Break Open the Word

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 3 May 2020 Acts 2:42-47 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10 Psalm 23 I’ve made a change here, moving the Collect from the end of our study to a point at the beginning so that we might begin our study in prayer. The Collect O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen. Background: Ancient shepherds Sheep with their valuable milk, meat and wool became the impetus for one of the oldest professions, that of shepherding. It originated around 5,000 years ago in Asia Minor. Throughout the Levant it emerged along with the culture of the nomads who first circulated in this region. The requirements of keeping sheep meant that someone in either tribe or family would need to be dedicated to following the flock from pasture to ...

The Third Sunday of Easter, 26 April 2020 Acts 2:14a,36-41 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17 I’ve made a change here, moving the Collect from the end of our study to a point at the beginning so that we might begin our study in prayer. The Collect O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Background: Bread and culture Bread plays a significant role in not only the Christian Eucharist, but in the Jewish Passover rites as well. It’s not that bread is extraordinary, but that it is rather common to all of life and in all cultures. It was a sign of welcome and hospitality, as we see in the word “companion” a combination of the Latin cum and panis – literally “with bread.” If you have ever been to an Ethiopian restaur...