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 4th May 2025
But difficult as it is to forgive, it is even harder to be forgiven – even though words of forgiveness have been offered, there will be times during early sleepless hours of wondering whether it will ever be possible to forgive oneself.
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