2022-May-22: Sixth Sunday of Easter

 2022-May-22: Sixth Sunday of Easter

 


Opening prayer


Lord of all,
In Jesus you have made us all sisters and brothers in Christ. There is no distinction between Gentile and Jew. There is no separation that can remove any from fellowship in Christ’s community. Blind us to our differences so that in unity we may proclaim your truth to all, for the sake of Jesus Christ in whom there is harmony and peace. Amen.

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

At the heart of the matter is whether Gentiles need to be observant of Mosiac law in order to be included in the Christian Church - the apostles consult with each other and Paul/Barnabas give testimony to the many gifts of the Holy Spirit brought to Gentiles purely by the redemptive sacrifice of Christ on the Cross - proving that salvation through the saving grace of Christ does not require adherence to Mosaic law, opening the door to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Psalm 67

The theme of the first part of this psalm is one of blessing. The psalm begins with a request for blessing. The words of the Aaronic benediction normally close worship services: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). 
The theme of the second part of today's Psalm is one of mission. Psalm 67 clearly says that the ultimate purpose of God’s blessing is mission: “that your way be known on earth, your saving power among all nations” (verse 2). So that the peoples and nations might praise God.

Revelations 21:10-14, 22-23

In Revelation 21, John gives a vision of a God whose compassion is for all people - there is no temple because God - the Holy of Holies himself - will be the source of grace and salvation. There is no sun or moon because those are not needed in the new creation.
Sadly in today's global Church, endless wars, rampant capitalism, selfish individualism, intolerance and hate, abject poverty, and the pandemic have all robbed people of faith of their belief in the God of Revelation. We see reasons for despair devoid of God’s everlasting love, mercy, and grace. Sadly human ears, hearts, and minds have lost the art of hearing, sensing, and discerning God’s presence in the world. We should not worry about God will create this new world, rather we should safeguard and nurture God’s creation in the present.

John 14:23-29

Jesus is preparing his disciples for the time when he will have to suffer death on the cross and no longer be physically present with them. The disciples fail to grasp what it means. First Peter (John 13:36), then Thomas (14:5), then Phillip (14:8), and then Judas (not Iscariot) (14:22) ask for clarification about what Jesus is telling them.Jesus has promised not to leave his disciples orphaned (John 14:18). He has promised to send another Advocate, the Spirit of truth or Paraclete (the Greek word paraclêtos signifies “called along beside”), to be with them forever (14:16) and continue the work that he has begun. Jesus says that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to be alongside his disciples, to teach them and remind them of all that Jesus has said to them (John 14:26).
When Jesus meets his frightened disciples after his resurrection, it will be with a greeting of peace (John 20:19, 21) - this is the sort of peace with a holistic profound sense of wellbeing is something that the world cannot give


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