Ascension Sunday - what is its significance for our faith?

Scripture: Acts 1:6-14  • Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35  • 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11  • John 17:1-11

This is Ascension Sunday. We, along with the disciples, Mary and other followers of the Lord, witness Jesus coming into his glory and authority. What is the significance of the Ascension? What is the glory of God? What is the power and authority of Christ? Has Jesus left us? What are we commissioned to do? 

 

Consider The Rev. Ben Helmer's "Jesus didn't say, 'Beam me up," and Sister Kym Harris'  "This Sunday's Commentary."

 



Rocks and Stones - the Way, the Truth, the Life - the Mission

Scripture: Acts 7:55-60  • Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16  • 1 Peter 2:2-10  • John 14:1-14

This week's readings contain the imagery of rocks and stones - the stoning of Stephen, the rock of refuge and fortress in Psalm 31, and living stones building a spiritual house, believing on the living stone which is the cornerstone the builders rejected. See "And then the Stones Cried Out, " by Native American writer Coyote Terry Aleck and Melanie Delva.

These passages are read together with this week's gospel account in which Jesus tells us that he goes to prepare a house for us - that in his Father's house there are many mansions, and that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. That no one comes to the Father except by him.

Is Jesus talking about things to come, the here and now, or both? See  "Building the Kingdom, Stone by Stone," by The Rev. Dr. Susanna Met.

Is Jesus inclusive or exclusive in his statement that no one comes to the Father except by him? Consider "No Power Shortage Here, " by The Rev. Dr. Fred A. Anderson.

"I am the Gate for the sheep"

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47  • Psalm 23  • 1 Peter 2:19-25  • John 10:1-10

This is Good Shepherd Sunday in Lectionary Year A. This year we read the first part of the Good Shepherd story in John's gospel, verses 1-10. In Year B, we read verses 11-18. In this year's lesson, Jesus is telling his diverse audience about the shepherd who is the one who enters by the gate, who calls the sheep by name, whose sheep know him, and that he is the gate of the sheep. What does he mean by that? At another point, Jesus says that he who enters by him (the Gate) will be saved. He leads the sheep in and out, and they will find pasture. Read this in conjunction with the 23rd Psalm. Jesus says that all who came before him were thieves and bandits, who came to destroy, but the sheep did not listen to them. In contrast, Jesus said he came that they might have life, and life abundantly.

Does this mean, as we hear so many Christians say, that Jesus only offers salvation and life to a select few? Read the remaining verses of John10:11-18. We read about the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, and that there are other sheep in other folds who belong to him, and he will bring them in. Consider The Rev. Dave Johnson's "I am the Gate."

In leading the sheep out of the fold to pasture, is the life we are promised all peace, comfort and security? Remember that part of Psalm 23 which says that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me; your rod and staff - they comfort me. See "The Shepherd Who Casts Us Out; A Homily for Good Shepherd Sunday" by David R. Henson.

What is abundant life?