Saturday of The 2nd Week of Easter, 25 April 2020

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

Opening:

Almighty and everlasting God, Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s death and resurrection may practice in their lives what they profess in their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Evil and death no longer have
any power over the Risen Christ.

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 16:15-20 (NLT)

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 5:5-14 (NLT)

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

Peter’s Final Greetings

I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet each other with a kiss of love.

Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
__________

(The Word Of God – Psalm 89) – New Life (1972). Recorded at the Hall of the Divine Child, Monroe, Michigan.

Responsorial Psalm 89:2-4, 6-8, 15-17 –

+ I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

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:
‘I will establish your descendants as kings forever;
they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.’”

+ I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord?
What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord?
The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God.

He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.
O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies!
Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord?
You are entirely faithful.

+ I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.

They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
It pleases you to make us strong.

+ I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
__________

Closing: 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

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