Easter Day Eucharist from Coventry Cathedral

Christians have celebrated Easter I'm standing in the ruins

It's a reminder of humanity's capacity for destruction,

whilst our magnificent new cathedral, built to replace the old,

underlines the fact of Resurrection.

This year is the cathedral's golden jubilee -

50 years since its consecration.

50 years of celebrating that Jesus is alive.

BELL RINGS OUT

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

He raised him from the dead and gave him glory.

We have been given new birth into a living hope

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Alleluia! Christ is risen

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

We come to God as one from whom no secrets are hidden,

to ask for his forgiveness and peace.

Like Mary at the empty tomb,

we fail to grasp the wonder of your presence.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Like the disciples behind locked doors,

we are afraid to be seen as your followers.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Like Thomas in the upper room, we are slow to believe.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

May the God of love and power

forgive you and free you from your sins,

heal and strengthen you by his Spirit,

and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.

Amen.

# We praise thee, we bless thee We worship thee

# We glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory

# O Lord God, heavenly King God the Father Almighty

# O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christ.

# O Lord God, Lamb of God Son of the Father

# That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us

# Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us

# Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer

# Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father

# Have mercy upon us

# For thou only art holy Thou only art the Lord

# Thou only, O Christ with the Holy Ghost

# Art most high in the glory of God the Father. #

# Amen. #

Let us pray for God to renew us in the glory of the risen Christ.

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.

Amen.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Then Peter began to speak to them -

"I truly understand that God shows no partiality,

"but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right

"is acceptable to him.

"You know the message he sent to the people of Israel,

"preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all.

"That message spread throughout Judea,

"beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced -

"how God anointed Jesus of Nazarethwith the Holy Spirit and with power,

"how he went about doing good

"and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,

"for God was with him.

"We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem.

"They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,

"but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear,

"not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses,

"and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

"He commanded us to preach to the people

"and to testify that he is the one ordained by God

"as judge of the living and the dead.

"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him

"receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

# Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

# I am the first and the last Says the Lord, and the living one

# I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore

# Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

ALL: Glory to you, O Lord.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark,

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb

and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.

So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple,

the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them,

"They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,

"and we do not know where they have laid him."

Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb.

The two were running together,

but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there,

but he did not go in.

Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb.

He saw the linen wrappings lying there,

and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head,

not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.

Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first,

also went in, and he saw and believed,

for as yet they did not understand the scripture,

that he must rise from the dead.

Then the disciples returned to their homes.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

ALL: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

ALL: # Praise to you, O Christ

# Praise to you, O Christ. #

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

Heavenly Father, help us to listen to your word with understanding,

to receive it with faith, and to obey it with courage,

for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

"Absolutely absurd" -

I think those were the words I used many years ago

when a friend told me that he had come to believe

that Jesus had risen from the dead.

"Dead men don't rise," I stated with confidence.

"You have taken leave of your senses."

He persisted, "Of course, dead people don't normally rise,

"but the laws of science are for normal times.

"When extreme situations arise, unusual things happen.

"If you go to black holes, the speed of light

"or the beginning of time -

"in those unusual circumstances, unusual things happen."

He continued by pressing his point.

"If it is true that God has stepped into the world

"in the person of Jesus, then that is not a normal circumstance.

"Indeed it would be unique.

"You might expect something pretty unusual about his death."

I had to admit the rational nature of the argument.

"OK," I said, "but that doesn't mean that it actually happened!"

I was a barrister at the time

and prided myself on my legally trained mind.

"I will look at the evidence," I said.

I did that over the next weeks and came to three conclusions.

Firstly, Jesus had clearly died.

The Romans were experts at crucifixion

and didn't make mistakes.

Secondly, many people had clearly testified that they had seen

the risen Jesus over a period of weeks.

Their accounts struck me as the artless and genuine attempts

of eye witnesses to describe real events.

Thirdly, and for me, crucially, nothing else explained

the transformation of those first Christians

from frightened cowards, hiding behind locked doors,

denying that they even knew Jesus, into such committed believers

that they were prepared to witness to those same enemies

and with such authority and conviction

that they turned their world upside down in a generation,

even though it cost most of them their lives.

Much to my surprise and discomfort,

I found the evidence pointing to the truth of the Resurrection.

Like millions of others before me,

I had become convinced of what Jean Vanier calls

"the most stupendous cosmic reality in the history of the universe".

The implications of this are enormous.

Firstly, the Resurrection of Jesus

is a clear vindication of his claims,

his divinity and his death for our sins.

It means that he is alive now and can be met today.

Here in Coventry and all over the world,

we have seen Jesus change the lives

of people from very different backgrounds -

criminals and professors, homeless and wealthy.

Secondly, the Resurrection means there is hope beyond death.

It in no way negates the reality and negativity of death,

but it does give hope.

Death is still an enemy to be faced by all,

but it is a defeated enemy.

The New Testament celebrates that hope, indeed it flaunts it -

"Where O death is your sting?"

Thirdly, the Resurrection is the pledge and beginning

of Creation's renewal.

Eric Mascall calls this "the ultimate transfiguration of matter".

The Resurrection affirms the goodness of God's creation.

This is not "pie in the sky when you die".

When Jesus rose, he didn't leave creation behind.

He kept his physicality.

We look forward not to salvation from the world

but to the salvation of the world - a new Heaven and a new Earth.

This indeed is good news, but it is also politically subversive.

The Resurrection proclaims that Jesus is Lord.

It declares God's claim on his world.

It gives us a glimpse of the kind of world we are going to be

and encourages us to work towards that world now.

I have been a follower of Jesus for 40 years now,

and he has never let me down.

The risen Jesus brings the most exciting,

practical and rewarding revolution to life.

