The body of Jesus was buried in the late afternoon on Friday. The women came to the tomb early Sunday morning. The Gospels say nothing about the events that took place in between. It’s in this silence that the ancient celebration of Easter Vigil fits. We wait with his followers. In the present day, we might remember how it was women among Jesus’ original cohort who planned, and attempted to enact, proper ritual cleansing…
It’s tempting for a preacher to prayerfully announce, “This text speaks for itself,” plant a big Amen on it and sit down to reflect in silence. And, behold, you may yet get that someday! It’s also tempting – and deliciously justifiable homiletically – to focus on one of the many images unique to John’s version of Christ’s passion…
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Once upon a time there lived a little girl named Mary. She lived many, many years ago in a small town called Bethany in a very special, and she would come to find out, a very holy land.
From the very earliest times in her life, Mary felt she was surrounded by kind and loving people. There were her parents, who worked very hard to provide a good, clean and happy home. She also had an older sister, Marta…
Hearing today’s gospel – this old familiar story – is like hearing from a long-time friend. We are eager to resume conversation with a familiar voice.
And on my end of the conversation, I find myself of late, looking at parables through a series of lenses, all of which are formed by Jesus’ own words: “The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to…”
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Indeed, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last. This is the verse that directly precedes today’s gospel passage. It comes at the end of a series of parables all having to do with repentance. This may help us to understand what Jesus is getting at in his reply to the Pharisees who, supposedly with compassion, want him to know that Herod wants him dead. But as we consider what’s contained in today’s gospel lesson, let’s step back and recall…
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.