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
Praying Together April 27th 2025
The passage from Matthew’s Gospel gives a warning and example against which every Christian teacher and leader must be tested. As fallen humans, everyone will fall short of perfection– but we can measure lives against it.
Praying Together 20th April 2025
So together, morning, noon and night, we shout Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Praying Together 13th April 2025
He is sinless, we were not – but He takes our sin unto Himself, allowing us the freedom to choose to serve His purpose rather than our own
Praying Together 6th April 2025
Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.
Praying Together 30th March 2025
As Julian of Norwich wrote, ‘the example of a mother’s service is closest, most willing, and most sure because it is most true’, and thus we use that example as part of our Lenten journey.
Praying Together 23rd March 2025
God gives us the freedom to make that choice, and will always offer us another chance when we fail, as He did to the barren fig tree.
Praying Together 16 March 2025
Unlike the other tragic heroes, Jesus has no flaw or blemish other than those inflicted by others: the scars on His back, the thorn-blood on His forehead, the betrayal by His friend.
Praying Together March 9th 2025
God’s demand for perfection need not discourage you in the least in your present attempts to be good, or even in your present failures.
Praying Together 2nd March 2025
God of the nations, whose sovereign rule brings justice and peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world.
Praying Together 23 February 2025
Meditation for the Second Sunday before Lent CollectAlmighty God,you have created the heavens and the earthand made us in your own image:Teach us to discern your hand in all your worksand your likeness in all your children;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who with you...
Praying Together 16th February 2025
And if you accept Him as Lord, allow Him to lead you as you walk into the future without looking back, and do what He has equipped you to do as His body on earth
Praying Together 9th February 2025
We are all asked to have the faith to put out into deep water, but we must remember that we will never be on our own. Peter’s ministry was made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, as will ours.