Meditation Easter 7
Collect
O God the King of Glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Mercifully give us faith to know that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Verses from John 14
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these,
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.
26 The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things
and Matthew 28
1 Peter 5: 6-11
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
If St Peter had auditioned for the wonderful Musical Drama ‘West Side Story’, there is one role in which would fit him best – that of Tony, whose anticipation of ‘Something Coming’ mirrors Shakespeare’s Romeo in his dreams – and that of Peter himself, as he has heard Jesus mystifyingly talking about His departure and an ‘Advocate’ who will be sent by God. Peter trusts that Jesus’ promise to be with Him always will be fulfilled – but he can’t understand how, when or where.
He won’t have long to wait – He will watch Jesus ascend from the hill called Olivet, and has already shown leadership to the other disciples (Acts 1:15). But he can’t have expected the deafening wind and flames of fire that will give him the strength and power that he will need in his apostolic ministry. (of which more next week).
I suspect many of us have had the experience of knowing that ‘Something is coming’ without knowing exactly what it is – a feeling of expectation, but perhaps slightly fearful of what significant change might ensue. In Peter’s first letter, the author reflects on his calling to be the rock on which Christ’s Church is built and his gradual preparation for the task – involving repentance, forgiveness, mistakes and misunderstanding. From his own experience, he describes the ‘normal’ Christan life, with its ‘normal’ ups and downs – leading to the day when the ‘Something’ will be recognised as God’s Holy Spirit, our strength, encourager and guide to sustain us through the difficult times of worry, suffering and temptation to which Christ’s followers are all subject.
Peter’s story has parallels in each of our lives. When we accepted The Lord’s call, we became aware of what it involves, perhaps including difficulties and sadnesses as well as joy. But we are also promised the gift of power to be witnesses to Jesus loving salvation through all of the changing times of our lives. Our future awaits the Day of Pentecost, and as the song says,
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Previous Posts
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Praying Together 26th July 2026
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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’.
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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.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
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.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter