need to hear this story from time to time as a "wake-up call" and let Jesus actually come and show us his way of being in the world loving as God loves.
Blessings,
Fr. Lee+
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." 4 Jesus answered him, "It is written, "One does not live by bread alone.' " 5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered him, "It is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' " 9 Then the devil F36 took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' 11 and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 12 Jesus answered him, "It is said, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Reflection
You Can
by William McElvaney
You can stay
In Egypt and settle for
Surrender of self and freedom…
Here there is a womblike protection…
But the view is limited.
Or
You can exodus
Into the beckoning
Of a new future, a new human hope…
And then go back To Egypt where
Pharaoh will take care of you
Or
You can exodus
Into the unknown wilderness and discover
A Promised Land of identity, maturity, and perpetual struggle
Filled with pain and joy, agony and ecstasy,
Dying and coming alive again, challenge and change.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." 4 Jesus answered him, "It is written, "One does not live by bread alone.' " 5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered him, "It is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' " 9 Then the devil F36 took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' 11 and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 12 Jesus answered him, "It is said, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Reflection
You Can
by William McElvaney
You can stay
In Egypt and settle for
Surrender of self and freedom…
Here there is a womblike protection…
But the view is limited.
Or
You can exodus
Into the beckoning
Of a new future, a new human hope…
And then go back To Egypt where
Pharaoh will take care of you
Or
You can exodus
Into the unknown wilderness and discover
A Promised Land of identity, maturity, and perpetual struggle
Filled with pain and joy, agony and ecstasy,
Dying and coming alive again, challenge and change.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Friday, April 24, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into the glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking int he way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 3:15-22
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. 19 But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added to them all by shutting up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; F29 with you I am well pleased."
Reflection
The Way of the Servant
by John Slow
Living Christ,
This was your decisive moment.
Rising from the river of baptism
You began to discover
What it meant
To be committed
To the way of the servant.
In your moment
Of seeing and hearing
The Spirit was preparing you for your mission:
You made the choice
And took the risk
Of obedience
And the rippling reflection of a cross rose from Jordan.
In your baptism
You set the pattern for us;
Help us to know,
And discover,
What it means
To be committed
To the way of the servant.
May your Spirit
Open our eyes
And ears
That we may become
Partners of your mission;
And in obedience,
Take up the cross and follow you.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into the glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking int he way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 3:15-22
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. 19 But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added to them all by shutting up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; F29 with you I am well pleased."
Reflection
The Way of the Servant
by John Slow
Living Christ,
This was your decisive moment.
Rising from the river of baptism
You began to discover
What it meant
To be committed
To the way of the servant.
In your moment
Of seeing and hearing
The Spirit was preparing you for your mission:
You made the choice
And took the risk
Of obedience
And the rippling reflection of a cross rose from Jordan.
In your baptism
You set the pattern for us;
Help us to know,
And discover,
What it means
To be committed
To the way of the servant.
May your Spirit
Open our eyes
And ears
That we may become
Partners of your mission;
And in obedience,
Take up the cross and follow you.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 3:1-14
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' " 7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" 11 In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." 14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
Reflection
From
Mutual Ministry
by James C. Fenhagen
When I am grasped by the image of the kingdom of God. I know that genuine interdependence and community within the human family is possible. What we experience now is but a taste of what will be. It is through the image of the kingdom that I experience what it means to say that “Christ is Lord.” The destructiveness of human sin – the greed and the injustice and the arrogance – that so plagues the human community is not the last word. Christ is risen and the kingdom of God is here.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, Luke 3:1-14
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' " 7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" 11 In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." 14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
Reflection
From
Mutual Ministry
by James C. Fenhagen
When I am grasped by the image of the kingdom of God. I know that genuine interdependence and community within the human family is possible. What we experience now is but a taste of what will be. It is through the image of the kingdom that I experience what it means to say that “Christ is Lord.” The destructiveness of human sin – the greed and the injustice and the arrogance – that so plagues the human community is not the last word. Christ is risen and the kingdom of God is here.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Daily Devotional
Collect of the Day
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 17:20-26
20 "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 "Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Reflection:
Give Us Hearts of Flesh
by Kate Compston
Face to face we sit –
The silence, like a stone wall,
Separating us.
