Collect for Monday before Easter
ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Let not your heart be troubled …” There was much that deeply troubled the disciples in their ascent to Jerusalem. Jesus himself had told them that “he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Not liking what he had heard, Peter pulled Jesus aside: “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Mt 16:21-22). The tumultuous and glorious celebration of Jesus’ Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem made trouble seem so far away. Perhaps, the disciples may have thought, Jesus was mistaken about what was to happen in Jerusalem. The great crowd’s shouts of Hosanna! , “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John 12) … Troubles? What could possibly go wrong?
Just when things are looking up, Jesus takes the disciples aside for Passover … and more troubling news. Betrayal? Denial? Departure? You’re leaving us? The disciples’ confusion and distress is palpable. Jesus consoles His disciples with words they struggle to comprehend. Yes, I will be separated from you, but only for a little while, and in a little while I shall see you again. Jesus will not leave His little children (John 13:33) without hope and purpose, and a great gift. Jesus leaves them with:
an example of discipleship (John 13:15 ' in the washing of the feet
a new Law to guide you (John 13:34 ' the Law of love)
a way for the journey (John 14:6-7 ' I am the Way)
the promise of a Comforter (John 14:15-17, 26 'The Holy Spirit)
the promise of the success of their mission (John 14:14 In truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works)
the promise of a reward (John 14:2 I am going to prepare a place for you.)
His peace (John 14:27)
In the midst of troubling times, to troubled disciples and to a troubled world, Jesus speaks of His peace… “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Let not your heart be troubled. Jesus is our peace. His peace is the first of His gifts on the day of His Resurrection (John 20). God’s Peace is the final benediction, the final gift to our worship and to our life …
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the love of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
JSH+