Sixth Sunday of Easter

This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.

First Reading: Acts 10:44-48
The Spirit poured out on the Gentiles
Psalm: Psalm 98
Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands. (Ps. 98:5)
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
The victory of faith
Gospel: John 15:9-17
Christ the friend and lover
Liturgical Color: White

Fifth Sunday of Easter

This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding that we read of in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world.

First Reading: Acts 8:26-40
Philip teaches and baptizes an Ethiopian
Psalm: Psalm 22:24-30 (Psalm 22:25-31 NRSV)
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD. (Ps. 22:26)
Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
God’s love perfected in love for one another
Gospel: John 15:1-8
Christ the vine
Liturgical Color: White