Newsletter, 26th April 2015, 4th Sunday Easter, Year B

Scripture Readings

After healing the cripple in Jesus’ name and calling on the people to repent, Peter and John were put in prison overnight. Peter then repeats his preaching to the Jewish leaders. The leaders accept that “a notable miracle has been worked through them”, and cannot decide what to do. They simply order the Apostles not to speak in Jesus’ name again. The apostles reject this warning, but are released without being punished – at least this time.
John’s first letter insists that the love the Father has given us makes us his children now, anticipating already in some way what we shall be “when he appears”. John then contrasts the righteous who do not sin with those who commit sin and are “of the devil”. You are either for God or against him – there is nothing between.
In John’s gospel, after healing the man born blind, Jesus describes himself both as the door through which we can enter and be saved, and also as the good shepherd, whom the sheep know and follow. In contrast to the false shepherds criticised by Exekiel, the good shepherd cares for his sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus emphasises that he is in control of his life, causing division among the Jews.

Psalm Response: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

(Acts 4: 8-12 ; 117(118); 1 John 3: 1-2 ; John 10: 11-18)

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