This week’s passages are difficult. They show how much God is demanding of those who wish to follow. Those called are asked to give everything. No wonder there is resistance. Yet, they also remind us that the Spirit will support our work and, in turn, give us everything to enable us to answer the call.
Accompanying Scripture:
Galatians 5:13-15, 22-25, Psalm 8, Luke 9:51-62
On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17
In this week’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples are told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find Jesus’ presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 107, John 24:44-53
We continue to celebrate the beauty of Easter with these texts. Paul meets Lydia, a dealer of purple cloth who is praying by the river. As she is welcomed into the Christian life, she reponds with mutal hospitality. In the gospel, Jesus tells his worried disciples that even though he is dying soon, the Holy Spirit- the Advocate will always be with them and God’s peace will never leave them. In these stories, we celebrate the gifts of faith – prayer and hospitality, advocacy and peace.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 14:23-29
Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 23, John 13:31-35
Today Jesus proclaims he is the good shepherd. The shepherd cares for us in ways both subtle and profound. The shepherd is not afraid of suffering or death and they invite us to imagine ourselves in these places as well. The shepherd asks us to face our enemies, even if they may be deep within ourselves. The shepherd also invites us into a practice of abundance so all may flourish. And so at the invitation of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to trust God’s sustaining presence within each day. May these daily practices unclench our fists, open our wallets and move our hearts to spur forward God’s way of abundant life for all.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, John 10:22-30
The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to one another.
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 30, John 21:1-19
In this second Sunday of Easter, we hold up faith and doubt. Alongside Thomas we too ask for proof that God is real, that life can really conquer death. We can trust God promises to show up in story, song, bread, wine, water, neighbor and perhaps even the humble squirmy earthworm.
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 96, John 20:19-31
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
The tomb is empty- how can this be? May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 118, Luke 24:1-12
The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with the empire, using his position to oppress his own people. It is important to call out oppression, and yet, Jesus offers mercy. That mercy then begets more mercy as Zacchaeus, unprompted, offers to return what he took, and then some. (Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org)
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 32, Luke 19:1-10
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