Readings
Jeremiah 31:31-34: God promises a new covenant in which God’s law is written on people’s hearts, and in which no one needs to instruct another, because all people will know God, will be forgiven by God and will automatically follow God’s ways.
Psalm 51:1-12: A psalm asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness, and for God to wash the psalmist clean, restoring to him the joy of God’s salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
OR Psalm 119:9-16: A celebration of God’s law that keeps a young man pure, that is valuable and precious and that is hidden in the heart, making the person who treasures it happy.
Hebrews 5:5-10: Jesus has been appointed by God as a priest like Melchizedek. He suffered for God’s people, crying out to God in his anguish, and God heard him because of his devotion and obedience. Now he is the source of salvation for all.
John 12:20-33: Jesus teaches that a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die in order to produce fruit, and that those who try to save their lives will lose them, but those who give up their lives will guard them for eternal life. Then he asks whether he should pray to be delivered from his hour of suffering, but recognises that this is what he came for, and that when he is lifted up he will draw all people to himself.
(Summaries of readings from John van de Laar, Sacredise)
COCU23B Pilgrim Combined Service 2021
23B/Lent 5B Resources on Sacredise for 23B
