Worship
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL John 11 vv1-45
Please take time to read - it’s a long Gospel but very rewarding.
In the opening of the Gospel according to St John the theme of light is introduced, and then he writes many scenes in the life of Christ as a battle between light and darkness. Here we see Lazarus emerging from the tomb - utter darkness into the light of Christ’s presence. So perhaps we can ask ourselves in this time of darkness, when our lives are restricted to save lives, how are we embracing the light that is not just at the end of some tunnel, but is directly with us now?
It is interesting that even though Jesus knows he is the Resurrection and the life, he is still overcome with the emotion of the scene. Through this miracle Jesus shows the power of God over life and death, but he didn’t just understand the pain of parting - here he lives it as he weeps with Martha and Mary over Lazarus.
We see, in the Raising of Lazarus, the last of John’s signs that point to the new life that God holds out before us. Lazarus is brought back to life, but Jesus’ Resurrection was not a ‘bringing back’, but the gift of a new life without the limitations, and yet still with a body that was both the same and different!
Jesus would have known that in raising Lazarus he was putting the seal on his own death; Jesus’ words of instruction - ‘unbind him and let him go’- would lead to his own body being bound, tortured and killed. Jesus won our freedom from death and all evil by dying on the cross of death. God raised him to new life, so that we could know that life now and forever. How often do we think about what this ‘new life’ is like? Not floating about on clouds but pouring out love, hope and peace. How can we show these gifts now in our present situation?
Resurrection is not the cancelling out of death, but the complete triumphing over death that swallows up our experience of defeat and despair. Death and Resurrection are not equally matched. Resurrection wins in the end. But until that day.....we continue, with God’s help, to struggle against the forces of darkness in our lives. At the end of the event we are told that some believed whilst others said ‘what are we to do?’ At least the miracle caused people to make a decision…..where do we stand?
A combination of the comments of Richard S Briggs in Jesus for Life Jane Williams Lectionary Reflections Year A
Ben Quash in Reflections for Sunday Year A
and me!
Please take time to read - it’s a long Gospel but very rewarding.
In the opening of the Gospel according to St John the theme of light is introduced, and then he writes many scenes in the life of Christ as a battle between light and darkness. Here we see Lazarus emerging from the tomb - utter darkness into the light of Christ’s presence. So perhaps we can ask ourselves in this time of darkness, when our lives are restricted to save lives, how are we embracing the light that is not just at the end of some tunnel, but is directly with us now?
It is interesting that even though Jesus knows he is the Resurrection and the life, he is still overcome with the emotion of the scene. Through this miracle Jesus shows the power of God over life and death, but he didn’t just understand the pain of parting - here he lives it as he weeps with Martha and Mary over Lazarus.
We see, in the Raising of Lazarus, the last of John’s signs that point to the new life that God holds out before us. Lazarus is brought back to life, but Jesus’ Resurrection was not a ‘bringing back’, but the gift of a new life without the limitations, and yet still with a body that was both the same and different!
Jesus would have known that in raising Lazarus he was putting the seal on his own death; Jesus’ words of instruction - ‘unbind him and let him go’- would lead to his own body being bound, tortured and killed. Jesus won our freedom from death and all evil by dying on the cross of death. God raised him to new life, so that we could know that life now and forever. How often do we think about what this ‘new life’ is like? Not floating about on clouds but pouring out love, hope and peace. How can we show these gifts now in our present situation?
Resurrection is not the cancelling out of death, but the complete triumphing over death that swallows up our experience of defeat and despair. Death and Resurrection are not equally matched. Resurrection wins in the end. But until that day.....we continue, with God’s help, to struggle against the forces of darkness in our lives. At the end of the event we are told that some believed whilst others said ‘what are we to do?’ At least the miracle caused people to make a decision…..where do we stand?
A combination of the comments of Richard S Briggs in Jesus for Life Jane Williams Lectionary Reflections Year A
Ben Quash in Reflections for Sunday Year A
and me!
I hope that those of you unable to go out and those of us who have few places to go will use some of the time you have to READ-REFLECT-PRAY THE GOSPEL FOR THE WEEK
1. Find a quiet time and a place you will not be disturbed
2 .Still your body and try to offer this time to God who is longing to spend time with you. Many people find that a few deep breaths help to let out the tensions in our lives. When you feel ready then read part of this Sundays Gospel pause and then read again this time more slowly.
3. GOSPEL PASSAGE: John 9 verses 1-42 Its a long passage but a compelling story
In Jesus' time many people believed that if someone was born blind that it was a punishment from God on the parents for something they had done Jesus repudiates this but his comment is enigmatic-he wasn't born blind so that all these years later Jesus would heal him-but taking the situation without explanation-the healing will be a blessing. Good will come out of the situation.
'Out of our weakness and poverty we cry out to God and discover God in a new way as a God of tenderness, full of compassion.'
Many people who help those with serious problems find that the ones they seek to care for end up helping them. They call us to love and awaken within us the gift of compassion.Think and give thanks for the times this has happened to you. You may want to pause at this point and read on another day.
JESUS HEALS vv 6-7
Jesus heals on this occasion through word and touch- The man has been blind a long time-Jesus out of compassion and respect goes out of his way to assure him that this is a sacred encounter.