It is not enough
To sit in proximity
If we have no trust.
Give us hearts of flesh
To grieve our hostility;
Then grant us laughter
And let us reach out.
Even if we do not see
Eye to eye clearly
Dare us open up
Our hands, be hospitable;
Bare us, soul to soul.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 17:20-26
20 "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 "Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Reflection:
Give Us Hearts of Flesh
by Kate Compston
Face to face we sit –
The silence, like a stone wall,
Separating us.
It is not enough
To sit in proximity
If we have no trust.
Give us hearts of flesh
To grieve our hostility;
Then grant us laughter
And let us reach out.
Even if we do not see
Eye to eye clearly
Dare us open up
Our hands, be hospitable;
Bare us, soul to soul.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Daily Devotional, Tuesday, April 21
Collect of the Day
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 17:12-19
12 While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Reflection
Spiritual Discipline
by Henri J.M. Nouwen
The spiritual life is a gift. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit, who lifts us up into the kingdom of God’s love. But to say that being lifted up into the kingdom of love is a divine gift does not mean that we wait passively until the gift is offered to us. Jesus tells us to set our hearts on the kingdom. Setting our hearts on something involves not only serious aspirations but also strong determination. A spiritual life requires human effort. The forces that keep pulling us back into a worry-filled life are far from easy to overcome. Here we touch the question of the other side of discipleship. The practice of a spiritual discipline makes us more sensitive to the small, gentle voice of God. The prophet Elijah did not encounter God in the mighty wind or in the earthquake or in the fire, but in the small voice….
Through a spiritual discipline we prevent the world from filling our lives to such an extent that there is no place left to listen. A spiritual discipline sets us free to pray or, to say it better, allows the Spirit of God to pray in us.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 17:12-19
12 While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Reflection
Spiritual Discipline
by Henri J.M. Nouwen
The spiritual life is a gift. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit, who lifts us up into the kingdom of God’s love. But to say that being lifted up into the kingdom of love is a divine gift does not mean that we wait passively until the gift is offered to us. Jesus tells us to set our hearts on the kingdom. Setting our hearts on something involves not only serious aspirations but also strong determination. A spiritual life requires human effort. The forces that keep pulling us back into a worry-filled life are far from easy to overcome. Here we touch the question of the other side of discipleship. The practice of a spiritual discipline makes us more sensitive to the small, gentle voice of God. The prophet Elijah did not encounter God in the mighty wind or in the earthquake or in the fire, but in the small voice….
Through a spiritual discipline we prevent the world from filling our lives to such an extent that there is no place left to listen. A spiritual discipline sets us free to pray or, to say it better, allows the Spirit of God to pray in us.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Daily Devotional, Monday, April 20
Collect of the Day
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 17:1-11
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6 "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.
11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
Reflection:
An Orthodox Prayer
O God Eternal,
Good beyond all that is good,
Fair beyond all that is fair,
In whom is calmness and peace:
Reconcile the differences which divide us from one another
and bring us back into the unity of love
which may bear some likeness to your divine nature.
Grant that we may be spiritually one,
Both within ourselves and with one another,
Through the grace, mercy and tenderness of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 17:1-11
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6 "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.
11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
Reflection:
An Orthodox Prayer
O God Eternal,
Good beyond all that is good,
Fair beyond all that is fair,
In whom is calmness and peace:
Reconcile the differences which divide us from one another
and bring us back into the unity of love
which may bear some likeness to your divine nature.
Grant that we may be spiritually one,
Both within ourselves and with one another,
Through the grace, mercy and tenderness of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Blessings,
Mthr. Mary Lou
Daily Devotional, Sunday, April 19
Collect of the Day
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 14:1-7
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Coming and Going
by Tony Burnham
Lord Jesus
We are glad that you came
From God
But are sad at your going.
