Fifth Sunday of Easter

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

• First reading
  • Acts 11:1-18
• Psalm
  • Psalm 148
• Second reading
  • Revelation 21:1-6
• Gospel
  • John 13:31-35

The gospel from John:
Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Notes:
“Sculpture by Noël Bonardi on the Col de Verghio. The statue marks the border of the French Departments Haut-Corse and Corse-du-Sud. A plaque at the bottom of the sculpture reads: “Tenitevi Caru – Comme je vous ai aimés, aimez-vous aussi les uns les autres”, which translates into English: “Love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Sermon
The Gospel readings have been from John since Easter and have to do with the Resurrection and what then to do. Many church leaders today turn to John. What do verses 31-32 of John 13 mean. Jesus said “now the son of Man has been glorified”, From Webster, glory means 1. splendor, 2. praise, 3. distinction, or 4. the happiness of heaven. Glorify means to 1. praise or 2. honor or raise in honor. He was glorified in the Resurrection. Now what is there to do. He will be back. We should be good stewards. Peter reached out to the world and his travels are described in Acts, chapters 9-15. He took great risks but learned the God desires fellowship. Pastor Stevensen continues on to conclude that God desires fellowhip with all people.

# # #