Patrick Comerford
Today is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Our churches remain closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but I am continuing to celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday, with all the lectionary readings and a sermon.
I am also continuing to use the USPG Prayer Diary, Pray with the World Church, for my morning prayers and reflections throughout this Season of Easter. USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential, and champion justice. It was founded in 1701.
Throughout this week (10 to 16 May 2020), the USPG Prayer Diary is focussing on Climate Justice and the Church of Bangladesh. This focus is introduced in the Prayer Diary this morning by Rebecca Boardman of USPG:
Bangladesh experiences a number of threats from a changing climate, with one third of the population at risk of displacement because of rising sea levels. These rising sea levels are not only causing the erosion of communities that are losing their homes and land to the encroaching ocean; the salt in the sea water is causing other problems too.
The amount of salt-water in the area has intensified significantly in the past 10 years and is spreading further inland each year. The impact is very visible. As you look around, you can see a reduction in vegetation and wildlife. The quality of plants and fruit grown here has dropped; for example, coconuts grown in the area are much smaller than they once were.
Recognising the urgency, Bangladesh has become very active in terms of planning and action on climate change. The Church of Bangladesh has been responding via its development organisation, Shalom, which holds Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management as one of its core mission priorities. The Church of Bangladesh’s work is based on three principles: awareness raising, capacity building and education.
Sunday 10 May 2020 (Fifth Sunday of Easter ):
Loving Lord, we thank you that you created us all equally,
in your own image, and as one inclusive family.
Inspire your church to work to overcome inequalities,
that the world may see your justice in our midst.
The Readings: Acts 7: 55-60 or Deuteronomy 6: 20-25; Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16; I Peter 2: 2-10; John 14: 1-14.
The Collect of the Day (Easter V):
Lord of all life and power,
who through the mighty resurrection of your Son
overcame the old order of sin and death
to make all things new in him:
Grant that we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
may reign with him in glory;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be praise and honour, glory and might,
now and in all eternity.
The Post-Communion Prayer:
Eternal God,
in word and sacrament
we proclaim your truth in Jesus Christ and share his life.
In his strength may we ever walk in his way,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Yesterday’s reflection
Continued tomorrow
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