Help us
To hold tight and follow
Your way;
In faith and doubt
Take us
With you, and with God.
Teach us
From scripture and the present
Your truth;
In word and deed
Keep us
With you, and with God.
Show us
In good times and bad
Your life;
In joy and sorrow
Hold us
With you, and with God.
Lord Jesus
We are glad that you came
From God
Give us faith that in your going,
We may see and know
The Father
Loving us through you.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading of the Day, John 14:1-7
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Coming and Going
by Tony Burnham
Lord Jesus
We are glad that you came
From God
But are sad at your going.
Help us
To hold tight and follow
Your way;
In faith and doubt
Take us
With you, and with God.
Teach us
From scripture and the present
Your truth;
In word and deed
Keep us
With you, and with God.
Show us
In good times and bad
Your life;
In joy and sorrow
Hold us
With you, and with God.
Lord Jesus
We are glad that you came
From God
Give us faith that in your going,
We may see and know
The Father
Loving us through you.
Blessings, Mthr. Mary Lou
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 27:57-66
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. 62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, "Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, "After three days I will rise again.' 64 Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, "He has been raised from the dead,' and the last deception would be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can." 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Tenth Station – Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus: We finally got to the top of the hill and I knew it would soon be over. The soldiers ripped off my clothing leaving me naked except for the crown of thorns. This was yet another act to humiliate me. They cast lots for my garments, but I didn’t care. My body was beaten and abused. They mocked and cursed me. I had been treated like a criminal. But, they could not break my will – my commitment to my destiny. Soon I would die, not because of them, but for them – and for you, my friend.
Friend: The images of you are intolerable. Wasn’t the incarnation enough – becoming like us in human flesh? Armed with love you came to us. You possessed only the clothes you wore and now those are gone. By comparison, I have so much and sometimes I think my possessions possess me. In my own way I have often stripped you too and left you to suffer alone. I have denied your rightful place at the center of my life. Too often I have turned my back on you and yielded to my fears of failure, rejection and emptiness. Jesus, I share in the shame of your cross. Please absolve me.
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Gospel Reading of the Day, Matthew 27:57-66
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. 62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, "Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, "After three days I will rise again.' 64 Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, "He has been raised from the dead,' and the last deception would be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can." 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Tenth Station – Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus: We finally got to the top of the hill and I knew it would soon be over. The soldiers ripped off my clothing leaving me naked except for the crown of thorns. This was yet another act to humiliate me. They cast lots for my garments, but I didn’t care. My body was beaten and abused. They mocked and cursed me. I had been treated like a criminal. But, they could not break my will – my commitment to my destiny. Soon I would die, not because of them, but for them – and for you, my friend.
Friend: The images of you are intolerable. Wasn’t the incarnation enough – becoming like us in human flesh? Armed with love you came to us. You possessed only the clothes you wore and now those are gone. By comparison, I have so much and sometimes I think my possessions possess me. In my own way I have often stripped you too and left you to suffer alone. I have denied your rightful place at the center of my life. Too often I have turned my back on you and yielded to my fears of failure, rejection and emptiness. Jesus, I share in the shame of your cross. Please absolve me.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 18:1--19:42
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" 5 They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?" 12 So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him.
13 First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. 15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17 The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." 18 Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. 19 Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20 Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." 22 When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" 30 They answered, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." 31 Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law." The Jews replied, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death." 32 (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) 33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35 Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." 38 Pilate asked him, "What is truth?"
After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, "I find no case against him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 40 They shouted in reply, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit.
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him." 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God." 8 Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9 He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor." 13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, "Here is your King!" 15 They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate asked them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but the emperor." 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them.
19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews,' but, "This man said, I am King of the Jews.' " 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24 So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." 25 And that is what the soldiers did.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36 These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." 37 And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced."
38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Ninth Station – Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus: My strength was gone, the pain intense. Darkness seemed to be closing in. I barely remember falling. For a moment I didn’t think I would be able to complete my mission. Simon whispered, “You are almost there.” I looked up and saw my destination was only a short distance now. Something within me felt stronger and I willed my body to move. All I had lived for had come to this time and place. My mission had to be fulfilled.
