5 April 2009

Welcome to  St Alban's Anglican Church       

Today's Scripture   : S.Mark 11:1-11            Isaiah 50: 4-9a Philippians 2: 5-11       S.Mark 14:1– 15:end

Today: 8.35 a.m. Matins;  9 a.m. Church Sch/Script Study; 9.30 a.m. Lit. of Palms & Holy Communion; EP 6 p.m.

This Week: Mon, Tues, Wed Holy Communion 12.30p.m.; MAUNDY THURS HC (with foot washing) 7.30 p.m.; GOOD FRIDAY One Hour Devotion 12 noon; EASTER EVE Easter Vigil 7.30 p.m.

 Sunday Next Before Easter – Palm Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

FAITH IN FOCUS: JUST A WEEK

If a week is a long time in politics then it certainly is in Christianity. The week we’re about to embark upon is the most momentous one for Christians and that’s why Holy Week is sometimes also called the Great Week.

It all begins well on the Sunday with the crowds cheering the man they believe will set them free. He’s given a royal welcome as he enters Jerusalem and there’s a sense of expectation in the air. Most of us can identify with that crowd. There are times when our faith in Christ is easy, when God seems to be smiling down on us and when we could easily join the crowd with its banners and singing.

The high of Sunday continues until Thursday when the Last Supper is held. There’s joy as Jesus institutes the eucharist along with the command to serve each other in the way that he has shown. But a cloud looms on the horizon as Judas takes in thirty pieces of silver and gives away his master with a kiss. If we can identify with the crowd then we can surely see the figure of Judas in the many ways that we betray the faith that God has in us. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be tempted by a lot less than money and a kiss.

How can Good Friday be good, given what happened? Its goodness stems from the fact that a victory was won. It’s true that we all share in the sin of the world that Christ died for. But by the same token we all share in the triumph of the cross. From now on, sin and death, evil and pain can have no permanent hold over us. We have access to a life that is real and ultimately indestructible.

And just as we think the week is about to end in a fizzle, we come across a Saturday night surprise. Jesus, whom they crucified, has risen. His enemies are confounded and he will go on to impart the Spirit of life to those who believe in him. If we want to join the cheering crowd ever again, then it must be because of this resurrection. It’s the centre of our faith and gives meaning to everything we say and do in our relationship with God. Anyone can have life, but not everyone knows that it can be eternal.

What a week!