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updated 3/1/06
August 7, 2005
March 1, 2006
ASH WEDNESDAY
INTRODUCTION
Christians gather on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent's baptismal preparation for Easter. On this day, the people of God receive an ashen cross on the forehead (a gesture rooted in baptism), hear the solemn proclamation to keep a fast in preparation for Easter's feast, and contemplate anew the ongoing meaning of baptismal initiation into the Lord's death and resurrection. While marked with the ashes of human mortality, the church hears God's promise of forgiveness and tastes God's mercy in the bread of life and the cup of salvation. From this solemn liturgy, the church goes forth on its journey to the great baptismal feast of Easter.
On this day the church remembers George Herbert, priest and hymnwriter.
FIRST READING: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
The context of this reading is a liturgy of communal lamentation. The prophet has called the temple community to mourn a devastating plague of the past and to announce a day of darkness, the day of the Lord. The community is called to repent, to return to God who is gracious and merciful.
Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the LORD is coming, it is near--
2a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful army comes;
their like has never been from of old,
nor will be again after them
in ages to come.
12Yet even now, says the LORD,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the LORD, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.
14Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
for the LORD, your God?
15Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged;
gather the children,
even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her canopy.
17Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep.
Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD,
and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
'Where is their God?' "
PSALM: Psalm 51:1-18 (Psalm 51:1-17 [NRSV])
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness. (Ps. 51:1)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your | lovingkindness;*
in your great compassion blot out | my offenses.
2Wash me through and through | from my wickedness*
and cleanse me | from my sin.
3For I know | my transgressions,*
and my sin is ev- | er before me.
4Against you only | have I sinned*
and done what is evil | in your sight. R
5And so you are justified | when you speak*
and upright | in your judgment.
6Indeed, I have been wicked | from my birth,*
a sinner from my | mother's womb.
7For behold, you look for truth | deep within me,*
and will make me understand | wisdom secretly.
8Purge me from my sin, and I | shall be pure;*
wash me, and I shall be | clean indeed. R
9Make me hear of | joy and gladness,*
that the body you have broken | may rejoice.
10Hide your face | from my sins,*
and blot out all | my iniquities.
11Create in me a clean | heart, O God,*
and renew a right spir- | it within me.
12Cast me not away | from your presence*
and take not your Holy | Spirit from me. R
13Give me the joy of your saving | help again*
and sustain me with your boun- | tiful Spirit.
14I shall teach your ways | to the wicked,*
and sinners shall re- | turn to you.
15Deliver me from | death, O God,*
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of | my salvation.
16Open my | lips, O Lord,*
and my mouth shall pro- | claim your praise.
17Had you desired it, I would have | offered sacrifice,*
but you take no delight | in burnt-offerings.
18The sacrifice of God is a | troubled spirit;*
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will | not despise. R
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Out of love for humankind, the sinless one experienced sin and suffering so that the redemptive power of God could penetrate the darkest, most forbidding, and tragic depths of human experience. No aspect of human life is ignored by the presence of God's grace. With faith in this redemption, Paul announces that this day is a day of God's grace, an acceptable time to turn toward God's mercy.
We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6:1As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says,
"At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you."
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 3We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
In this passage Matthew sets forth a vision of genuine righteousness illustrated by three basic acts of Jewish devotion: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Jesus does not denounce the acts--in the New Testament they are signs of singular devotion to God--rather, he criticizes those who perform them in order to have a sense of self-satisfaction or to gain public approval. Care for those who are poor, intense prayer, and fasting with a joyous countenance are signs of loving dedication to God.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
16"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
INTRODUCTION
Jesus joins the church in the wilderness for forty days as we contemplate the meaning of our baptism into his death and resurrection. We are with Noah in the ark, Israel in the desert, and Elijah on rocky Mount Horeb for a time of prayer, fasting, and preparation. We make this journey together as a people who have been brought into existence by God's mercy. We hear this covenant proclaimed in the word of God and share this promise in the body and blood of Christ.
Today's reading centers on the conclusion to the flood story. The Lord destroys the earth by flood, except for Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark. Yet, divine destruction, because of human sinfulness, gives way to divine commitment. As in the first creation (Genesis 1), God blesses the human community and establishes a covenant with all creatures.
God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." 12God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." 17God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
PSALM: Psalm 25:1-9 (Psalm 25:1-10 [NRSV])
Your paths are love and faithfulness to those who keep your covenant. (Ps. 25:9)
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my | trust in you;*
let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph | over me.
