Today is the Second Sunday of Lent, when the Gospel reading begins to prepare us for Holy Week and Good Friday. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem has particular power and poignancy as the place in which he will meet his death. In this passage Jesus sets his own impending death in the context of the prophets who have been killed in Jerusalem. There is also an elliptical reference to the third day on which Jesus finishes his work. The third day is the day of resurrection.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of crucifix. In today’s picture from his website, Teddy at Bangor Cathedral, Teddy Horsley gazes at the Rood hanging above the choir screen. The Rood portrays Jesus on the cross, with Mary his mother on one side and one of his disciples on the other side.
Lord Jesus Christ,
for you the cross of shame
became the cross of glory.
Give us grace to follow in the way of the cross,
that we may share in your resurrection life;
for your name’s sake.
Amen.
Next week, the Third Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading is Luke’s parable of the barren fig tree. The image to help us prepare for next week’s theme is gardening. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
Prayer Requests
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Notice Sheet
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First Sunday of Lent – Exploring the Sunday Gospel