Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for May 22, 2022 (Easter 6C)
First Reading: Acts 16:9-15
Our readings this Sunday continue a theme of Eastertide: God’s love is for everyone, for all Earth’s nations and all Earth’s people. The way of Jesus is open to all, not just a few.
Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles (1308-1311), tempera painting on wood by Duccio di Buoninsegna: Maestà (1255-1319). Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo, Siena, Italy. (Click image to enlarge.)
Our first reading continues following Paul’s evangelical journey as told in the Acts of the Apostles, where we find Paul moving westward from Asia Minor, taking Jesus’ message into pagan Greece for the first time. He has seen a man in a vision who asks Paul to come there and help them. When he arrives in the Greek region, he encounters a woman, Lydia, a wealthy and influential member of her community. Baptizing Lydia and her household, Paul begins the community that will become the church at Philippi.
Psalm: Psalm 67
Just as Paul opened the doors of the church to everyone, this short but exuberant Psalm calls all the nations of Earth and all their people to sing together in peace and praise. God has blessed us, the Psalmist sings; and through God the earth has given forth its bounty. Read these verses with care and discern that we’re not called to praise God only to give thanks for our personal gains. We are called to make God’s grace and blessings known to all people, all nations.
Second Reading: Revelation 21:10,22-22:5
Sunday’s second reading, the concluding verses of Revelation, depicts in vivid images the New Jerusalem. The final judgement has come. Now heaven is coming down to Earth with its crystal stream and tree of life. It is a city so brilliant in the graceful glow of the Lamb that it needs no other light. All earthly kings will worship at God’s throne, it promises, in words politically radical for their time. The city’s pure waters and luscious fruit will nourish all nations and everyone.
Gospel: John 14:23-29
John’s account of Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles extends through five full chapters of the fourth Gospel. Jesus tells his companions that must leave them soon. He urges them not to be afraid, assuring them that God the Father will come to them and Father and Son will be with them even when Jesus has gone away. As we hear these words that Jesus uttered just before his passion and crucifixion, they resonate with us again as the Ascension and Pentecost draw near: Jesus is going back to the Father, but the Father will send the Advocate – the Holy Spirit – to guide the people in Jesus’ name.
Alternate Gospel: John 5:1-9
Jesus, visiting Jerusalem for a festival, stops by a pool called Bethsaida where many people hope to be healed in its waters. Seeing a disabled man who has been waiting there for 38 years, Jesus asks him if he would like to be made well. Rather than responding at once, the man complains that he hasn’t been able to get into the healing water during all those years because no one would help him. Without further discussion, Jesus told the man, “Stand up, take your mat and walk,” and so he does, walking away without a word of thanks. The passage laconically concludes, “Now that day was a sabbath.” The following verses, however, make clear that this Sabbath healing outraged the Temple authorities, who began making plans to have Jesus killed.