2Let none who look to you be | put to shame;*
let the treacherous be disappointed | in their schemes.
3Show me your | ways, O LORD,*
and teach | me your paths.
4Lead me in your | truth and teach me,*
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all | the day long. R
5Remember, O LORD, your compas- | sion and love,*
for they are from | everlasting.
6Remember not the sins of my youth and | my transgressions;*
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your good- | ness, O LORD.
7Gracious and upright | is the LORD;*
therefore he teaches sinners | in his way.
8He guides the humble in | doing right*
and teaches his way | to the lowly.
9All the paths of the LORD are | love and faithfulness*
to those who keep his covenant and his | testimonies. R
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 3:18-22
In this reading, the author emphasizes God's saving action on behalf of Noah, his family, and the creatures. This saving presence continues to be manifested through Christ in the act of baptism.
Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you--not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
The Spirit that comes upon Jesus at his baptism sustains him when he is tested by Satan so that he might proclaim the gospel of God's reign.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
INTRODUCTION
The readiness of Abraham and Sarah, and the eagerness of Jesus to do God's will are models for contemporary disciples in the church. Baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, we are called to live a distinctive style of life shaped by faith in God's mercy. As followers of Christ, we take up our cross and stand with all those who suffer in our midst. Our Lenten journey always takes us to the cross, the heart of God's love for the world.
Today the church commemorates Gregory the Great, bishop of Rome, who in the sixth century influenced public worship through the establishment of a lectionary and prayers to correlate with the readings.
FIRST READING: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
In today's reading, the writer connects the covenant made with Abraham and Sarah to the "everlasting" covenant made with Noah. The relationship between God and Abraham's descendants is as sure as the relationship between God and the seasons and times of the year. The name changes further emphasize the firmness of God's promise.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." 3Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 5No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."
15God said to Abraham, "As for Sarah your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her."
PSALM: Psalm 22:22-30 (Psalm 22:23-31 [NRSV])
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD. (Ps. 22:26)
Praise the LORD, | you that fear him;* stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's | line, give glory.
23For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;
neither does he hide his | face from them;*
but when they cry to | him he hears them.
24My praise is of him in the | great assembly;*
I will perform my vows in the presence of those who | worship him.
25The poor shall eat and be satisfied,
and those who seek the | LORD shall praise him:*
"May your heart | live forever!" R
26All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn | to the LORD,*
and all the families of the nations | bow before him.
27For kingship belongs | to the LORD;*
he rules o- | ver the nations.
28To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow | down in worship;*
all who go down to the dust | fall before him.
29My soul shall live for him; my descen- | dants shall serve him;*
they shall be known as the | LORD's forever.
30They shall come and make known to a people | yet unborn*
the saving deeds that | he has done. R
SECOND READING: Romans 4:13-25
Paul is trying to persuade the Roman Christians that people are made right with God through faith rather than by works of the law. Abraham became the ancestor of God's chosen people not by keeping the law but by trusting God to keep his promises.
The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
16For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations")--in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become "the father of many nations," according to what was said, "So numerous shall your descendants be." 19He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22Therefore his faith "was reckoned to him as righteousness." 23Now the words, "it was reckoned to him," were written not for his sake alone, 24but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
After Peter confesses his belief that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus tells his disciples for the first time what is to come. Peter's response indicates that he does not yet understand the way of the cross that Jesus will travel.
[Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
INTRODUCTION
In our society, even churches can become like marketplaces, and congregations can be characterized chiefly as consumers. The drive to satisfy every taste and opinion can distract the church from its center: Jesus Christ among us in the regular celebration of word and sacrament. In the word of God and the eucharistic meal, the temple of Christ's body is strengthened for its witness in daily life.
Today the church commemorates Joseph, guardian of Jesus.
This covenant is the third one the church hears in this cycle of readings. After escaping from slavery, the Israelites come to Mount Sinai where God instructs them how to live together in community. The Ten Commandments recognize that God is the creator of all things. Flowing from God, the life of the community flourishes when marked by the basic building blocks recounted in today's reading: honesty, trust, fidelity, and respect for life, family, and property.
God spoke all these words: 2I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 3you shall have no other gods before me.
4You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, 6but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
8Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10But the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do any work--you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. 11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
12Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
13You shall not murder.
14You shall not commit adultery.
15You shall not steal.
16You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
17You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
The commandment of the LORD gives light to the eyes. (Ps. 19:8)
The heavens declare the glo- | ry of God,*
and the firmament | shows his handiwork.
2One day tells its tale | to another,*
and one night imparts knowledge | to another.
3Although they have no | words or language,*
and their voices | are not heard,
4their sound has gone out in- | to all lands,*
and their message to the ends | of the world.
5In the deep has he set a pavilion | for the sun;*
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to | run its course.
6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of | it again;*
nothing is hidden from its | burning heat. R
7The law of the LORD is perfect and re- | vives the soul;*
the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom | to the innocent.
8The statutes of the LORD are just and re- | joice the heart;*
the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light | to the eyes.
9The fear of the LORD is clean and en- | dures forever;*
the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous | altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, more than | much fine gold,*
sweeter far than honey, than honey | in the comb. R
11By them also is your ser- | vant enlightened,*
and in keeping them there is | great reward.
12Who can tell how often | he offends?*
Cleanse me from my | secret faults.
13Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion | over me;*
then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a | great offense.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable | in your sight,*
O LORD, my strength and | my redeemer. R
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Paul's preaching about the salvation God offers through the cross was met with suspicion. How can victory come out of death? Some thought this message was nonsense. But Paul announces that God's wisdom overturns common expectations about who God is and where God intends to be.
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Jesus attacks the commercialization of religion by driving merchants out of the temple. When challenged, he responds mysteriously, with the first prediction of his own death and resurrection. In the midst of a seemingly stable religious center, Jesus suggests that the center itself has changed.
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" 17His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." 18The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" 19Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?" 21But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
INTRODUCTION
In today's gospel reading, Jesus compares himself to the serpent in the wilderness. He is lifted up on the cross so that all who hold to him will be healed. God sent the Son, not to condemn, but to save the world. We who have heard the words of love and mercy in today's scriptures go forth to speak with forgiveness rather than condemnation. Our baptism calls us to a life of good works, not to point to ourselves but to the immeasurable riches of God's grace made known to all the world in Christ our Lord.
Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, the time of Israel's wandering in the desert is seen as a period of testing. Though God delivers the people from slavery and provides for all their needs on the journey, they whine and grumble. They fail to see the gift of salvation in the exodus. Yet God's anger is not the final word. God continues to lead the people toward the land promised to their ancestors.
From Mount Hor the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food." 6Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 8And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live." 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
The LORD delivered them from their distress. (Ps. 107:19)
Give thanks to the LORD, for | he is good,*
and his mercy en- | dures forever.
2Let all those whom the LORD has re- | deemed proclaim*
that he redeemed them from the hand | of the foe. R
3He gathered them out | of the lands;*
from the east and from the west, from the north and | from the south.
17Some were fools and took to re- | bellious ways;*
they were afflicted because | of their sins.
18They abhorred all man- | ner of food*
and drew near | to death's door.
19Then they cried to the LORD | in their trouble,*
and he delivered them from | their distress. R
20He sent forth his | word and healed them*
and saved them | from the grave.
21Let them give thanks to the LORD | for his mercy*
and the wonders he does | for his children.
22Let them offer a sacrifice | of thanksgiving*
and tell of his acts with | shouts of joy. R
SECOND READING: Ephesians 2:1-10
God raised us up to new life while we yet belonged to powers of evil. If such was our past, we now live with Christ and will spend eternity discovering the breadth of God's goodness.
You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
To explain the salvation of God to the religious leader Nicodemus, Jesus refers to the scripture passage quoted in today's first reading. Just as those who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed, so people will be saved when they behold Christ lifted up on the cross.
[Jesus said:] 14 "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God."
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
INTRODUCTION
In today's gospel reading, Jesus speaks of grain dying in the earth as an image of his death and resurrection. Christ is the seed fallen to earth that yields the harvest of life, health, and salvation. Christ is the one who accompanies us in our baptismal death and raises us to life with him. Christ is the grain of wheat that we share in the breaking of the bread. Christ's Spirit strengthens us in lives of fruitful service to those who hunger and thirst for life.
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Judeans in Babylon blamed their exile on their ancestors who had broken the covenant established at Sinai. Here the prophet looks to a day when the people can no longer make such a complaint. There will be no need to teach the law because God will write the holy law in their hearts.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt--a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD.
