| Acts 2:14, 22b-32 Psalm 16: 8-11 St. Matthew 28: 9-15 The appointed lessons for Easter Monday are surprisingly the same as for Easter Day this year, reminding us that our Four Gospels present differing aspects of the Resurrection, and also that reflective reading of texts previously heard yield fresh insight upon every reading. ‘Dios Habla Hoy’ is the title of the Spanish Version of Scripture that we use at St. Paul’s when reading our texts in Spanish…’God Speaks Today.’ In our lesson from the Book of Acts, we find Peter proclaiming the fundamental message of the resurrection in Jerusalem. Peter witnesses to this unlikely news by speaking to people in the context of what they already know, understand and believe; referring to King David, his words, and how they foretold the raising-up of God’s Messiah. We, as Christians, are summoned to reflect in our words and deeds the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. We must always do so with care and sensitivity for the established cultural, social and personal location of those with whom we are interacting. Our daily demeanor and our care for the sensitivities and concerns of others establishes a foundation for mediating Good News and the love of God. As St. Francis said: “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” When words are used, they must be offered with deep respect for the hearer and how their ears might be tuned. You have perhaps already heard the Easter Sermon at St. Paul’s, and one dimension insufficiently explored in that homily from St. Matthew’s Gospel was Christ’s message to Mary Magdalene… “Tell the rest I am going before them…they will see me in Galilee.” This seems a word especially applicable in the time of COVID-19. Our work and leisure has become limited, and if we venture forth, it is only to meet basic needs. The future is uncertain, and we don’t know how long our changed reality will endure. Yet the Lord is going ahead of us. We will see him as we are attentive to the pilgrim path. The reality of the resurrection did not unfold whole-cloth in the lives of the disciples; it took time. They had to get themselves to Galilee. They had to place one foot before the other, day by day, as do we this peculiar Eastertide. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” -2 Corinthians 13:14 The Reverend Canon George F. Woodward III The Collect for Monday in Easter Week “Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” BCP page 222 In the Morning “This is another day, O Lord. I do not know what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.” BCP page 461 |
| St. Paul’s Anglican Church Calzada del Cardo, 6 Centro 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 415.121.3424 www.StPaulSMA.com |