Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for May 15, 2022 (Easter 5C)
First Reading: Acts 11:1-18
You have probably noticed by now that our first readings during Eastertide have turned to the Acts of the Apostles. Acts tells the story of the early church, written by the evangelist known as Luke as a sort of continuation of his Gospel after the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Christ.
Peter’s vision of a sheet with animals (c.1619), oil painting on poplar wood by Domenico Fetti (1589-c.1623/4). Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. (Click image to enlarge.)
Sunday’s Acts passage marks a critical turning point in its narrative, as Peter and the apostles recognize that the message of Jesus was not intended only for their faith, Judaism, but for all humankind. We’ll hear echoes of this generous message reverberating through Sunday’s readings.
Psalm: Psalm 148
Like a symphony with a resounding final coda, the Psalms end in a series of hymns of praise that shout out God’s glory with ringing exultation. In this Psalm we behold all creation praising God. All the angels and the universe, the sun and moon, stars and heavens, all praise the Lord, as do fire and hail, snow and fog; domestic animals, wild animals – even sea monsters! All humanity, too, praises the Lord, old and young people, kings and their subjects, men and women: God’s glory is universal, and God gives us all strength.
Second Reading: Revelation 21:1-6
In the remaining weeks of Eastertide we move to the closing chapters of Revelation. Heaven and Earth have passed away in this apocalyptic vision. Everything has changed! Earth and sea and all creation as we knew it is no more. Now God is coming to Earth to live with mortals, as Jesus Christ had done; all humanity will be God’s people, and God will be with them in a world where all things are new. God will wipe away tears and banish mourning, crying and pain; God will quench all thirst with the water of life. Death will be no more!
Gospel: John 13:31-35
Sunday’s Gospel takes us back in time after we have celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection. In this passage we remember Jesus and the apostles as they gathered for the Last Supper. Judas has just sneaked out to go betray Jesus, so we know that Jesus’ passion and death lie just ahead. Yet Jesus begins his last words to his friends by reminding them all to love. In loving one another, loving our neighbors, loving even our enemies, Jesus provides clear instructions to love all of God’s people, and through this abundant, universal love to show the world how Jesus loves us all.