Order of Service 3 April 2015 GOOD FRIDAY

Transcription

1 Order of Service 3 April 2015 GOOD FRIDAY Welcome God calls us to Worship Psalm 40 Leader: I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. People: He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. Leader: He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. People: Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. All: Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust. Approach We draw near to God Hymn 382 O Sacred Head! Sore wounded The Stations of the Cross Opening Prayer God of power and mercy, in love you sent your Son that we might be cleansed of sin and live with you forever. Bless us as we gather to reflect on his suffering and death that we may learn from his example the way we should go. We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord. Amen. First Station Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane Matthew 25:36-41 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." While Jesus experienced his most intimate and painful conversation with his Heavenly Father, his disciples were too fatigued to share the moment with him. In today s busy world there are many whose lives are so frantic and exhausting that they are often unable to be truly present to those whom they love in the moments that really matter. Jesus died that all of us may find our rest in Him. Jesus gave his life for those who endure stress and tension in their daily lives.

2 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide: The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide: When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Second Station Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested Mark 14:43-46 Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. How painful it was for Jesus to be betrayed by a friend betrayed with a kiss betrayed in intimacy. Too many families in our country know a similar pain of intimate betrayal. Infidelity, divorce and desertion leave many children without fathers, and have ruined the hopes and dreams of countless individuals of finding lasting love and trust in a faithful partner. Jesus gave his life for those who have suffered betrayal by those whom they love. Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. Tell me the story simply, as to a little child, For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled. Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love. Third Station Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin Luke 22: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth." In the end Jesus was condemned not on the basis of legal evidence, but on the basis of trumped-up charges brought against him by enemies who had power and influence. We like to think that our modern liberal democracies protect the legal rights of all their citizens. Yet despite ambitious legal theories many of the poorest and

3 weakest are prevented from accessing meaningful justice, even in the world's most advanced countries. In all societies the poor are denied their basic economic and political freedoms by those who have more money, more power or more knowledge than they do. Jesus gave his life for all who suffer injustice. People: Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in, That wonderful redemption, God s remedy for sin. Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon; The early dew of morning has passed away at noon. Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love. Fourth Station Jesus is denied by Peter Matthew 26:69-75 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. As blues singer, Bessie Smith, put it, Nobody knows you when you re down and out. Despite promising his loyalty to Jesus, Peter quickly denied his Lord when things turned ugly. How many lonely individuals and marginalized groups are there in our country who have been turned away from every door because they are too poor, too old, or too young; because they are foreigners; or because their lifestyles are so different? Jesus gave his life for outsiders the lonely and the marginalized. Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave; Remember I m the sinner whom Jesus came to save. Tell me the story always, if you would really be, In any time of trouble, a comforter to me. Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love. Fifth Station Jesus is judged by Pilot Mark 15:1-5 and 15

4 The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed... Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas... [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified. Like many people in positions of power, Pilate was faced with a dilemma of conscience pitting his personal integrity against political expedience. In the end he chose to do what was popular rather than what he felt was right. All people in positions of authority, whether in business, civic society or politics, face similar dilemmas from time to time. In our modern world we have become all too familiar with stories of corrupt officials and businessmen. Yet there are many in positions of authority who truly seek to act with justice and integrity in the face of complex ethical dilemmas. Jesus gave his life for leaders who carry heavy responsibilities for others. Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear That this world s empty glory is costing me too dear. Yes, and when that world s glory is dawning on my soul, Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole. Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love. Sixth Station Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns John 19:1-3 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,"hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly. Jesus suffered pain in his body and he suffered the humiliation that went along with that pain. Millions around the world suffer from all sorts of diseases, illness and medical conditions. Sometimes this suffering is self-inflicted, sometimes it is inflicted by others, and sometimes it is simply a result of the general human condition of frailty and mortality. To make matters worse, many diseases also carry humiliating stigmas. This is especially true of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Jesus gave his life for all who suffer in pain, disease and humiliation. Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble; Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Seventh Station Jesus bears the cross

5 John 19:6 and When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him."... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. The final humiliation for Jesus after being condemned, beaten and mocked was that he was forced to work by carrying his own cross to the place of execution. Despite the fact that slavery has been outlawed for centuries, far too many workers today are still expected to labour under conditions that effectively amount to a type of economic slavery. From human trafficking and illegal sweat-shops that exploit illegal immigrants and the poor, to the drudgery of monotonous production-lines, many people around the world work long hours without a sense of purpose or meaningful reward. Jesus gave his life for those who labour without meaning or reward. Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble; Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Eighth station Jesus is helped by Simon the Cyrenian to carry the cross Mark 15:21 They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. Simon, a foreigner in the city, suddenly found himself press-ganged by the angry mob of locals. Wars, famine and extreme poverty force many people unwillingly from their homelands to find refuge elsewhere. Many others willingly choose to seek a better life for their families in countries more affluent or politically stable than their own. Sadly, such migrants and refugees often encounter hostility and xenophobia in the local communities to which they move. Today we think especially of those who have been displaced through war in Syria and Afghanistan, and instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Colombia and South Sudan. Jesus gave his life for foreigners, strangers and refugees. Were you there when they pierced him in the side? Were you there when they pierced him in the side? O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble; Were you there when they pierced him in the side?