Friend: When I think of you falling again, I feel so ashamed. My faith has had so many ups and downs. Sometimes I am so committed to you and willing to follow you in every way. Then there are times when I am stressed and distracted. And times when I let other priorities and desires take over. Times when I claim my life for myself and ignore your will for me. I have fallen in life so many times and for all the wrong reasons. You fell again bearing the burden of my choices – my faithlessness. You stood up again because of your steadfast love for me. Lord, lift me up.
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 18:1--19:42
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" 5 They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?" 12 So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him.
13 First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. 15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17 The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." 18 Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. 19 Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20 Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." 22 When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" 30 They answered, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." 31 Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law." The Jews replied, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death." 32 (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) 33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35 Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." 38 Pilate asked him, "What is truth?"
After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, "I find no case against him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 40 They shouted in reply, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit.
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him." 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God." 8 Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9 He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor." 13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, "Here is your King!" 15 They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate asked them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but the emperor." 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them.
19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews,' but, "This man said, I am King of the Jews.' " 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24 So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." 25 And that is what the soldiers did.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36 These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." 37 And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced."
38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Ninth Station – Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus: My strength was gone, the pain intense. Darkness seemed to be closing in. I barely remember falling. For a moment I didn’t think I would be able to complete my mission. Simon whispered, “You are almost there.” I looked up and saw my destination was only a short distance now. Something within me felt stronger and I willed my body to move. All I had lived for had come to this time and place. My mission had to be fulfilled.
Friend: When I think of you falling again, I feel so ashamed. My faith has had so many ups and downs. Sometimes I am so committed to you and willing to follow you in every way. Then there are times when I am stressed and distracted. And times when I let other priorities and desires take over. Times when I claim my life for myself and ignore your will for me. I have fallen in life so many times and for all the wrong reasons. You fell again bearing the burden of my choices – my faithlessness. You stood up again because of your steadfast love for me. Lord, lift me up.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord,who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day,John 13:1-17, 31b-35
1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean." 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, "Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me
Eighth Station – Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus: There were women who were weeping for me – for my suffering and my imminent death. While most of the men stayed in the background out of fear, women were wailing and lamenting my fate. They could not understand what was happening was not about me. My life, my passion and death was about them and their children and their children’s children. There was still time for them to turn from their sin and love God with all their heart, all their soul and all their mind. Why is it so hard to believe what I say?
Friend: My eyes often fill with tears when I think of what you went through. Everything was so unfair. Crucifixion was for criminals and not prophets. Certainly not for the Son of God. My deepest grief is in knowing that you took this path for me – to give me life – to give me hope. I have never known, nor can I imagine, anyone loving me enough to die for me – and not only me, but for everyone who has and will live. Like the women, I weep for you. But I weep even more for myself because I am so unworthy. Jesus, change me.
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord,who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day,John 13:1-17, 31b-35
1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean." 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, "Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me
Eighth Station – Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus: There were women who were weeping for me – for my suffering and my imminent death. While most of the men stayed in the background out of fear, women were wailing and lamenting my fate. They could not understand what was happening was not about me. My life, my passion and death was about them and their children and their children’s children. There was still time for them to turn from their sin and love God with all their heart, all their soul and all their mind. Why is it so hard to believe what I say?
Friend: My eyes often fill with tears when I think of what you went through. Everything was so unfair. Crucifixion was for criminals and not prophets. Certainly not for the Son of God. My deepest grief is in knowing that you took this path for me – to give me life – to give me hope. I have never known, nor can I imagine, anyone loving me enough to die for me – and not only me, but for everyone who has and will live. Like the women, I weep for you. But I weep even more for myself because I am so unworthy. Jesus, change me.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 13:21-32
21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "Do quickly what you are going to do." 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival"; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
SSeventh Station – Jesus Falls a Second Time
Jesus: The words of the prophet, Isaiah, kept going through my mind. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” I was exhausted and fell again. I felt betrayed and knew that a great injustice was being done to me. But I kept saying to myself, “This isn’t about me.” I was carrying the cross, carrying everything, for you. God’s love knows no limits.
