7th Sunday of Easter

Our readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter are:

1. Acts 1: 15-17, 20a, 20c-26
2. Psalms 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20
3. 1 John 4: 11-16
4. John 17: 11b-19

• Continuity
• Losing Judas must have been a blow to the disciples.  Replacing him was doubtless a part of their grieving process.
• How do you tell when it's best to just let something die?  Maybe it's a job that you've cherished for years, a relationship that has run it's course, a favorite activity that you're just too old for ...
• How do you tell when something that was really good needs to be held on to, regardless of the cost?

• Finding things to be grateful for
• What do you thank God for these days?
• What makes you thankful for those?
• How often do you get the chance to express that gratitude out loud?

• Beloved ...
• If someone were to come to you and tell you that they have a hard time loving others, that their relationships inevitably go sour, they have no friends, and you're their last confidant.  What would you tell them?
• It's so easy, particularly as a Western male, for me to make a project out of everything.  Deadlines, milestones metrics, all come to mind when I set out to do anything.  Yet, how does one become more loving, more caring, more generous?
• And how to do it authentically, rather than just acting a part?

• We meant the Jesuits:
• Many of you remember Andy Anderson.  He was raised in the Franciscan tradition, and he once confessed that when the Franciscans talked about ecumenism, they meant relating to the Jesuits.  Somehow, that is less funny than it used to be.
• What do you think should be the foundation, the source for unity between as Christians?
• Between us as members of humanity?
• Between us as God's creatures?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. What are the attachments that I struggle with in my life?
2. When was the last time that I thanked God for anything?
3. How am I growing in love today?
4. Where is the Holy Spirit trying to break through with oneness in my life?

Shalom!