Monday of The 5th Week of Easter, 11 May 2020 – John 14:21-26, Acts 14:5-18, Psalm 115 ~ “All who love me will do what I say.”

Monday of The 5th Week of Easter, 11 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Lord, by your grace we are made one in mind and heart. Give us a love for what you command and a longing for what you promise, so that, amid this world’s changes, our hearts may be set on the world of lasting joy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. men.

All who love me will be loved by my Father,
and I shall love them and show myself to them.

A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:21-26 (NLT)

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them.
And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 14:5-18 (NLT)

Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. When the apostles learned of it, they fled to the region of Lycaonia—to the towns of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area. And there they preached the Good News.

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe

While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.
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Responsorial Psalm 115 (NLT)

+ Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Why let the nations say, “Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.

Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see.
And those who make idols are just like them,
as are all who trust in them.

+ Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

O Israel, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
He will bless those who fear the Lord,
both great and lowly.

+ Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

May the Lord richly bless both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
The heavens belong to the Lord,
but he has given the earth to all humanity.
Praise the Lord both now and forever!

+ Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
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Psalm 115 (Not to Us) – Aaron Keyes

Closing: John 14:23

“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 10 May 2020 – John 14:1-12, Psalm 33, 1 Peter 2:4-9 ~ “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 10 May 2020 

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

We have beheld your glory, O God, in the face of Christ Jesus, your Son.
Enliven our faith, that through Christ we may put our trust in you.
Deepen our faith, that in Christ we may serve you.
Complete our faith, that one day we may live with you
in that place which Christ prepares for us,
where he lives with you now and always
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen
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Come Ye Disconsolate – Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway

Come, ye disconsolate, wherever ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.”

I said, earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:1-12 (NLT)

Jesus, the Way to the Father

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
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Psalm 33 (Rejoice In The LORD O You Righteous) – Karl Kohlhase

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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: You watch over those who fear you, those who rely on your unfailing love. Our hope is in you, Lord, hear our prayers –

+ for those whose hearts are troubled, that they may find their comfort in you….
+ for believers everywhere, that we may grow in our trust and awareness of your presence with us….
+ for those suffering the effects of this pandemic, that they may experience your calming closeness….
+ for those who are caring for the sick, that they may be protected from danger….

Heavenly Father: You watch over those who fear you, those who rely on your unfailing love. Our hope is in you, Lord, hear our prayers –

+ for joy-filled hearts that express your goodness and unfailing love….
+ for unwavering trust in the truth of your word, and your justice in all you do….
+ for awe at the wonder of your creation, spoken into being by your powerful word….
+ for confidence in your sovereignty, frustrating nations that reject you and blessing nations that revere you….

Heavenly Father: You watch over those who fear you, those who rely on your unfailing love. Help us to shine your light in the darkness, that all may see your goodness through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Goodness Of God – Bethel Music

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 2:4-9 (NLT)

Living Stones for God’s House

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. A s the Scriptures say,

“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”

“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
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We Will Feast in the House of Zion – Sandra McCracken

https://youtu.be/wf8vgneV5Hc?rel=0
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Closing: John 14:2-3 (NLT)

“I am going to prepare a place for you.
When everything is ready, I will come and get you,
so that you will always be with me where I am.”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday of The 4th Week of Easter, 09 May 2020 – John 14:7-14, Acts 13:44-52, Psalm 98 ~ I am in the Father and the Father is in me

Saturday of The 4th Week of Easter, 09 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, Giver of abundant and everlasting Life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:7-14 (NLT)

If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 13:44-52 (NLT)

Paul Turns to the Gentiles

The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said,

‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”

When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.

Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town. So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium. And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
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Responsorial Psalm 98:1-4

+ Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.

His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!

+ Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.

The Lord has announced his victory
and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!

+ Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.

He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

+ Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break out in praise and sing for joy!
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Psalm 98 (Sing Unto the Lord) – Shane and Shane

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Closing: John 8:31-32 (NLT)

“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday of The 4th Week of Easter, 08 May 2020 – John 14:1-6, Acts 13:26-33, Psalm 2 ~ “I am the way”

Friday of The 4th Week of Easter, 08 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, Giver of abundant and everlasting Life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.”

A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:1-6 (NLT)

Jesus, the Way to the Father

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 13:26-33 (NLT)

Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles—this message of salvation has been sent to us! The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Instead, they condemned him, and in doing this they fulfilled the prophets’ words that are read every Sabbath. They found no legal reason to execute him, but they asked Pilate to have him killed anyway.

“When they had done all that the prophecies said about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead! And over a period of many days he appeared to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people of Israel.

“And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus:

‘You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.’
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Responsorial Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11

+ “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.
Today I have become your Father.

+ “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the whole earth as your possession.
You will break them with an iron rod
and smash them like clay pots.’”

+ “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

Now then, you kings, act wisely!
Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.

+ “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”
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Psalm 2, I Have Set My King In Zion – Karl Kohlhase

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Closing: John 14:6 (NLT)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.”

 

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday of The 4th Week of Easter, 07 May 2020 – John 13:16-20, Acts 13:13-25, Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 ~ Blessed are you who do what you know.

Thursday of The 4th Week of Easter, 07 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people:
Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me,
and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

A Reading from the Gospels: John 13:16-20 (NLT)

I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

“I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah. I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 13:13-25 (NLT)

Paul Preaches in Antioch of Pisidia

Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.

On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.”

So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “Men of Israel,” he said, “and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.

“The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery. He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years.

“After that, God gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’

“And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel! Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized. As John was finishing his ministry he asked, ‘Do you think I am the Messiah? No, I am not! But he is coming soon—and I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the sandals on his feet.’
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Responsorial Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27

+ Your unfailing love will last forever.
Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant.
I have sworn this oath to him:

+ Your unfailing love will last forever.
I will steady him with my hand;
with my powerful arm I will make him strong.
His enemies will not defeat him,
nor will the wicked overpower him.

+ Your unfailing love will last forever.
I will extend his rule over the sea,
his dominion over the rivers.
I will make him my firstborn son,
the mightiest king on earth.
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Goodness Of God – Bethel Music

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Closing: John 13:20 (NLT)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me,
and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.