As we gather, we recognize that we live, work, pray, and play
in the traditional lands of
the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People. 
We continue to commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation and
relationship-building with our First Nations neighbours.   

 

 The Gathering of the Community  

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.  

Welcome and Instruction - Celebrant:        

Dear friends in Christ,
during Lent, we have been preparing for the celebration of
our Lord’s paschal mystery.

On this day, our Lord. Jesus Christ,
entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph.
The people welcomed him with palms and
shouts of praise, but the path before him
led to self-giving, suffering, and death.

Today we greet him as our King,
although we know his crown is thorns,
and his throne a cross.

We follow him this week, from the glory of the palms
to the glory of the resurrection,
by way of the dark road of suffering and death.

United with him in his suffering on the cross,
may we share his resurrection and new life.  

 

Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help, Lord God of our salvation,
that we may enter with joy into the celebration of
those mighty acts whereby you give us life and
immortality; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

 

God be with you.

And also with you.  

The good news of Jesus Christ according to
St. Luke 19:28-40

Glory to you, Jesus Christ.  

The Gospel of Christ.

Praise to you, Jesus Christ.  

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.   

It is right to praise you, almighty God, for the acts of love
by which you have redeemed us,
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

As the Hebrews acclaimed Jesus as Messiah and King,
with palm branches in their hands, crying,
Hosanna in the highest.  

May we also, carrying these emblems,
go forth to meet Christ, and follow him
in the way that leads to eternal life;
who lives and reigns in glory,
with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.  Amen. 

The Procession

Let us go forth in peace.

In the name of Christ.  Amen.  

Processional Hymn  

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest

Copyright Protected. Unable to Post Lyrics.

 

Collect of the Day  

Holy and immortal God,
as we enter into this holy week,
turn our hearts to Jerusalem,
so that, united with Christ, and all the faithful,
we may enter the city not made with hands,
your promised realm of justice and peace,
eternal from age to age. Amen. 

 

The Proclamation of the Word  

First Reading:   Isaiah 50:4-9a 

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.    

 

Psalm 31:9-16  

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; 

my eye is consumed with sorrow,
and also my throat and my belly.

For my life is wasted with grief,
and my years with sighing;

my strength fails me because of affliction,
and my bones are consumed. 

I have become a reproach to all my enemies and
even to my neighbours,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; 

when they see me in the street they avoid me.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;

I am as useless as a broken pot.

For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is all around;

they put their heads together against me;
they plot to take my life.

But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.

I have said, “You are my God.

My times are in your hand;

rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.

Make your face to shine upon your servant,

and in your loving-kindness save me.” 

 

Helper of the helpless, comfort of the afflicted,
may your servants, who stand in the midst of evil,
find strength in the knowledge of
your presence, and praise you for
the wonders of your love;
through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  Amen.  

 

2nd Reading:   Philippians 2:5-11                

The Word of the Lord.                

Thanks be to God.   

 

Gradual Hymn: All Glory, Laud, and Honour

Public Domain  

 All glory, laud, and honour
To thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.  

Thou art the King of Israel
Thou David’s royal Son
Who in the Lord’s Name comest
The King and blessed One.  

All glory, laud, and honour
To thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.  

The company of angels
Are praising thee on high
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.

All glory, laud, and honour
To thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.  

The people of the Hebrews
With palms before thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems
Before thee we present.  

All glory, laud, and honour
To thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.  

To thee before thy Passion
They sang their hymns of praise
To thee now high exalted
Our melody we raise.

All glory, laud, and honour
To thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.    

Thou didst accept their praises
Accept the prayers we bring
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King

All glory, laud, and honour
To thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.    

 

God be with you.

And also with you.  

The Good News of
Jesus according to St. Luke

Glory to you, Jesus Christ. 

The Lord be with you.  

The Good News of Jesus according To:  Luke: 23. 1-49   

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.    

(you may be seated for the proclamation of the Gospel) 

The Gospel of Christ,

              Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

 

Sermon:  The Venerable Brian Evans  

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be ever acceptable to you O Lord.  Amen.

Fifty-Seven Words that Change the World           
“Cancel Our Debts”
 "Our Father in heaven, forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors."  

 

Occasionally, you feel as if the Lord is on your side. I am always interested when I decide to do a topical ‘preaching’ series, like The Lord’s Prayer, if the Lectionary Readings will fit the topic.  

When we say these words: “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”, how bold we are.         

It is one thing to ask for forgiveness, quite another to GIVE forgiveness.          

In Matthew’s Gospel, and the Sermon on the Mount, before Jesus goes on to teach about fasting, he finishes the portion on how to pray with these words, it is Jesus’ small clarification on forgiveness.  

“For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. BUT, but if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

 Isaiah 50:4-9a Our passage is one of 4 ‘servant songs’ found in Isaiah.

The first begins “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen ...”. In late Judaism, the servant was seen as the perfect Israelite, one of supreme holiness, a messiah. In the gospels, Jesus identifies himself as the servant (or slave), the one who frees all people.

Philippians 2:5-11 Paul has just urged the Christians at Philippi, through “encouragement in Christ”, and moved by God’s love for them, to “be of the same mind[set], having the same love, being in full accord ...” They are to “regard others as better than ... [themselves]”, freely adopting a lowly, unassertive stance before others, replacing self-interest with concern for others.

Luke 23: 1-49 Jesus and his disciples have met for the Last Supper.