6 Ninth Station Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem Luke 23:27-31 A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, Fall upon us!' and to the hills, Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" How far has a society fallen when its women are called upon to weep for their children and to call the barren blessed? While women in Scotland enjoy equal rights at law, in the workplace and in terms of franchise (all rights that were denied them in the past), there are many women elsewhere in the world who are not so lucky. Moreover, women and children are still the most common victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and harassment, human trafficking and rape in all societies. Jesus gave his life for women and children who suffer abuse. Were you there when the sun refused to shine? Were you there when the sun refused to shine? O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble; Were you there when the sun refused to shine? Tenth Station Jesus is crucified Luke 23:33-34 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."] By the time the crucifixion happened, things had gotten so out of hand that those who performed it were just carried along by the events. So Jesus could pray, Forgive them, for they know not what they do. How often are we just swept along by the mob into situations that, on reflection, reveal the very worst in human nature? Yet there are those who from time to time stand up to challenge the status quo and force us as communities and as society to question our actions. We think in particular today of those who challenge us about our responsibility towards the environment. Jesus gave his life to challenge the status quo. When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

7 Eleventh Station Jesus promises his Kingdom to the good thief Luke 23:39-43 Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." The concept of a good thief sounds like a contradiction in terms. Yet here was a man who even having been condemned was willing to change. How many convicted prisoners long to change and be rehabilitated into society, yet the odds seem stacked against them. Within the prisons they are enticed into still more crime, while outside they are shunned by society. We think today of the prison chaplains and prison ministries that reach out to people in prisons and help them to become reintegrated into society when they leave prison. Jesus gave his life to set the prisoners free. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. Twelfth Station Jesus speaks to his mother and the disciple John 19:25-27 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. As the eldest son, Jesus had a responsibility to care for his mother in her old age. Unable to do so himself, he placed the responsibility on his disciple. The elderly form one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Diminished mobility, health concerns and inadequate pension provisions leave many elderly people dependent on family and social services. Despite God's commandment that we should Honour our fathers and our mothers, many elderly people find themselves lonely and forgotten by an increasingly busy and self-preoccupied world. We have a responsibility to care for all those who are vulnerable in our communities, the old and the very young irrespective of whether they are family. Jesus gave his life for the vulnerable elderly and children.

8 People: Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; did e er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Thirteenth Station Jesus dies on the Cross Luke 23:44-46 It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last. The completion of Jesus incarnation was that he died the death that we will all die. We think about all those who die daily around the world. We think especially of those who die violent deaths as a result of war, violence and crime. We also think of those who die as a result of institutionalised violence, poverty, forced exile, famine and curable diseases all of which could be overcome if the political will existed to do so. Jesus gave his life for the victims of man s inhumanity to man. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small: love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all. Fourteenth Station Jesus is placed in the tomb Matthew 27:57-60 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. Joseph of Arimathea did what he could to bring comfort to Jesus friends and families, by giving sacrificially from his wealth and by becoming personally involved in an act of compassion laying Christ s body in the tomb himself. Thankfully, we have many in Scotland who are willing to give sacrificially from their own wealth to ease the suffering of the poor, the marginalized and the ill. We give thanks for those who use their own blessings to be a blessing to others. Jesus gave his life for others.

9 Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine though the gloom, and point me to the skies: Heaven s morning breaks, and earth s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Closing prayer Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven and reconciles all people to you. May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen. We offer our gifts offering, doxology and dedication Prayer for the World Let us pray for the one holy catholic and apostolic Church of Christ throughout the world: for its unity in witness and service, for all who serve it and the people whom they serve, for all Christians in this community, that God will confirm the Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in peace. Silence Faithful and compassionate God, your Spirit guides the Church and makes it holy; hear the prayers we offer, that in the particular ministry to which you have called us, we may serve you faithfully, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Let us pray for all nations and peoples of the earth, and for those in authority among them: for our President and Cabinet and for the government of this country, for our local Town Council for all who serve the common good, that by God's help they may seek justice and truth, that all might live in peace and harmony. Silence Faithful and compassionate God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those in authority, that justice, peace, and freedom may increase, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

10 Let us pray for all who suffer: for the hungry and the homeless, the deprived and the oppressed, for the sick, the wounded, and the handicapped, for those in loneliness and in fear, for those in confusion, doubt, and despair, for the sorrowful and bereaved, for prisoners, and all at the point of death, that God's love will comfort and sustain them, and that we may be stirred up to minister to them. Silence Faithful and compassionate God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer, hear the cry of all who call on you in any trouble, grant them the joy of receiving your help in their need, and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Let us pray for all who do not believe the gospel of Christ: for those who have never heard the message of salvation, for those who have lost their faith, for those who are indifferent to Christ, for those who actively oppose Christ by word or deed, and persecute Christ's disciples, for those who in the name of Christ have persecuted others, that God will open their hearts to the truth, and lead them to faith and obedience. Silence Faithful and compassionate God, you create and love all the peoples of the earth; may your good news be so lived and proclaimed, that all are brought home to your presence, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Let us commit ourselves to God, and pray for the grace of a holy life, that with all who have died in the peace of Christ, and with those whose faith is known to God alone, we may enter the fullness of life in the joy of Christ's resurrection. Silence God, our refuge and strength, accept the fervent prayers of your people, and bring to fulfilment your plan for all creation, through Jesus Christ your Firstborn, who is alive with you,

11 in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Lord s Prayer Closing hymn 397 In the Cross of Christ I glory Benediction May the Christ who walks on Wounded Feet walk with you along the road May the Christ who serves with Wounded Hands stretch out your hands to serve May the Christ who loves with a Wounded Heart open your hearts to love May you see the face of Christ in all whom you meet And may all who meet you see the face of Christ in you.