Collect for Easter 4
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
Raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Reflection
1 Peter 2:19-25
For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
How Deep is the Father’s Love For Us (Hymn 80)
Over these few weeks, we’re looking at Peter’s first letter, written in Rome towards the end of his life, and directed to the fast-growing number of followers of Christ (only later termed ‘Christians’). It is a letter of encouragement and takes the reader into a better understanding of what being a follower entails. In the letter, Peter talks firstly about the faith that shields us now and in the future; he goes on to talk about holiness and ‘reverent fear’ – an awareness of being in the presence of an awesome God.
And now he turns to suffering. There are those who are justly punished for the things they have done wrong; there are those whose punishment is undeserved and unjust. These latter refer directly to women and men who will be persecuted for their faith (of whom in Rome and other places in Asia Minor there would be thousands, and still are). Their tenacity is made possible by their faithful aspiration to do God’s will. But they are nonetheless imperfect and in need of forgiveness– human beings can never be without sin no matter how much good they do. They are His children, and in their deeds and words, like sheep they go astray.
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong. He bears their sins without complaint despite rejection, insults, torture and crucifixion, and through His Cross offers the opportunity to start again with the slate wiped clean for those who repent and seek forgiveness. It’s Grace – never our deeds – that leads us home.
p.s. Last week’s Gospel was the story of the Disciples on the road to Emmaus, and wasn’t the basis for our meditation. However, as I was reminded, we missed the opportunity to include the following remarkable song – so here it is. Be blessed as you hear it.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 30th August 2026
Just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.
Praying Together 23rd August 2026
Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.
Praying Together 16th August 2026
We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.
Praying Together 9th August 2026
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.
Praying Together 26th July 2026
Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.
Praying Together 21st June 2026
‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.