THE AFTERMATH v 8 and following
The miracle causes much excitement-and the people are finding it hard to believe-so they go to the Pharisees to have it verified. They conclude that it cannot be from God because it was done on the Sabbath. In the end even the parents are dragged into the argument. Sadly they just wash their hands they are afraid of being put out of the Synagogue.
We now see the man who was healed getting more and more exasperate - instead of rejoicing that he can see its caused so much rejection and hateful words. But he ends up bearing witness - 'If this man was not from God,he could do nothing (like this)', Sadly they throw him out of the Synagogue - he is ex-communicated!
Jesus hears about this and so seeks him out revealing who he is the of Man (the Messiah) and so the man who was blind 'sees' and the religious people remain firmly blind!
We are left with the words and action of the healed man ringing in our ears: 'Lord I believe' - and hr fell down and worshipped him.
So this man becomes the first to be persecuted because of his faith, and one of the first to express their faith in Jesus.
THINK & PRAY OVER this revealing encounter.
What does it say about our fear our doubts and questionings?....Our present situation could be a time to renew our trust in Christ rather than worry and worry about what will happen next. Christ has not abandon us but also comes to seek us out with words of assurance:' I am yours and you are mine.'
1. Find a quiet time and a place you will not be disturbed
2 .Still your body and try to offer this time to God who is longing to spend time with you. Many people find that a few deep breaths help to let out the tensions in our lives. When you feel ready then read part of this Sundays Gospel pause and then read again this time more slowly.
3. GOSPEL PASSAGE: John 9 verses 1-42 Its a long passage but a compelling story
In Jesus' time many people believed that if someone was born blind that it was a punishment from God on the parents for something they had done Jesus repudiates this but his comment is enigmatic-he wasn't born blind so that all these years later Jesus would heal him-but taking the situation without explanation-the healing will be a blessing. Good will come out of the situation.
'Out of our weakness and poverty we cry out to God and discover God in a new way as a God of tenderness, full of compassion.'
Many people who help those with serious problems find that the ones they seek to care for end up helping them. They call us to love and awaken within us the gift of compassion.Think and give thanks for the times this has happened to you. You may want to pause at this point and read on another day.
JESUS HEALS vv 6-7
Jesus heals on this occasion through word and touch- The man has been blind a long time-Jesus out of compassion and respect goes out of his way to assure him that this is a sacred encounter.
THE AFTERMATH v 8 and following
The miracle causes much excitement-and the people are finding it hard to believe-so they go to the Pharisees to have it verified. They conclude that it cannot be from God because it was done on the Sabbath. In the end even the parents are dragged into the argument. Sadly they just wash their hands they are afraid of being put out of the Synagogue.
We now see the man who was healed getting more and more exasperate - instead of rejoicing that he can see its caused so much rejection and hateful words. But he ends up bearing witness - 'If this man was not from God,he could do nothing (like this)', Sadly they throw him out of the Synagogue - he is ex-communicated!
Jesus hears about this and so seeks him out revealing who he is the of Man (the Messiah) and so the man who was blind 'sees' and the religious people remain firmly blind!
We are left with the words and action of the healed man ringing in our ears: 'Lord I believe' - and hr fell down and worshipped him.
So this man becomes the first to be persecuted because of his faith, and one of the first to express their faith in Jesus.
THINK & PRAY OVER this revealing encounter.
What does it say about our fear our doubts and questionings?....Our present situation could be a time to renew our trust in Christ rather than worry and worry about what will happen next. Christ has not abandon us but also comes to seek us out with words of assurance:' I am yours and you are mine.'
Worship and Prayer lies at the heart of everything we do. We try to make our worship as accessible as possible, and we hope that all who gather find a warm welcome!
There are many opportunties to worship at St Peter’s throughout the week, although the most important day for us (as it is for all Christians) is Sunday.
Sunday is 'The Lord's Day' for it is the Day of Resurrection. From the first moments that the Church began, Christians gathered together on a Sunday to break bread, to listen to the apostles teaching, to devote themselves to prayer, and to community life.
Our Parish Eucharist on Sunday at 10.00am is always a joyful occasion, with all ages represented. The Eucharist involves many different people: from proclaiming the Scriptures and leading the people in prayer, to presenting the gifts of bread and wine at the altar, serving and singing in the choir, as well as, of course, those involved in our children’s ministry and the Ministry of Welcome and Hospitality.
As well as the 'week by week' and 'day by day' round of worship and prayer, there are also many other occasions when we celebrate special events and hold special acts of worship.
All are welcome!
There are many opportunties to worship at St Peter’s throughout the week, although the most important day for us (as it is for all Christians) is Sunday.
Sunday is 'The Lord's Day' for it is the Day of Resurrection. From the first moments that the Church began, Christians gathered together on a Sunday to break bread, to listen to the apostles teaching, to devote themselves to prayer, and to community life.
Our Parish Eucharist on Sunday at 10.00am is always a joyful occasion, with all ages represented. The Eucharist involves many different people: from proclaiming the Scriptures and leading the people in prayer, to presenting the gifts of bread and wine at the altar, serving and singing in the choir, as well as, of course, those involved in our children’s ministry and the Ministry of Welcome and Hospitality.
As well as the 'week by week' and 'day by day' round of worship and prayer, there are also many other occasions when we celebrate special events and hold special acts of worship.
All are welcome!
