Third Sunday of Easter - Reflection by Canon Leslie

Today is the Third Sunday of Easter, when the Gospel reading is John’s account of the risen Jesus meeting with his disciples at the lakeside. They key to this narrative concerns the way in which the disciples eventually recognised Jesus for who he is.  Jesus was recognised in one of the very ordinary events of life, having breakfast. Yet this ordinary event takes on a new significance when Jesus takes the bread and gives it to them. Here after the resurrection is clear continuity with the way things were before the crucifixion. 
 
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of having breakfast. In today’s picture from their book, Bread, Aled and Sian are having their breakfast at home.  
 
 
 
Risen Lord, 
you made yourself known to the disciples  
by the Sea of Tiberias. 
Come among us now 
and make yourself known to us, 
as we share in your feast; 
for you are our God, 
now and for ever. 
Amen. 
 
Next week, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel reading is John’s account of Jesus’ relationship with his followers. Jesus is the good shepherd whose sheep hear and know his voice. The image to help us for next week’s theme is sheepdog. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.  ​