Shipley Church Self-Service

The 5th Sunday of Lent 21st March 2021

Thought for the Week – The place where Jesus gathers all people to himself

As the cross casts its shadow over the coming fortnight, it is not always easy to see where we’re going, but it can help to notice just where we’ve been already. Jesus doesn’t seem to pluck us out of the tougher times so much as to promise to walk us through them. “Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23)

Soon we shall be at the place where love “so amazing, so divine” is revealed in all its fullness. (John 12: 20-33)

Christ accepted a violent and undeserved death, and through taking our nature and teaching us by word and example, he bound us (and all of humanity) to himself through his death and resurrection. The pouring out of his earthly life – signified by the New Testament phrase “the blood of Christ” – reveals the total self-sacrifice he made on the cross for the salvation of mankind.

Hymn for the Day

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were an offering far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Prayer for Today

Meditation: At this time of turbulence, when our lives have been turned upside down and our fixed points uprooted, we can’t even raise our voices in song or press a hand as a sign of peace. But there is comfort in knowing that God is unchanging, and that “the truth of the Lord endureth for ever” (Psalm 117).

Note: The Gospel and readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.