Friend: How could you do this – especially for me? I know the scripture from memory, “God so loved the world that he a gave his only begotten son to the end that all that believe in him should not perish but have eternal life.” I know your words from memory, but not always by heart. I can hardly bear to think of you falling under the weight of the cross – under the weight of my sin and unbelief. I am so unworthy. Save me.
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 13:21-32
21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "Do quickly what you are going to do." 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival"; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
SSeventh Station – Jesus Falls a Second Time
Jesus: The words of the prophet, Isaiah, kept going through my mind. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” I was exhausted and fell again. I felt betrayed and knew that a great injustice was being done to me. But I kept saying to myself, “This isn’t about me.” I was carrying the cross, carrying everything, for you. God’s love knows no limits.
Friend: How could you do this – especially for me? I know the scripture from memory, “God so loved the world that he a gave his only begotten son to the end that all that believe in him should not perish but have eternal life.” I know your words from memory, but not always by heart. I can hardly bear to think of you falling under the weight of the cross – under the weight of my sin and unbelief. I am so unworthy. Save me.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking on the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 12:20-36
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27 "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—"Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Sixth Station – A Woman Wipes the Face of Jesus
Jesus: My sweat, blood and dirt were all mixed together on my face and body. The physical pain was beyond description, but the agony of being rejected and so despised by the very people I loved and encouraged was overwhelming. Then all of a sudden there was this woman who, defying the soldiers, stepped forward and wiped my face. Her compassion and courage revived my soul. And, so it is, when you touch the face of anyone who has been abused and neglected in this world, when you love them, you love me.
Friend: Jesus, surely if I had been there I too would have wiped your face – how awful this must have been for you. I would have cared for you if the soldiers had allowed. But what could this possibly mean: that when I care for despised, abused or neglected people, I am wiping your face? Lord, they are nothing like you. Yet, you did say that serving and loving others means we are serving and loving you. There is so much I do not understand – or perhaps don’t want to understand. Open my eyes.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking on the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 12:20-36
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27 "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—"Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Sixth Station – A Woman Wipes the Face of Jesus
Jesus: My sweat, blood and dirt were all mixed together on my face and body. The physical pain was beyond description, but the agony of being rejected and so despised by the very people I loved and encouraged was overwhelming. Then all of a sudden there was this woman who, defying the soldiers, stepped forward and wiped my face. Her compassion and courage revived my soul. And, so it is, when you touch the face of anyone who has been abused and neglected in this world, when you love them, you love me.
Friend: Jesus, surely if I had been there I too would have wiped your face – how awful this must have been for you. I would have cared for you if the soldiers had allowed. But what could this possibly mean: that when I care for despised, abused or neglected people, I am wiping your face? Lord, they are nothing like you. Yet, you did say that serving and loving others means we are serving and loving you. There is so much I do not understand – or perhaps don’t want to understand. Open my eyes.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior 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.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it F101 so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
Fifth Station – The Cross is Laid on Simon of Cyrene
Jesus: Simon was an innocent bystander who had just come to Jerusalem for the Passover. He knew nothing of what was happening, but soldiers forced him to help me carry the cross. At first he was angry at the imposition and became even more angry with the humiliating and difficult task. Then our eyes met. I felt compassion flowing from me. As we journeyed together, I began to feel compassion flowing from Simon to me. He became a willing participant. As Simon shared the burden of my cross, I realized he was beginning to carry his cross of sacrifice too. He had my cross on his shoulder and an arm around my waist. Together we climbed the hill.
Friend: I wish I could have been Simon. At the same time I’m not sure I could have done what he was forced to do – much less volunteered. Even now I feel an attraction and a reluctance to take up my cross for you. It is much easier to embrace the “Sweet Jesus” in the pictures of my childhood. This is much different. Simon became your friend and you have called me “friend”. I don’t know that my faith is strong enough. Please forgive me.
