The Second Sunday After Easter
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Church’s common prayer for this week implores God to help us live with thankfulness for the inestimable gift of the work of Christ and also to strive to live a godly life in imitation of our Savior. This collect joins the foundational nature of gratitude in the Christian life with the imitation of Christ as the governing pattern for the Christian’s life. Sometimes these two concepts are set at odds with one another by believers. Legalists may emphasize the imitation of Christ to the neglect of gratitude, and Reformed saints may sometimes emphasize gratitude to the neglect of imitation. But both are essential components of a godly life. The Heidelberg Catechism affirms: “It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude” (Q.64), and identifies the Christian’s life of obedience as “a living sacrifice of thanks” (Q.32; cf. 43, 86, 116). Yet what does this life of gratitude and sacrifice of thanksgiving look like? Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1Cor. 11:1). Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma (Eph. 5:1-2). Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern (Php. 3:17). For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps (1Pet. 2:21). This week we pray that God will help us to show our thankfulness for the incalculable grace of Christ by imitating his holy life in faith and obedience to the Father. --JME
