Saturday after Laetare Sunday
Posted on March 16, 2024 by under
Scripture: St. John 6:66-71 (NKJV)
6:66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.
Devotion
Most of us know one or more people who have walked away from the Church. It is troubling when it occurs, because these people once knew and confessed the truth. They loved God’s Word, but then something happened which offended them and led them away from Christ’s flock.
During such times, human nature often searches for someone or something to blame. We may blame ourselves for neglecting them or for losing our temper in their presence. We may blame our fellow Christians (even our pastor) for their gruffness and lack of tact. We may even blame the Word of God which became a stumbling block to them.
The reading for today reminds us where the true fault for abandoning the faith lies. While we can always do better at loving our fellow Christians, the blame for apostasy falls upon the apostate. Even Jesus, who had no sin and taught the Word of God perfectly, had to deal with disciples who walked away from His teaching.
In sad circumstances like these we should do two things. First, we should pray for our fallen brethren, asking the Holy Spirit to turn their hearts unto repentance. Second, we should continue to treasure the Word of God, because it is our life. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
