Shipley Church Self-Service

Third Sunday of Easter 18th April 2021

Thought for the Week – Jesus appears to the disciples

Jesus appears again to the disciples, after encountering some of his followers travelling on a road to the village of Emmaus a few kilometres from Jerusalem. At first they’re terrified at the sight of him, and need convincing that Jesus isn’t a ghost. But they have a meal together – an understandably civilised thing to do, often alluded to during Jesus’ life – and are persuaded that he is who he is. In his presence, they begin to grasp the deep truths about his fulfillment of scripture, and with joy and enthusiasm begin preparing themselves to become witnesses to their Messiah, and to focus on their new calling. (Luke 24: 36-48)

It’s still quite hard to believe, isn’t it, that the only man in the world ever to rise from the dead invites us to come to him just as we are, and in the simplest of ways, to gather in Communion with him at his table. We take bread, and eat, and give thanks for everything we can’t quite comprehend about Easter. We share in it, and follow in the footsteps of those first disciples in making Jesus known to the world.

Hymn for the Day

Be still, for the presence of the Lord,

The Holy One is here;

Come, bow before him now,

With reverence and fear.

In him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground.

Be still, for the presence of the Lord,

The Holy One is here.

Prayer for Today

Give unto us, O Lord, that quietness of mind in which we can hear you speaking to us, for your own name’s sake, that we may glorify you both in speech and in silence through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

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