APRIL 6, 2025
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
ISAIAH 43:16-21; PSALM 126; PHILIPPIANS 3:4b-14; JOHN 12:1-8
Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feel with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading Paul recalls his transformation from the persecutor Saul into an apostle. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.
APRIL 13, 2025
SUNDAY OF THE PASSION/PSALM SUNDAY
LUKE 19:28-40; PSALM 31:9-16; PHILLIPPIANS 2:5-11; LUKE 22:14-23:56
Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross, each waypoint of the journey marked by Jesus’ compassion for those who would betray, mock accuse or do violence to him. Though persecuted and beaten, Jesus the Son of God is not disgraced; instead, he asks for forgiveness for those who put him to death. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
APRIL 20, 2025
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD EASTER DAY
ACTS 10:34-43; PSALM 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:19-26; LUKE 24:1-12
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death,” Paul writes. Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bond and death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Let us rejoice: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
APRIL 27, 2025
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
ACTS 5:27-32; PSALM 118:14-29; REVALATION 1:4-8; JOHN 20:19-31
In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again the mystery of the holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.
