We continue to look forward to a time when we can all be together again for worship at All Saints’, and share the Eucharist together. We hope and pray that the plans outlined by the Spanish government this week will happen in a timely manner, but that we may still be mindful of the risks involved in de-escalation of the current situation.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia. He is Risen indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Fr Ron’s Reflection on today’s Readings:
The Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Epistle Reading – 1 Peter 2:19-25
For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The Gospel Reading – John 10:1-10
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Intercessions for Fourth Sunday of Easter 4 Year A – 3rd may 2020
Lord, you are our Shepherd and we pray that you will protect us from all danger, especially in this time of Lockdown, by keeping watch over us, guide us towards green pastures where we can be nourished by your word and lead us to pure still waters where we can be refreshed by your love.
(Short Silence)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, you are our Shepherd and we pray for our church leaders that they too may care for and lead us by following the example of love and service you demonstrated in your earthly ministry. We especially pray today for all of our clergy who through the Internet and Social Media are keeping us in touch and sharing words of encouragement.
(Short Silence)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, you are our Shepherd and we pray for the world that was given to us as an inheritance, on the understanding that we would care for it as shepherds care for their flocks. Teach us to look after our beautiful planet and care for it wisely, whilst sharing its gifts more fairly and working together with all of its inhabitants to ease its sufferings.
(Short Silence)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, you are our Shepherd and we pray for our families and friends who need to hear the voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd; who knows every one of them by name; who offers rest to the weary and salvation to sinners and life eternal to all who accept him into their lives.
(Short Silence)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, you are our Shepherd who seeks out the lost and the sick. We pray for those we know who are lost in illness and ask you to reassure them with the knowledge that you are watching over them in their suffering and that many are praying for their recovery.
(add names of those requesting prayer)
(Short Silence)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, you are our Shepherd, so we pray for those who have died and for those who ache with sorrow in their loss of a loved one. May those we now name before you find rest in the Spirit’s embrace as you welcome them into the great sheepfold, safe in your keeping for ever.
(add names of the recently departed or on Anniversary list)
(Short Silence)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, you are our Shepherd, and we offer our prayers now for all people and their situations. For lives that are going through upheaval or distress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and in circumstances which only you can change.
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Thank you to the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy for sharing these prayers.