FIRST READING HEBREWS 5: 5-10

Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’; as he says also in another place, ‘You are a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

PSALM 119: 9-16

9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way : even by ruling himself after thy word.

10. With my whole heart have I sought thee : O let me not go wrong out of thy commandments.

11. Thy words have I hid within my heart : that I should not sin against thee.

12. Blessed art thou, O Lord : O teach me thy statutes.

13. With my lips have I been telling : of all the judgements of thy mouth.

14. I have had as great delight in the way of thy testimonies : as in all manner of riches.

15. I will talk of thy commandments : and have respect unto thy ways.

16. My delight shall be in thy statutes : and I will not forget thy word.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING JOHN 12: 20-33

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say – “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

Sunday 21 March 2021 - The Fifth Sunday of Lent

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