Sunday 8 May 2022 | Mother’s Day

Fourth Sunday of Easter Theme: God will wipe every tear from their eyes COLLECT Good Shepherd, you assure us that no one will ever snatch us out of your hand: grant that all who hear your voice may know you who calls us each by name, and follow where you lead; for you live and reign in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Acts 9: 36-43 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became sick and died. When they had washed her body, they placed it in an upstairs room. 38 Because Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived, they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all outside, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. READING Revelation 7: 9-17 17 The lamb in the centre near the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs filled with the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” GOSPEL according to John 10: 22-30 22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. BENEDICTION Go now, following the voice of the shepherd. Fear no evil, for God is by your side. Devote yourselves to the works of God, to words of mercy, to good deeds and to acts of love. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ, Amen.