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior 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.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it F101 so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
Fifth Station – The Cross is Laid on Simon of Cyrene
Jesus: Simon was an innocent bystander who had just come to Jerusalem for the Passover. He knew nothing of what was happening, but soldiers forced him to help me carry the cross. At first he was angry at the imposition and became even more angry with the humiliating and difficult task. Then our eyes met. I felt compassion flowing from me. As we journeyed together, I began to feel compassion flowing from Simon to me. He became a willing participant. As Simon shared the burden of my cross, I realized he was beginning to carry his cross of sacrifice too. He had my cross on his shoulder and an arm around my waist. Together we climbed the hill.
Friend: I wish I could have been Simon. At the same time I’m not sure I could have done what he was forced to do – much less volunteered. Even now I feel an attraction and a reluctance to take up my cross for you. It is much easier to embrace the “Sweet Jesus” in the pictures of my childhood. This is much different. Simon became your friend and you have called me “friend”. I don’t know that my faith is strong enough. Please forgive me.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior 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.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Mark 15:1-39
1 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "You say so." 3 Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate asked him again, "Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you." 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. 6 Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7 Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8 So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9 Then he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 10 For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate spoke to them again, "Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" 13 They shouted back, "Crucify him!" 14 Pilate asked them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him!"
15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. 16 Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18 And they began saluting him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19 They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20 After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. 21 They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
22 Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. 25 It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." 27 And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 28 29 Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!" 31 In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.
33 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 35 When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah." 36 And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down." 37 Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was God's Son!"
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me
Fourth Station – Jesus Meets His Mother
Jesus: What grief I felt when I saw my blessed mother. I cried for her and not for myself. She had been told that a sword of grief would pierce her soul and now her face reflects her agony. Deeper than the agony, I see love and encouragement in her eyes. She always supported my mission even when she didn’t fully understand or was fearful. Mother wanted to know and live into God’s will for her and for me. Even in her grief, her faith was unwavering. I love her.
Friend: The Blessed Virgin Mary, your mother, was always there for you, wasn’t’ she? I have respected her from the first time I heard the Christmas story. I seldom allowed myself to think of her pain as she watched you being rejected, being humiliated, being put to death. What strength and commitment! What faith! If only I could believe like she believed – live like she lived – suffer like she suffered. Teach me, Lord.
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior 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.
Gospel Reading of the Day, Mark 15:1-39
1 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "You say so." 3 Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate asked him again, "Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you." 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. 6 Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7 Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8 So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9 Then he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 10 For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate spoke to them again, "Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" 13 They shouted back, "Crucify him!" 14 Pilate asked them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him!"
15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. 16 Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18 And they began saluting him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19 They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20 After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. 21 They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
22 Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. 25 It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." 27 And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 28 29 Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!" 31 In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.
33 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 35 When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah." 36 And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down." 37 Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was God's Son!"
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me
Fourth Station – Jesus Meets His Mother
Jesus: What grief I felt when I saw my blessed mother. I cried for her and not for myself. She had been told that a sword of grief would pierce her soul and now her face reflects her agony. Deeper than the agony, I see love and encouragement in her eyes. She always supported my mission even when she didn’t fully understand or was fearful. Mother wanted to know and live into God’s will for her and for me. Even in her grief, her faith was unwavering. I love her.
Friend: The Blessed Virgin Mary, your mother, was always there for you, wasn’t’ she? I have respected her from the first time I heard the Christmas story. I seldom allowed myself to think of her pain as she watched you being rejected, being humiliated, being put to death. What strength and commitment! What faith! If only I could believe like she believed – live like she lived – suffer like she suffered. Teach me, Lord.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 11:28-44
28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me
Third Station – Jesus Falls the First Time
Jesus: Carrying my cross was necessary not only for my crucifixion, but also for my sacrifice. This was added to the daily struggles I encountered in being human – the challenges, stresses, grief, disappointments, fears, rejection and even anger. Like you, I experienced all of human life in my brief time with you. Memories of life’s struggles and conflicts came rushing back as I carried my sacrificial cross. I fell and the weight of the cross punished my body even more. Yes, the burdens were many, but God’s Spirit sustained me and kept me focused.
