Lectionary Devotions by Bishop Hawkins

The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ is part and parcel of his resurrection, and these are the logical and necessary consequence of his willing and sinless death on the Cross, and the vindication and evidence of his divinity…

Whatever we give, whether our weekly tithes, or special gifts or endowments, these are acknowledgements that we are stewards, that all things come of God, that every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above.

The question we ask ourselves, perhaps not out loud, but privately, in the dark thoughts and feelings which we so often keep to ourselves, is this: Is it worth it? Is it all worth it all?

“The sheep give their lives for the Shepherd.” This is how it works in the world… We have grown so accustomed to the image of the Good Shepherd, in all ages one of the most popular representations of Christ, that we miss the radical way in which Jesus redefines shepherding.

We may be born losers, but we are born-again winners. This victory is ours in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Quite simply, that is the Easter proclamation of this day.

This is our message to all the world… This Gospel is for you, and this good news – great news – is for you and for all of creation. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all times and all peoples, because his death and resurrection is eternally and universally relevant.

The royal procession of Palm Sunday leads to a cross… We follow Jesus today, and we are reminded that to follow him means to receive his example, which is one of inward humility and outward patience.

You are free children, not bound servants. In Jesus Christ, God has redeemed you from slavery and adopted you as his children. This is the Gospel of the Incarnation, Death and Resurrection of the Son of God…

There is in all and each of us a hunger and a thirst, which nothing in this world can satisfy. The things of this world will either disappoint or addict us.

We are confronted this morning by another hard saying of our Lord: Whoever is not with me is against me. Jesus equates mere tolerance of himself, and his work and mission, as open opposition. Neutrality is effective opposition…