May 7, 2023
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
ACTS 7:55-60; PSALM 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 PETER 2:2-10; JOHN 14:1-14
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ –our way, our truth, our life.
MAY 14, 2023
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
ACTS 17:22-31; PSALM 66:8-20; 1 PETER 3:13-22; JOHN 14:15-21
Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.
MAY 21, 2023
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
ACTS 1:6-14; PSALM 68: 1-10, 32-35; 1 PETER 4:12-14; 5:6-11; JOHN 17:1-11
In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.
MAY28, 2023
DAY OF PENTECOST
ACTS 2:1-21; PSALM 104:24-34, 35b; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3b-13; JOHN 20:19-23
Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.
