26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32 ~ on humble obedience

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

God’s love is displayed for us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We rejoice in this love, and celebrate the victory over sin and death won for us. Together, we praise God’s holy name.
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O God, You alone judge rightly and search the depths of the heart. Make us swift to do Your will and slow to judge our neighbour, that we may walk with those who follow the way of repentance and faith and so enter Your heavenly kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Ezekiel 18:25-28 (NLT)

“Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you? When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 (NLT)

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
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The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
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The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
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The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.
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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 21:28-32 (NLT)

“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

“Which of the two obeyed his father?”

They replied, “The first.”

Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
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Intercessions:

The Lord’s mercy never ends. Lord, hear our prayer:

+ For the leaders of Christian communities around the world – that they may live the message they preach….
Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians around the world – that we may answer God’s call to love our neighbors….
Lord, hear us.
+ For those living on the margins of society – that their needs may be remembered, even as we attend to our own….
Lord, hear us.
+ For people who feel they are beyond divine mercy – that they may know the Father’s warm embrace….
Lord, hear us.
+ For men, women, and children who are exploited – that justice and deliverance from evil may prevail….
Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer the ravages of war, especially in the Middle East – that the church may provide protection, provision, and comfort….
Lord, hear us.
+ For those who endure sickness in mind or body – that Your healing care may sustain them….
Lord, hear us.
+ For those among us who have recently died – that they may be raised to life through Jesus’ resurrection….
Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who weigh heavy on our hearts today – that they may know Your grace, mercy and peace….
Lord, hear us.

O God of endless goodness, Your love and mercy have no end: hear the prayers of Your people, we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen
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Benediction:

Now may the God of peace — who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood — may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

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

6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21 ~ paid in full

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Heavenly Father – You sent Your Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for my sins, once for all time. He paid the ultimate price for my freedom and even now He prays for me and prepares a place for me in eternity. Today, I worship and honor Him as Lord of my life.

And, on this Memorial day weekend, I also remember those who have followed in His footsteps – sacrificing their lives in the service of our country – so that I can have religious freedom to bear witness to You in all that I do.

Holy Spirit – Come and meet me in this quiet place of worship. Draw me body, mind and spirit into Your presence.

I ask this through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 (NLT)

Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.
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When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 (NLT)

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power….”
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“Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.”

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!
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He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him. For by his great power he rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance.
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Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.
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Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Peter 3:15-18 (NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:15-21 (NLT)

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans — I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 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.”

Intercessions: Memorial Day Prayer – Mark D. Roberts

Gracious, Sovereign God, Lord of all nations,

On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation and the high cost of those blessings for many.

Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land.

Thank you for those who have served in the armed services of our country, risking their lives for our liberty.

Thank you for those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way for the sake of others.

Thank you for a day set apart, not just for celebration, but also for solemn remembrance as we consider the sacrifices of so many in our military.

O Lord, may we be more aware of just how blessed we are as a nation. May we be more grateful for our blessings, more faithful in stewarding them well, more eager to share them with others.

We pray today for the families and friends of those who have given their lives in service to our nation. May they be comforted in their sadness. May they be reassured that the sacrifice of their loved ones contributes to a worthy cause. May they be proud of those they have lost, entrusting their ultimate fate into your gracious hands.

Even as we remember those who have given their lives in the past, we also think of those whose lives are on the line today. We think especially of the men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in other places of conflict and violence. Protect them. Encourage them. Bring them home safely . . . and soon.

Give wisdom to the leaders of our armed services, that they might know how best to deploy the troops in the cause of freedom. May their efforts be successful, so that true peace with justice might be established in our world.

Guide those who lead our nation in international affairs. Help them to pursue diplomatic paths that prevent needless conflict. May they have your wisdom about when and how to use the military might you have entrusted to us.

God of peace, stir in the hearts of the leaders of all nations, and in all who would use violence to further their cause. Change their hearts and minds. Give them a passion for peace. Bring an end to the pain, suffering, injustice, and violence in our world.

We know, dear Lord, that ultimate peace will not come until your kingdom is here in all of its fullness. Nevertheless, we pray for a foretaste of the future. We ask for the growth of peace throughout our world today, so that fewer and fewer men and women will have to risk and even to sacrifice their lives. May your kingdom come, Lord, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!

All praise be to you, God of grace, God of mercy, God of justice, God of peace!

Amen
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Hymn: “Amazing Grace”

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

Palm Sunday: Philippians 2:5-11 ESV – make yourself nothing

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 ESV

made himself nothing — Erik Hall, “Immanuel”
Digital painting – Gicleé on canvas

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – you made yourself nothing so that we could become something… a holy people… a people belonging to God… a people who have received God’s mercy. As we approach this Holy Week of Passion, may we walk with you from the Mount of Olives to the Upper Room… on to Gethsemane and through the Court system… then along the Via Dolorosa to the Cross… and finally to the Empty Tomb. May we empty ourselves of all pride and privilege – even the basic instinct of self-preservation – and make ourselves nothing so that we might join the heavenly throng proclaiming “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Above All” – Lenny LeBlanc