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The disciples do not believe what the women tell them that they’ve seen the raised Jesus from the dead. Perhaps they dismiss it because it doesn’t make sense to them Jesus would appear first to these women and not to them.

Good Friday, April 15th. at Christ Church, Campbellford 2:00pm

A new commandment, love one another, by this they will know you are my disciples if you have love for one another. This too is about relationships. Love is the cornerstone of who we are in community. Although it’s from another time and place it doesn’t really make sense for us today the foot washing is an interesting symbol of what it means to love.

I can see people asking the question today what is it all for? What is the point? Without looking at the whole story in detail, it feels and looks like Jesus coming across as a victim. Jesus has lost and the powers that be have won. What can be said today without pointing to Easter? The resurrection.

Jesus says the poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. At a clergy day several years ago, there was a funeral director invited to speak. He said that a number of people had made prior arrangements in simplifying the arrangements with the idea of not burdening their children or family with exorbitant costs. When the family found out after the death they were upset.

Today the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus tells this after being accused of eating with tax collectors and sinners. It is an oversimplification, but we move away from God perhaps for two reasons. The ones who condemn because they think they are better and don’t need God and those who think they are beyond God’s help.

Streams of mercy never failing. Our gradual hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has an interesting story attached to its composer.

The Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod has a plot to kill him. And a prophet is not killed outside of Jerusalem. Is this a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend? Are the Pharisees friends with Jesus because they have something against King Herod? What is their motive?

Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness and is tempted and the three temptations. Again, this is not only about Jesus what about who we are and how we look at life.