33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
PSALM: Psalm 51:1-13 (Psalm 51:1-12 [NRSV])
Create in me a clean heart, O God. (Ps. 51:11)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your | lovingkindness;*
in your great compassion blot out | my offenses.
2Wash me through and through | from my wickedness*
and cleanse me | from my sin.
3For I know | my transgressions,*
and my sin is ev- | er before me.
4Against you only | have I sinned*
and done what is evil | in your sight. R
5And so you are justified | when you speak*
and upright | in your judgment.
6Indeed, I have been wicked | from my birth,*
a sinner from my | mother's womb.
7For behold, you look for truth | deep within me,*
and will make me understand | wisdom secretly.
8Purge me from my sin, and I | shall be pure;*
wash me, and I shall be | clean indeed. R
9Make me hear of | joy and gladness,*
that the body you have broken | may rejoice.
10Hide your face | from my sins,*
and blot out all | my iniquities.
11Create in me a clean | heart, O God,*
and renew a right spir- | it within me.
12Cast me not away | from your presence*
and take not your Holy | Spirit from me.
13Give me the joy of your saving | help again*
and sustain me with your boun- | tiful Spirit. R
SECOND READING: Hebrews 5:5-10
The Bible often speaks of Jesus as the "lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world. This reading from Hebrews expands upon this image with another: Jesus is also the high priest whose suffering became the gracious gift of salvation.
Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
"You are my Son,
today I have begotten you";
6as he says also in another place,
"You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek."
7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time to celebrate the Passover festival. Here Jesus' words about seeds planted in the ground turn the disaster of his death into the promise of a harvest in which everyone will be gathered.
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very 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. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever 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. 28Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
SUNDAY OF THE PASSION
PALM SUNDAY
INTRODUCTION
On this day the church continues its procession with our crucified and risen Lord. He is in our midst as we hear of his life-giving death and as we share his body and blood. At the beginning of this great week, the passion gospel sets forth the central mystery of the Christian faith: Christ emptied himself in death so that we might know God's mercy and love for all creation.
Today the church commemorates German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whose courage is a bold witness to the paschal mystery of Christ's dying and rising of the upcoming Three Days.
PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL: Mark 11:1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.' " 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
"Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
The image of the servant of the Lord is one of the notable motifs in the third servant song of Isaiah. Today's reading is a description of the mission of the servant. When early Christians read this text they heard in this servant of God the voice of Jesus. Thus, the reading was associated with the Lord's passion. The servant does not strike back at his detractors but trusts in God's steadfast love.
The Lord GOD has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens--
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
5The Lord GOD has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
6I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
7The Lord GOD helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
9It is the Lord GOD who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
Into your hands, O LORD, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I | am in trouble;*
my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat | and my belly.
10For my life is wasted with grief, and my | years with sighing;*
my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones | are consumed.
11I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,
a dismay to those of | my acquaintance;*
when they see me in the street | they avoid me.
12I am forgotten like a dead man, | out of mind;*
I am as useless as a | broken pot. R
13For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is | all around;*
they put their heads together against me; they plot to | take my life.
14But as for me, I have trusted in | you, O LORD.*
I have said, "You | are my God.
15My times are | in your hand;*
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who | persecute me.
16Make your face to shine up- | on your servant,*
and in your loving- | kindness save me." R
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11
Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn that describes Jesus' death on the cross as the primary model for Christians of obedience and unselfishness.
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
The passion story in Mark's gospel presents Jesus as one who dies abandoned by all. He shows himself to be the true Son of God by giving his life for those who have forsaken him.
It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; 2for they said, "Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people."
3While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4But some were there who said to one another in anger, "Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they scolded her. 6But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. 8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her."
10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
12On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?" 13So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, 14and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there." 16So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
17When it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." 19They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, "Surely, not I?" 20He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. 21For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born."
22While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." 23Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27And Jesus said to them, "You will all become deserters; for it is written,
'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.'
28But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." 29Peter said to him, "Even though all become deserters, I will not." 30Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." 31But he said vehemently, "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." And all of them said the same.
32They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34And he said to them, "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake." 35And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36He said, "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want." 37He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 41He came a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand."
43Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. 47But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48Then Jesus said to them, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? 49Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled." 50All of them deserted him and fled.
51A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, 52but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
53They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'
59But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" 61But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62Jesus said, "I am; and
'you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,'
and 'coming with the clouds of heaven.'"
63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, "Prophesy!" The guards also took him over and beat him.
