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The Season of Easter lasts for 7 weeks, all the way to Pentecost. During it, we think of the various post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.
Sixth Sunday in Easter
PRAYER
Lord God Almighty The heavens are yours, and the earth too. You formed the world and all that is in it. Your throne is founded on righteousness, on love, on faithfulness.
Happy are those who have learned to walk in the light of your countenance. In your name they rejoice all day long. Your righteousness will lift them up. Blessed be the Lord for ever and ever.
Amen
Hymn: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
LESSON
John 21:15-25
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!;
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Because of this, the rumour spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Jesus is Lord! Creation’s voice proclaims it.
REFLECTION
PRAYER
Prayer in time of crisis
Lord Jesus,
In the midst of a storm,
You said, ‘Peace be still.’
Bid our anxious fears subside,
Sustain your church in faith, hope and love,
Bring our nation, and our world through this tumult,
Grant wisdom to those with heavy responsibilities,
And healing and hope to those who are infected.
Amen.
Great is thy faithfulness
BENEDICTION
Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father. Set out, then, on a new life with Christ.
And the blessing of God Almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit Be with you all. Today, and in all the days to come.
Amen