Thoughts on Sunday’s Lessons for May 26, 2019
First Reading: Acts 16:9-15
As we approach the last weeks of Eastertide, Sunday’s readings remind us again that God’s love embraces all of Earth’s people and all of Earth’s nations: Jesus did not come to save only a chosen few.
John of Patmos observes the descent of the New Jerusalem, Angers Apocalypse tapestry (1373-1387) by Jean de Bondol (14th century). Musée de la Tapisserie, Château d’Angers, France. (Click image to enlarge.)
Our first reading shows Paul taking Jesus’ message westward from Asia Minor, where he has been teaching and baptizing, into Europe for the first time. In the new Christian community at Philippi in Greece, he converts Lydia, a leader of the community and a wealthy merchant of royal purple cloth. Lydia becomes a benefactor of the growing Jesus movement, inviting Paul to stay in her home.
Psalm: Psalm 67
Echoing the theme of Paul opening the doors of the church to everyone, this short but joyful Psalm calls all the nations of Earth and all their people to sing together in peace and praise. God has blessed us, and through God the Earth has given forth its bounty, the Psalmist sings. Note this well: The Psalm does not call on us only to give God thanks and praise for our personal gains, but to make God’s grace and salvation be known to all people, all nations. We who have enjoyed God’s blessings are expected to share God’s good news to the ends of the earth.
Second Reading: Revelation 21:10, 22 – 22:5
Continuing in the final chapters of Revelation, we discover that the New Testament is concluding with vivid images of life at the end of time. We imagine the New Jerusalem, heaven come down to Earth, with a crystal stream and tree of life in the midst of a city so brilliant in the graceful glow of the Lamb that it needs no other light. In verses politically radical for their time and perhaps any other, we hear that all earthly kings will worship at God’s throne in this blissful city. The city’s pure waters and luscious fruit will nourish all nations and everyone.
Gospel: John 14:23-29
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” We hear these familiar, loving words again as Jesus says farewell to his disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus tells them that he is going away, a prospect that would surely trouble their hearts. But Jesus reassures them that God will remain present with them. God will send an Advocate, God’s Holy Spirit, to come in Jesus’ name to teach and inspire them. (We will remember this coming on the feast of Pentecost two weeks from now). God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will be with them and remain in their hearts and minds as they take Jesus words out to the world.