Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for May 8, 2022 (Easter 4C)

First Reading: Acts 9:36-43

Sunday’s Collect sets the scene for the day’s Lectionary readings with these words: “O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads.”

Even in the midst of difficulty, we always have hope in God, who protects us, feeds us, washes away our tears and offers us life. In our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about the sudden death of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas in Greek. This disciple’s death must have hit the infant church hard, as this hard-working disciple was known for her works of charity and made clothes for the group. Then comes Peter, filled with the Spirit. He brings her back to life with a prayer and a command, just as Jesus had done with Lazarus and others.

Psalm: Psalm 23

The familiar comforting verses of the 23rd Psalm express our trust in God as a kindly, protecting shepherd, an image that Christians eagerly adopt for Jesus, the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Its words offer us confident hope even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Although it turns darker momentarily as we envision our joy at dining sumptuously at God’s table while our enemies must only stand by and watch, it ends as full of hope as it began, accompanied by God’s goodness and mercy as we reside with God forever.

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

Since last week’s reading the Lectionary has skipped over a chapter filled with striking, frightening symbols and allegories. The mysterious seals have come open and the four fearful horses of the Apocalypse have appeared. Now we stand again among a vast crowd dressed in white, representing all nations, races and people; all united in worshiping the Lamb, Christ, our King. These are the ones who have come through the great ordeal, facing persecution for Jesus’ sake. Now they know joy with the Lamb, who has become their Shepherd, who gives them the water of life, protects them and wipes away their tears.

Gospel: John 10:22-30

Is Jesus the Messiah? In the verses of John’s Gospel just before this, Jesus has declared himself the Good Shepherd. Now the group of Pharisees that has been quizzing Jesus becomes insistent, demanding that he end the suspense and tell them plainly if this is his claim. Jesus tells them not to ask for his words but to look at his works, the things that he has done in the name of God, his Father. His followers – his sheep – follow him willingly, he says; and through their faith they will gain eternal life.

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for April 17, 2016

First Reading: Acts 9:36-43

Even in the midst of difficulty, we always have hope in God. This encouraging theme resonates through today’s readings, reminding us that God protects us, feeds us, washes away our tears and offers us life. The sudden death of Tabitha must have hit the infant church hard, as this hard-working disciple was known for her works of charity and made clothes for the group. Then Peter, filled with the Spirit, brings her back to life with a prayer and a command, just as Jesus had done with Lazarus and others.

Psalm 23

These comforting verses comprise what is surely the most familiar Psalm of all. It expresses our trust in God as a kindly, protecting shepherd, an image that Christians eagerly adopt for Jesus, the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Its comforting words offer us confident hope even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Although it turns darker momentarily as we envision our joy at dining sumptuously at God’s table while our enemies must only stand by and watch, it ends as full of hope as it began, accompanied by God’s goodness and mercy as we reside with God forever.

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

Since last week’s reading we have skipped over a chapter filled with striking, frightening symbols and allegories, and now we stand again with a vast crowd dressed in white, representing all nations, races and people; all united in worshiping the Lamb, Christ, our King. These are the ones who have come through “the great ordeal,” facing persecution for Jesus’ sake. Now they know joy with the Lamb, who has become their Shepherd and gives them the water of life, protects them and wipes away their tears.

Gospel: John 10:22-30

Is Jesus the Messiah? In the verses of John’s Gospel just before this, Jesus has declared himself the Good Shepherd. Now the group of Pharisees that has been quizzing Jesus becomes insistent, demanding that he end the suspense and tell them plainly if this is his claim. Jesus tells them not to ask for his words but to look at his works, the things that he has done in the name of God, his Father. His followers – his sheep – follow him willingly; and through their faith they will gain eternal life.

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Sunday, April 21, 2013.

First Reading: Acts 9:36-43
Peter is out in the world, filled with the Holy Spirit, and to the amazement of the disciples and perhaps even to his own surprise, he brings a dead woman back to life. These verses from Acts, the apostle Luke’s report of the early church, give us a vivid picture of the weeping women in the room, remembering their friend by looking at the clothing she had made. Imagine the excitement they must have felt at seeing Peter showing powers that they had only seen in Jesus.

Psalm: Psalm 23
Many Christians know this beautiful Psalm so well – perhaps in the cadences of King James – that we could recite it from memory. But sometimes familiarity robs us of the beauty of rediscovering the details. Try reading it today with fresh eyes and mind, taking it slowly, one verse at a time. Breathe deeply and visualize yourself and your loved ones in each line; walking with God through the green pastures, past the still waters and through the dark valley, then sitting down at God’s table for an unforgettable banquet. God loves us all, always. What could be more comforting than that?

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
We are again in the strange land of Revelation, a book written in symbolic language for a persecuted first century church. But there is hope written here for all ages. First, the multitude worshiping the Lamb is not exclusive but worldwide, of all colors, languages and nations. Everyone is included! And then look at the final verses: The Lamb will be our good shepherd, guiding us beside the still waters, protecting us from danger and delivering us from hunger and thirst. How does it feel to find the comfort of Psalm 23 again in Revelation?

Gospel: John 10:22-30
We know that John’s Gospel reflects life during a time of conflict between early Christians and Jews, but we can look past the harsh verses that open this Gospel to find love and hope for all nations in Jesus. The Good Shepherd will protect the flock, caring for the sheep through Christ’s body on earth, and provide us our safe dwelling in God’s big house.