Friend: How did you survive? I would have given up long before being sent to the cross. Even now life is sometimes so challenging I can hardly cope. You know very well that life is hard –sometimes brutally hard. You chose the life we mortals live and more. You understand my struggles and I am grateful. Now you are asking me to take up my cross and live sacrificially. The concerns and wounds of my life are challenging enough. How can I add another life commitment, one which will no doubt cause me to fall? Heal me. Hold me.
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 11:28-44
28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me
Third Station – Jesus Falls the First Time
Jesus: Carrying my cross was necessary not only for my crucifixion, but also for my sacrifice. This was added to the daily struggles I encountered in being human – the challenges, stresses, grief, disappointments, fears, rejection and even anger. Like you, I experienced all of human life in my brief time with you. Memories of life’s struggles and conflicts came rushing back as I carried my sacrificial cross. I fell and the weight of the cross punished my body even more. Yes, the burdens were many, but God’s Spirit sustained me and kept me focused.
Friend: How did you survive? I would have given up long before being sent to the cross. Even now life is sometimes so challenging I can hardly cope. You know very well that life is hard –sometimes brutally hard. You chose the life we mortals live and more. You understand my struggles and I am grateful. Now you are asking me to take up my cross and live sacrificially. The concerns and wounds of my life are challenging enough. How can I add another life commitment, one which will no doubt cause me to fall? Heal me. Hold me.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 11:1-27
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus F91 was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them." 11 After saying this, he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him." 12 The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right." 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." 16 Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, F96 the Son of God, the one coming into the world."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Second Station – Jesus Takes Up His Cross
Jesus: I picked up my cross as they ordered me, but not before they beat me unmercifully. The pain was so intense I thought I might die before I got to Golgotha – the “place of the skull.” The greater pain, added to the burden of the wooden cross, was the weight of Sin and Death. Still, there was a sense of peace knowing this was God’s will and the way to give life. I pray that you will never have to bear the cross of death. But at the same time, I know that your cross of life will also cost you over and over. Be of good courage. The cross is the way of life.
Friend: The image of you carrying the cross is almost more than I can bear. I can see the stripes on your back, the bruises on your body. All of this is so cruel and unfair. Where is the justice in this? Why did you have to suffer? I pray my questions come from my love for you and the agony I feel. Clearly, your way of the cross is a gift of love – of grace. At the same time, I cannot imagine taking up my cross and following you. The cost is too great. I don’t think I could stay true to the sacrificial life. Help me, Lord.
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 11:1-27
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus F91 was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them." 11 After saying this, he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him." 12 The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right." 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." 16 Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, F96 the Son of God, the one coming into the world."
Stations of the Cross
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of the Cross
THE WAY OF CHRIST
In love you summon, in love I follow,
Living today for your tomorrow.
Christ to release me,
Christ to enfold me,
Christ to restrain me,
Christ to uphold me.
Second Station – Jesus Takes Up His Cross
Jesus: I picked up my cross as they ordered me, but not before they beat me unmercifully. The pain was so intense I thought I might die before I got to Golgotha – the “place of the skull.” The greater pain, added to the burden of the wooden cross, was the weight of Sin and Death. Still, there was a sense of peace knowing this was God’s will and the way to give life. I pray that you will never have to bear the cross of death. But at the same time, I know that your cross of life will also cost you over and over. Be of good courage. The cross is the way of life.
Friend: The image of you carrying the cross is almost more than I can bear. I can see the stripes on your back, the bruises on your body. All of this is so cruel and unfair. Where is the justice in this? Why did you have to suffer? I pray my questions come from my love for you and the agony I feel. Clearly, your way of the cross is a gift of love – of grace. At the same time, I cannot imagine taking up my cross and following you. The cost is too great. I don’t think I could stay true to the sacrificial life. Help me, Lord.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 10:19-42
19 Again the Jews were divided because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, "He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?" 21 Others were saying, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." 31 The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus replied, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?" 33 The Jews answered, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God." 34 Jesus answered, "Is it not written in your law, "I said, you are gods'? 35 If those to whom the word of God came were called "gods'—and the scripture cannot be annulled— 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, "I am God's Son'? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."
