Scripture Sentence – Psalm 71:5-6

For you, O Lord, are my hope,
    my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
    it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.

Collect for the Day

Almighty God,
Your Son Jesus Christ
taught the people
the way of righteousness and judgement.
Grant us a ready mind and a willing spirit
to learn from him
all that you would teach us,
and keep us watchful for his coming
and diligent in his work;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reading John 14:1-7

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’

Reflection

In this Holy Week of 2020, we are all experiencing a life that is totally alien to what we are used to. With a virtual lockdown; shopping by distance, walking while staying 2 metres apart, and no socialising unless it is those with whom you live, there is no doubt this is a trying time for everyone.

The disciples too, during this week of Holy week, experienced dark days. But they found hope, hope which proved crucial to their faith that dark and eventful week. Although Jesus warned them of what was to come, they needed to understand that Jesus was with them, just as he is with us, through the good days and the bad days, if we follow Him and let Him into our lives. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and we must believe in Him so that we can find the hope to carry us through this dark period of fear, unknowing and unpredictability.

This is a dark week of historical drama, both for us living in the current climate, and as it was for the disciples. We will come through it. We have hope in Jesus who, despite knowing his fate that week, spoke lovingly and faithfully to his followers. We are His followers. Have Hope. Better days lie ahead…

Prayer

Almighty God,
source of life, light and hope,
whose love extends to all people,
all creatures and all things.
Grant us that reverence of life,
which becomes those who believe in you;
to guide us through these dark days
and give us light and hope for tomorrow,
when we will once again meet as your Church
to give you prayer and praise.
May we accept this day at your hand, O God,
as a gift to be treasured,
a life to be enjoyed,
a trust to be kept,
and a glory to be fulfilled,

Amen

Thank you to Liz Lowrie for today’s devotion.