66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, "You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth." 68But he denied it, saying, "I do not know or understand what you are talking about." And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. 69And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." 70But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, "Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean." 71But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know this man you are talking about." 72At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept.
15:1As 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. 2Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "You say so." 3Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4Pilate asked him again, "Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you." 5But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.
6Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9Then he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 10For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12Pilate spoke to them again, "Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" 13They shouted back, "Crucify him!" 14Pilate asked them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him!" 15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
16Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18And they began saluting him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
21They 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. 22Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.
25It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." 27And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!" 31In 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. 32Let 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.
33When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34At 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?" 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah." 36And 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." 37Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39Now 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!"
40There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
42When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. 45When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. 46Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
INTRODUCTION
On this day the Christian community gathers to share in the holy supper Christ gave the church to reveal his unfailing love for the human family. In the actions of this liturgy, Christ demonstrates this love by speaking his faithful word, washing our feet, and giving us his body and blood. From this gathering we are sent to continue these actions in daily life: to serve those in need, to offer mercy, to feed those who are hungry.
This first liturgy of the Three Days has no ending; it continues with the worship of Good Friday and concludes with the Vigil of Easter. Together the Three Days proclaim the mystery of our faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
FIRST READING: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
Israel remembered its deliverance from slavery in Egypt by celebrating the festival of Passover. This festival featured the slaughter, preparation, and consumption of the Passover lamb, whose blood was used to protect God's people from the threat of death. The early church described the Lord's supper using imagery from the Passover, especially in portraying Jesus as the lamb who delivers God's people from sin and death.
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. [ 5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.] 11This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. 12For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
14This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.
PSALM: Psalm 116:1, 10-17 (Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 NRSV)
I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. (Ps. 116:11)
I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my | supplication,* because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I | called upon him.
10How shall I re- | pay the LORD*
for all the good things he has | done for me?
11I will lift up the cup | of salvation*
and call upon the name | of the LORD.
12I will fulfill my vows | to the LORD*
in the presence of | all his people. R
13Precious in the sight | of the LORD*
is the death | of his servants.
14O LORD, I | am your servant;*
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me | from my bonds.
15I will offer you the sacrifice | of thanksgiving*
and call upon the name | of the LORD.
16I will fulfill my vows | to the LORD*
in the presence of | all his people,
17in the courts of | the LORD's house,*
in the midst of you, | O Jerusalem. R
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The only story from the life of Jesus that Paul recounts in detail is this report of the last supper. His words to the Christians at Corinth are reflected today in the liturgies of churches throughout the world.
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
The story of the last supper in John's gospel recalls a remarkable event not mentioned elsewhere. Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples and urging them to do the same for each other.
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. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then 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. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10Jesus 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." 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean."
12After 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? 13You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
31b "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little 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.' 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
GOOD FRIDAY
INTRODUCTION
On this day the church gathers to hear the proclamation of the passion, to pray for the life of the world, and to meditate on the life-giving cross. The ancient title for this day—the triumph of the cross—reminds us that the church gathers to offer thanksgiving for the wood of the tree on which hung our salvation.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Today's reading reinterprets the common idea that suffering is God's punishment for sin: "You get what you deserve." What is new is the idea that the innocent sufferer brings benefits for the community. The suffering and death of the servant serve God's purposes: the redemption of God's people.
See, my servant shall prosper;
he shall be exalted and lifted up,
and shall be very high.
14Just as there were many who were astonished at him
--so marred was his appearance,
beyond human semblance,
and his form beyond that of mortals--
15so he shall startle many nations;
kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
for that which had not been told them they shall see,
and that which they had not heard
they shall contemplate.
53:1Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2For he grew up before him like a young plant
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3He was despised and rejected by others;
a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;
and as one from whom others hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him of no account.
4Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
6All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8By a perversion of justice he was taken away.
Who could have imagined his future?
For he was cut off from the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people.
9They made his grave with the wicked
and his tomb with the rich,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain.
When you make his life an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the LORD shall prosper.
11Out of his anguish he shall see light;
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.
The righteous one, my servant,
shall make many righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
12Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1)
My God, my God, why have you for- | saken me*
and are so far from my cry,
and from the words of | my distress?
2O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you | do not answer;*
by night as well, but I | find no rest.
3Yet you are the | Holy One,*
enthroned upon the prais- | es of Israel.
4Our forefathers put their | trust in you;*
they trusted, and you de- | livered them. R
5They cried out to you and | were delivered;*
they trusted in you and were not | put to shame.