39 Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. 40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41 Many came to him, and they were saying, "John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true." 42 And many believed in him there.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
First Station – Jesus is Condemned to Die
Jesus: There I was before Pilate who believed he had the power to take my life or let me live. The chief priests and elders said I deserved to die. The crowds cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” At that point and time they sentenced me to death. They could not understand that in the scope of God’s time, the Creator of the universe chose to send me as a human to proclaim the steadfast love of God for all people and to sacrifice my life for each of them. This was God’s will and commitment, my choice from the beginning, now being fulfilled.
Friend: Lord, your life and purpose are beyond my understanding and imagination. I know the story of your life and death, but I still cannot comprehend that this is the path you chose to take for me. You have made God’s love so personal, so compelling. Too often I am the one who responds with judgments toward others – and, yes, even you. I have been known to think the words, “Crucify him!” –or worse yet, “Ignore him!” Too often I have wanted life my way. I am so unworthy. I am the one who should be condemned. Yet, you call me “friend” and ask me to follow you. Lord, have mercy on me.
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 10:19-42
19 Again the Jews were divided because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, "He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?" 21 Others were saying, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." 31 The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus replied, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?" 33 The Jews answered, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God." 34 Jesus answered, "Is it not written in your law, "I said, you are gods'? 35 If those to whom the word of God came were called "gods'—and the scripture cannot be annulled— 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, "I am God's Son'? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."
39 Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. 40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41 Many came to him, and they were saying, "John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true." 42 And many believed in him there.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
First Station – Jesus is Condemned to Die
Jesus: There I was before Pilate who believed he had the power to take my life or let me live. The chief priests and elders said I deserved to die. The crowds cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” At that point and time they sentenced me to death. They could not understand that in the scope of God’s time, the Creator of the universe chose to send me as a human to proclaim the steadfast love of God for all people and to sacrifice my life for each of them. This was God’s will and commitment, my choice from the beginning, now being fulfilled.
Friend: Lord, your life and purpose are beyond my understanding and imagination. I know the story of your life and death, but I still cannot comprehend that this is the path you chose to take for me. You have made God’s love so personal, so compelling. Too often I am the one who responds with judgments toward others – and, yes, even you. I have been known to think the words, “Crucify him!” –or worse yet, “Ignore him!” Too often I have wanted life my way. I am so unworthy. I am the one who should be condemned. Yet, you call me “friend” and ask me to follow you. Lord, have mercy on me.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Daily Devotion
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 10:1-18
1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
Conclusion at the Altar
Jesus Christ: My journey to the cross, my sacrifice, is complete. Now take up your cross and follow me every day. Draw strength from our friendship and all our friends who now make up my Body on earth. Give yourself to our shared mission in good times and hard. Allow your life to reflect who I am in you. I need you and I am counting on you. Remember, I am always with you, my friend.
Friend: Lord Christ, I am ready.
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading of the Day, John 10:1-18
1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Jesus’ Friends Following in the Way of Jesus Christ
An Invitation from Jesus: Welcome to the way of the cross. If you truly want to be my disciple, remember, “I have loved you just as God has loved me. Remain in my love.” If you really want to be my servant, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Listen carefully, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Come now and experience the Stations of the Cross with me and learn of God’s love. Then, my friend, take up your cross daily and follow me into your world. This is the way of life now and forever.
Conclusion at the Altar
Jesus Christ: My journey to the cross, my sacrifice, is complete. Now take up your cross and follow me every day. Draw strength from our friendship and all our friends who now make up my Body on earth. Give yourself to our shared mission in good times and hard. Allow your life to reflect who I am in you. I need you and I am counting on you. Remember, I am always with you, my friend.
Friend: Lord Christ, I am ready.
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