He has given his farewell address to those present (and, it seems, to other followers), preparing them for their role in his mission. He has resisted the temptation to avoid death on the cross.

Judas has betrayed him to the authorities. Jesus has been brought before the high priest. Next morning, he has been brought before the Sanhedrin.

This council considers that it has sufficient evidence to bring him before the Roman authorities.   

The Gospel reading opens today with Jesus before Pilate. Pilate finds himself in a difficult position. Pilate want to wash his hands of the whole thing. Pilate finds a way to excuse himself by saying, it’s not my problem, sends him off to Herod. What does Herod do, but send Jesus back to Pilate.          

 

By this time, the crowds were demanding more than a simple flogging, so they cry out for Herod to release Barabbas instead.          

 

So, what happens? Barabbas is released, and Jesus is marched off to be crucified.          

 

As they approach Golgotha, Jesus says to the assembled: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”          

 

Then we hear one of the greatest statements of faith in forgiveness.   23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" 23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."            

Prior to the teaching on prayer, Jesus reminds the gathered community on the mountain that day, of the Ten Commandments. Jesus concludes that portion with these words: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

We cannot leave this discussion without one of the great quotes from Scripture, “The Summary of the Law.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.  

The BAS Liturgy has us respond: Lord, have mercy upon us, and write both these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.  

I conclude with this quote from Johnson on these words from the Fifty-Seven Words That Change The World. (pg. 89) 

 

The Prayers of the People  

(The response today is: Receive our prayer)      

Drawn close to the heart of God,
we offer these prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.  
We pray for the church, called to follow Jesus in the way of the cross. Make us unflinching servants of the gospel.
Deliver us from hardship as we confront the forces of injustice and practice radical compassion.

Merciful God,
Receive our prayer.  

 

For the earth and all its inhabitants, created in love:
Train us to recognise your divine goodness in the world around us. Rouse in us a reverence for creation,
that we take greater care of its resources.

Merciful God,
Receive our prayer.  

For those in positions of authority
called to lead with integrity and compassion:
Supply them with courage and vulnerability
when challenged with new ideas.

Merciful God,
Receive our prayer.  

For those who suffer, waiting expectantly for mercy and consolation: Accompany those who feel abandoned or betrayed,
defend those who are wrongly accused, and
embrace those who are incarcerated or detained.

Heal those who are in need of healing, especially:
Roy & Gail; Daryl & Sue; Roy; Maureen;
Jay; Sheila; Joseph; and those on our hearts.

Merciful God,
Receive our prayer.  

For Christians around the world,
preparing this week to journey with Jesus to the cross:
Reveal to us, once again, the earth-shaking power of humble service, unmerited forgiveness, and sacrificial love.
Lead us all from death to life.

Merciful God,
Receive our prayer.  

We remember those who have died,
who were commended into your hands.
Remember us when you come into your kingdom,
and prepare a place for each of us with you in paradise.

Merciful God,
Receive our prayer.  

Accept the prayers we bring, O God,
on behalf of a world in need,
for the sake of Jesus Christ.  Amen.
 

 

 

Distance-Sharing of The Peace  

The Peace of the Lord be Always with You.

And, also with you.

The Celebration of the Eucharist. 

Offertory Hymn: This The Day

Copyright Protected.  Unable to Post Lyrics.

 

Prayer over the Gifts

Gracious God,
the suffering and death of Jesus, your only Son,
makes us pleasing in your sight.
Alone we can do nothing, but through sacrifice,
may we receive your love and mercy. Amen.  

 

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer #3      

The Lord be with you.                     

And also, with you.  

Lift up your hearts.                     

We lift them to the Lord.  

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.                     

It is right to give our thanks and praise.  

 

Blessed are you, Gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation, and you have shown your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of all peoples.

Therefore, with angels and archangels we raise our voices in joyful praise to proclaim the glory of your name.    

Holy, holy, holy Lord,     
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.  
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.  

We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.

For in these last days, you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you.

In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.  

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said,

"Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said,

“Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore, Father, according to his command,

we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;  

and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.  

We pray you, Gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant.

Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.  

In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the had of the Church, and the author of our salvation;  

by whom, and with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father,
now and forever.  Amen. 

 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Sung)

 

As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, 
and the glory are yours, now and forever.  Amen. 

 

The Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread,

Communion in Christ’s body once broken.  

Let your Church be the wheat which bears its fruit in dying.

If we have died with him, we shall live with him;
if we hold firm, we shall reign with him.  

 

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God. 

 

The Administration of Communion 

 

Communion Interlude:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Public Domain  

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.  

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the Cross of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his Blood.    

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?  

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. 

 

Prayer After Communion

God our help and strength,
you have satisfied our hunger with this eucharistic food.
Strengthen our faith, that through the death and
resurrection of your Son, we may be led to salvation,
for he is Lord now and for ever.  Amen. 

 

The Doxology

Glory to God,

whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever.  Amen.  

 

The Blessing

Announcements 

 

Closing Hymn:  Lift High the Cross

Copyright Protected. Unable to Post Lyrics

 

 

No more, let wrongs and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground:

he comes to make his blessings flow

far as our sin is found, far as our sin is found

far as, far as our sin is found.  

 

 

 

Dismissal  

Go from this place with the cross on your hearts.

We will empty ourselves with Christ,
for the life of the world.   

 

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.

The recording ends.  

 

Songs/Hymns words used by permission CCLI License #2750542