But don't take my word for it. Look into his claims yourself.

I challenge you to read just one of the gospels

and come to your own conclusion.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty

Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father

God from God, light from light, true God from true God

Begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father

Through him all things were made

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit

The Lord, the giver of life

Who proceeds from the Father and the Son

With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified

He has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

In joy and love, let us pray to the Father.

50 years ago, our cathedral was consecrated

alongside the bombed-out remains of the old.

To mark our Golden Jubilee year,

we are designating the old cathedral ruins

as a memorial to civilians killed, injured

and traumatised by conflict worldwide.

During the 40 days of Lent

we have been focusing on the impactof war in our prayers and reflection.

Today, we bring this cycle of prayer to its conclusion

as we pray in the light of the hope and joy

of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Traditionally, the ruins have been a focal point

for remembrance of the destruction of the cathedral in 1940.

More than 70 years on, we recognise the damage

still being caused by aerial bombing around the world,

and in particular, its devastating impact on civilians.

And so let us pray for the coming of the rule of the Prince of Peace.

Lord of life, how we long for you to usher in the time

when nation will no longer take up sword against nation.

Risen Lord Jesus, to your world disfigured by aerial bombing,

bring your new life of healing and hope.

The environment is often overlooked as a victim of violent conflict,

as toxic chemicals are spilled and the soil is contaminated.

And so let us pray for the healing of the Earth

and for all who are working

to reverse the damage done to our fragile planet.

Lord of life, how we long for an end to the brutality

which hurts the world you created for us to enjoy.

Risen Lord Jesus,

to your world wounded by the environmental effects of war,

bring your new life of healing and hope.

In many countries where there is conflict,

children are often recruited by military groups.

The scars left by this experience of war

are deep-rooted and long-lasting.

And so let us pray for an end to the abuse of children

and for the healing of lives overshadowed by conflict.

How we long for the world's children to experience

the warmth of your love and the hope of a future without violence.

Risen Lord Jesus,

to your world shamed by the exploitation of children,

bring your new life of healing and hope.

War is one of the main reasons

why people are forced to leave their homes as refugees,

while suspicion of migrants is at an all-time high in many nations.

And so let us pray for an end to the conflicts

which cause the mass movement of people

and for the gift of hospitality to those who need it.

How we long for those far from home to find a welcome

that reflects your love for the whole human family.

Risen Lord Jesus,

to your world confronted by the suffering of refugees,

bring your new life of healing and hope.

Jesus, Lord of life

In your mercy, hear us, accept our prayers,

and be with us always. Amen.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said,

"Peace be with you."

Then were they glad when they saw the Lord.

Alleluia!

The peace of the Lord be always with you

And also with you. Alleluia!

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

and all we have heard is true.

When you break bread,

may we recognise you as the fire that burns within us,

that we may bring light to your world.

Amen.

The Lord is here.

His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

We give you thanks and praise for the Gospel we have received.

Christ died for our sins. Alleluia!

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Death comes to all through Adam, and sin reigns for a time.

New life without end comes through Christ,

and he reigns for ever. Alleluia!

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?

Death is swallowed up in victory,

the victory you give us in Christ. Alleluia!

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

We have been crucified with Christ, and live his risen life,

to praise you for ever with angels and archangels.

# Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts

# Heaven and Earth are full of thy glory

# Glory be to thee O Lord most high

# Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord

# Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord

# Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord

# Hosanna in the highest. #

# Hosanna in the highest. #

# Hosanna in the highest

We praise and bless you, loving Father,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and as we obey his command,

send your Holy Spirit, that broken bread and wine outpoured

may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends

and, taking bread, he praised you.

He broke the bread, gave it to them and said,

Take, eat - this is my body which is given for you,

do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.

Again he praised you, 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.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,

in him we plead with confidence

his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross.

Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,

we proclaim his death and resurrection

until he comes in glory.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus.

# Dying you destroyed our death

Lord of all life, help us to work together

for that day when your kingdom comes

and justice and mercy will be seen in all the Earth.

Look with favour on your people, gather us in your loving arms

and bring us with all the saints to feast at your table in heaven.

Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

Now we are raised to new life.

We were buried in your tomb.

Now we share in your resurrection.

Live in us

That we may live in you.

Alleluia! Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

# O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world

# Have mercy upon us

# O Lamb of God, you that takest away the sins of the world

# Grant us they peace. #

# O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world

# Have mercy upon us

# O Lamb of God, you that takest away the sins of the world

# Grant us they peace. #

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

# Night's cave, and winter's earth

# Release the Christ

# The Lord of Spring

# Let him arise

# God's life to bring

# New worlds to call

# To call to birth

# Worship him who rides up high

# Worship him who rides up high

# Worship him, welcome dawn

# God's sunrise sky

# Easter Christ, Easter Christ

# Alive to save, alive to save

# Easter Christ, Easter Christ

# Alive to save

# Let him arise, arise

# God's life to bring

# New worlds to call to birth

# To call to birth

# Arise! New words to call to birth

# Harrowed hell, emptied grave

# Worship him who rides up high

# Welcome dawn, God's sunrise sky

# Welcome dawn, God's sunrise sky

# Easter Christ alive to save

# Alive to save. #

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

With our hearts filled with gratitude

for all that God has done for us

through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ,

let us commit ourselves afresh to him.

Father of all, we give you thanks and praise,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 153 seconds

Who has made heaven and earth.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Now and for ever! Amen.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

God the Father, by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,

open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.

Amen!

God the Son, who in bursting from the grave

has won a glorious victory,

give you joy as you share the Easter faith.

Amen!

God the Holy Spirit, whom the risen Lord breathed into his disciples,

empower you and fill you with Christ's peace.

Amen!

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father,

the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen!