[Thomas] said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ (John 20:25)
Less than a week had passed since Jesus rose from the dead, and one of his disciples is already unsure that it actually happened. No matter how many people told him other wise, Thomas didn’t believe it. What would it take for him to believe? What does it take for us to believe?
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:18)
This Sunday is Easter Day, and we celebrate that Jesus is risen from the dead. Mary Magdalene is the first to see Jesus, and she runs with joy to tell the others that he is alive. Why is this so amazing? Can we have the same joy from the same news?
Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash
Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ (Mark 11:8-10)
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, where we particularly remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people welcome Jesus as a king, but what kind of king is he? Is he a conquering king, a loving king? How will he use his power?
Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash
Now there were some Greeks … They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’ (John 12:20-21)
In John’s gospel, this meeting marks the start of Jesus heading to Jerusalem and his death. Why does Jesus need to do this? What will he achieve? What does it change for us?
Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash
Hannah said to Eli, ‘Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he shall be given over to the Lord.’ (1 Samuel 1:26-28)
This Sunday is Mothering Sunday, originally a day for people to return to their mother church. This might be their home church, cathedral, or the nearest large church. A day to recall their introduction to the Christian faith. More recently, this has become synonymous with Mother’s Day: a day to recall and celebrate the impact mothers have on our lives, and to celebrate family life.
In our readings, we’ll read about Hannah, who gave up her firstborn son and Mary who, as her son was dying, had a new family provided for her. We see how God provides for his people, and how he cares for us.
We’re also being joined by Northaw School’s Choir.