Collect for Easter 5
1 Peter 2: 2-10
John 14: 1-14
The way. The truth. And the Life
We probably quote Jesus’ familiar reply to Thomas most often at a funeral, when we wish to bring comfort and hope to the bereaved. We understand Jesus’ message of hope, because we know the context of the cross and the empty tomb. But the disciples, hearing those words for the first time, and not knowing what was to happen in the following hours, are confused. Thomas thinks that Jesus is telling them that He will be travelling somewhere, and Thomas wants a map. Philip still sees Jesus as a prophet who can help them understand the sometimes distant God about whom they have been taught in the Old Testament. They still struggle to grasp who Jesus is, they are feeling unsure about what’s happening and they want reassurance. They know they are being sent on a journey, but that’s all they know. They want to make sure Jesus will be with them.
In our Christian lives, we too are all on a journey; unlike the disciples, we have the advantage of knowing our destination; but like them, without Jesus, we couldn’t know how we’re going to get there. With Him alongside us, we can be certain.
He is the Way. On our journey, there will be signposts that will ensure we keep to the path. Prayer. Scripture. Worship. Spiritual guides. He walks alongside – even if sometimes we don’t recognise Him.
He is the Truth. False teachers will tempt us, lies will be told to deceive us but we will recognise them when we keep our eyes upon Jesus.
He is the Life. Eternal life, through God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice We are on this earth for a season, our gifts given to further God’s purpose, and when our task is complete, we are called home. And then Life actually begins
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Praying Together 4th February 2024
He asks for no reward, save that of loving His creation, His Father and our neighbours (all of them) as He loves – do we even do that?
Praying together 28th January 2024
So, says Paul, eat or don’t eat. Stop making a fuss over things that don’t matter, and get on with loving your neighbour.
Praying Together 21st January 2024
as we celebrate this week of Christian Unity, let us consider what service we could offer together, that we wouldn’t be capable of achieving on our own – the whole being much greater than the parts.
Praying Together January 14th 2024
Plough Sunday has its roots in medieval times, when the parish church was often used to store a communal plough in the winter months, then being decorated and blessed before the rhythm of the agricultural season begins once more on Plough Monday
Praying Together 7th January 2024
When the world looks at us, sees our actions, our life, do we reflect the light of Christ, and further His Kingdom? Or do we deepen the darkness?
Praying Together 31st December 2023
Jesus – the revolutionary terrorist according to the Sanhedrin – is different, however, in one unique regard.
His only weapon is love.
Even for enemies.
Which is how His Victory is won.
Praying Together 25th December 2023
Without the crib, there is no cross.
Without the cross, the crib has no meaning.
Unto us a child is born…
… a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.
Praying Together 17th December 2023
May you walk in His light throughout your life; may you be His body on earth, share Faith, Hope and Love, and use the all the gifts He gives you to bring His Kingdom in.
Praying Together 26 November 2023
They know what they should do. But they don’t do it. It is the ones who do God’s work, who serve without expecting any reward who will receive eternal life in the Kingdom.
Praying Together 19th November 2023
It might not be the trumpet. Or the Clarinet. A Trombone, Double Bass, a singing voice. It may not be music at all. If not, there are many other skills you may have been given that you are not yet aware of: artistic talent, hospitality, compassion, intercession, forgiveness, unconditional love. There will be some.
Praying Together 12th November 2023
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.