Easter Sunday
Intro: Christ's resurrection has broken the chain of darkness and despair which came about through man's fall from grace. We pray today that He may open our eyes to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and become one with Him in this Eucharist which we are about to celebrate.
Readings: Peter preaches the good news: God has raised Jesus, His Son, to life.
Paul admits to the Colossians that the truth of the resurrection is difficult, if not impossible, to accept. But if they forget about their old nature, and put on the nature of the risen Christ, then they will be saved.
Acts 10: 34, 37-43;
Colossians 3:1-4;
John 20:1-9;
On Easter Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb to view their Lord's body for the last time before anointing it for permanent burial, because there had been a rush to lay His body to rest before the great Sabbath began at sun down on Friday. Walking into an empty tomb freaked them out - they were in a place they could neither understand nor cope with! The two strangers who spoke to them explained that Jesus had risen. Unable to absorb, or comprehend the news fully, they rushed back and report to the others who had celebrated Passover with the Master just two short days before.
Naturally, the men treat the story as pure nonsense from overwrought women; after all, people don't rise from the dead. Nevertheless, they decide to check it out for themselves, and Peter returns, "amazed at what had happened." These are obviously genuine reactions - their very incredulity makes the tale of the resurrection ring even more true. Their lack of belief is the best foundation for our faith! Each in their own way - Mary, Peter and John - bears witness, and our own faith is made stronger by their frail and faltering behaviour.
On this most holy night, we proclaim a song about the dawning of the light. Jesus, the Light of the world, was put to death, and in His death, the light had truly died. Now, on Easter morning, a glimmer of light in the east foreshadows a wonderful event. The light that died has risen, and death is no more. The resurrection doesn't forget the cross - it allows us to remember it, and that's why the risen Christ still bears the marks of the nails in His hands and feet. Because of that, now we can know for sure that life really is worth living because it is a life, a journey, whose final destination is Heaven.
Intercessions
Mary came to the Master's tomb, full of pain and sorrow. The risen Lord opens our eyes to the needs of the world around us. So let us pray for the Church, and the world in which we live and move and have our being:-
1. For the Church throughout the world. May She continue to be a beacon of hope, a light for the whole world to see - Lord, hear us.
2. For the peoples and the nations of our world who walk in darkness and the shadow of death. Help them grow in understanding and tolerance of one another, putting an end to war and injustice - Lord, hear us.
3. For all those struggling with doubt or temptation. May this Easter day bring them a fresh heart and new confidence - Lord, hear us.
4. For our young people who have drifted away from their faith. May the risen Lord inspire them with fresh enthusiasm and new hope - Lord, hear us.
5. May the light of Christ Your Son shine in our own lives, bringing His blessings to our families or friends - Lord, hear us.
6. May May Kinnaird who has died recently, together with Joyce McGeoch, John Aitken, Peter Hastie, Sr.Jean Hastie, Agnes Dunn & John Dunn, whose anniversaries we clelebrate, now experience the fullness of life with their risen Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven - Lord, hear us.
Lord God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Whose death has brought everlasting life. May the gift of grace which He won, bring us ever closer to You.