The Fourth Sunday

The Collect

Almighty God, which dost make the minds of all faithful men to be of one will:  Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where as true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Epistle [James I

Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of change.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be the first fruits of his creatures.  Wherefore (dear brethren) let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.  For the wrath of man worketh not that which is righteous before God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of maliciousness, and receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, which is able to save your souls.

For a sermon by Martin Luther on this text, please click on the link.    http://www.lectionarycentral.com/easter4/LutherEpistle.html

The Gospel [John 16

Jesus said unto his disciples, Now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me whether I go.  But because I have said such things unto you, your hearts are full of sorrow.  Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away.  For if I go not away, that Comforter will not come unto you.  But if I depart, I will send him unto you.  And when he is come, he will rebuke the world of sin, and righteousness, and of judgment.  Of sin, because they believe not on me.  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye shall see me no more. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged already.  I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them away now.  Howbeit when he is come (which is the Spirit of truth), he will lead you into all truth.  He shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.  He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show unto you  All things that the Father hath are mine, and show unto you.

For a sermon by Martin Luther, go to  http://www.lectionarycentral.com/easter4/LutherGospel.html