6But as for me, I am a worm | and no man,*
scorned by all and despised | by the people.
7All who see me laugh | me to scorn;*
they curl their lips and wag | their heads, saying,
8"He trusted in the LORD; let him de- | liver him;*
let him rescue him, if he de- | lights in him." R
9Yet you are he who took me out | of the womb,*
and kept me safe upon my | mother's breast.
10I have been entrusted to you ever since | I was born;*
you were my God when I was still in my | mother's womb.
11Be not far from me, for trou- | ble is near,*
and there is | none to help.
12Many young bulls en- | circle me;*
strong bulls of Ba- | shan surround me. R
13They open wide their | jaws at me,*
like a ravening and a | roaring lion.
14I am poured out like water; all my bones are | out of joint;*
my heart within my breast is | melting wax.
15My mouth is dried out like a potsherd;
my tongue sticks to the roof | of my mouth;*
and you have laid me in the dust | of the grave.
16Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers cir- | cle around me;*
they pierce my hands and my feet, I can count | all my bones. R
17They stare and gloat | over me;*
they divide my garments among them; they cast lots | for my clothing.
18Be not far a- | way, O LORD;*
you are my strength; hast- | en to help me.
19Save me | from the sword,*
my life from the power | of the dog.
20Save me from the | lion's mouth,*
my wretched body from the horns | of wild bulls. R
21I will declare your name | to my brethren;*
in the midst of the congregation | I will praise you.
22Praise the LORD, | you that fear him;*
stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;
all you of Jacob's | line, give glory.
23For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;
neither does he hide his | face from them;*
but when they cry to | him he hears them.
24My praise is of him in the | great assembly;*
I will perform my vows in the presence of those who | worship him. R
25The poor shall eat and be satisfied,
and those who seek the | LORD shall praise him:*
"May your heart | live forever!"
26All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn | to the LORD,*
and all the families of the nations shall | bow before him.
27For kingship belongs | to the LORD;*
he rules o- | ver the nations.
28To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow | down in worship;*
all who go down to the dust | fall before him.
29My soul shall live for him; my descen- | dants shall serve him;*
they shall be known as the | LORD's forever.
30They shall come and make known to a people | yet unborn*
the saving deeds that | he has done. R
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:16-25
The writer to the Hebrews uses the Hebrew scriptures to understand the meaning of Christ's death on the cross. Like a great priest, Jesus offered his own blood as a sacrifice for our sins so that now we can worship God with confidence and hope.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,"
17he also adds,
"I will remember their sins
and their lawless deeds no more."
18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
On Good Friday, the story of Jesus' passion—from his arrest to his burial—is read in its entirety from the Gospel of John.
Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3So 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. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" 5They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go." 9This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." 10Then 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. 11Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?"
12So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.
15Simon 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, 16but 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. 17The woman said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." 18Now 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.
19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus 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. 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." 22When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" 23Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25Now 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." 26One 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?" 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
28Then 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. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" 30They answered, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." 31Pilate 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.)
33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35Pilate 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?" 36Jesus 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." 37Pilate 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." 38Pilate 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. 39But 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?" 40They shouted in reply, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit.
19:1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3They kept coming up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and striking him on the face. 4Pilate 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." 5So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" 6When 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." 7The 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."
8Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Pilate 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?" 11Jesus 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." 12From 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."
13When 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. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, "Here is your King!" 15They 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." 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus; 17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 20Many 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. 21Then 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.' " 22Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." 23When 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. 24So 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."
25And 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. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." 27Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." 29A 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. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31Since 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. 32Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, 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.) 36These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." 37And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced."
38After 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. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now 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. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
EASTER DAY
INTRODUCTION
The story of Mary Magdalene is the church's story. We hear the voice of the risen Lord in the scriptures. We receive his body and blood in the holy supper. We encounter him in our brothers and sisters and in all those in need who look for salvation. We are charged to go forth in daily life and proclaim with our words and deeds that we have seen the Lord. It is the day of resurrection, the day the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice.
In the face of desolation, the people of God are promised that the LORD will make a new appearance marked by joy and feasting, and by the abolishment of death itself.
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
7And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
8Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the LORD has spoken.
9It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the LORD for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24)
Give thanks to the LORD, for | he is good;*
his mercy en- | dures forever.
2Let Israel | now proclaim,*
"His mercy en- | dures forever." R
14The LORD is my strength | and my song,*
and he has become | my salvation.
15There is a sound of exulta- | tion and victory*
in the tents | of the righteous:
16 "The right hand of the | LORD has triumphed!*
The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the | Lord has triumphed!"
17I shall not | die, but live,*
and declare the works | of the LORD. R
18The LORD has pun- | ished me sorely,*
but he did not hand me o- | ver to death.
19Open for me the | gates of righteousness;*
I will enter them; I will offer thanks | to the LORD.
20 "This is the gate | of the LORD;*
he who is right- | eous may enter."
21I will give thanks to you, for you | answered me*
and have become | my salvation. R
22The same stone which the build- | ers rejected*
has become the chief | cornerstone.
23This is | the LORD's doing,*
and it is marvelous | in our eyes.
24On this day the | LORD has acted;*
we will rejoice and be | glad in it. R
Peter's sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer, is a summary of the essential message of Christianity: Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
Peter began to speak to the people: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is one of terror and amazement.
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" 4When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." 8So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
INTRODUCTION
In the waters of baptism, God raises us up in Jesus and gives us life that endures. Though we do not see him in the flesh, he continues to reveal himself to us in the breaking of the bread, our foretaste of the feast to come. Day by day, we pray that God would strengthen our faith, so that we who have not seen Christ Jesus may truly confess him as our Lord and God.
Today we commemorate Toyohiko Kagawa, who witnessed to the peace of Christ.
In today's reading, the church glimpses the life of the first Christian community. Here the author of Acts describes the social dimension of Christian life. Animated by the Spirit of the risen Lord, the body of Christ cares for those in need and holds all things in common.
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
How good and pleasant it is to live together in unity. (Ps. 133:1)
Oh, how good and pleas- | ant it is,*
when brethren live togeth- | er in unity!
2It is like fine oil up- | on the head*
that runs down up- | on the beard,
3Upon the | beard of Aaron,*
and runs down upon the collar | of his robe.
4It is like the | dew of Hermon*
that falls upon the | hills of Zion. R
5For there the LORD has or- | dained the blessing:*
life for- | evermore. R
SECOND READING: 1 John 1:1--2:2
This letter of John begins with poetic testimony to Jesus as the word of life. Through him we have firsthand experience of God and know for certain that God loves us and forgives us our sin.
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- 2this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us-- 3we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
5This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2:1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
The story of Easter continues as the risen Lord appears to his disciples. His words to Thomas offer a blessing to all who entrust themselves in faith to the risen Lord.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2005 Augsburg Fortress.Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
INTRODUCTION
The church gathers in the power of the risen Lord. Here in this assembly made holy by its consecration in baptism, Christ opens the scriptures and reveals himself to us. Gathered at his table as the bread is broken, we see that his life has been broken for us, so that our broken lives might be healed. From the table of the word and the table of the eucharist, Christ feeds us with his love and abundant mercy.
Peter testifies to the Easter faith, proclaiming that Christ's resurrection fulfills the promises of God and brings blessing even to those who killed him.
Peter addressed the people, "You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made this man walk? 13The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, 15and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.
17 "And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out."
The LORD does wonders for the faithful. (Ps. 4:3)
Answer me when I call, O God, defender | of my cause;*
you set me free when I am hard-pressed; have mercy on me and | hear my prayer.
2 "You mortals, how long will you dishon- | or my glory;*
how long will you worship dumb idols and run af- | ter false gods?"
3Know that the LORD does wonders | for the faithful;*
when I call upon the LORD, | he will hear me.
4Tremble, then, and | do not sin;*
speak to your heart in silence up- | on your bed. R
5Offer the appointed | sacrifices*
and put your trust | in the LORD.
6Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see | better times!"*
Lift up the light of your countenance upon | us, O LORD.
7You have put gladness | in my heart,*
more than when grain and wine and | oil increase.
8I lie down in peace; at once I | fall asleep;*
for only you, LORD, make me | dwell in safety. R
The First Letter of John encourages Christians to abide in Christ so that God's love will be found in them. The baptized are children of God in Christ. To be a child of God is to have a mission: to offer God's love in a world of conflict.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
4Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. 7Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
In this account of an appearance after his resurrection, Jesus opens the minds of the disciples to understand him as Messiah. Jesus convinces the disciples that he has been raised, and sends them on a mission to proclaim the message of repentance and forgiveness.
Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38He said to them