6th Sunday of Easter

Our readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter are:

1. Act 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48
2. Psalms 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4
3. 1 John 4: 7-10
4. John 15: 9-17

• Interrupted by the Spirit
• Preparation is a good thing.  But sometimes it feels as though our preparation gets overtaken by events that we did not anticipate, and we feel a little cheated.  I'm sure Peter had a perfectly wonderful speech prepared for Cornelius' family, and yet, he never got the chance to deliver it.
• When you give yourself away in ministry, how do you prepare?
• How has God prepared you to give yourself away?
• What would make you feel better prepared?

• God of all
• Our God is a study in absolutes.  One of those is that He is absolutely inclusive, welcoming, and hospitable.  If He was not, He would have been content with the Jews, and let the rest of us muddle along as best we could.
• Why do you think it is that God does not give up on us?
• Why do you think it is that God wants all of us to be one with Him?
• Why do you think it is that God wants all of us to fine unity?

• The face of love
• Our faith is not an easy one to embrace in some ways.
• In your faith journey, where was/were the turning point(s) where your relationship with God really transformed into something new, something wonderful?
• What led up to that transformation?
• Where do you feel that transformation got its start?
• Where do you think that transformation is taking you?

• Godly patience
• One definition of friendship is someone who brings out, calls forth, celebrates, and names the very best in you.  In my experience, that bringing forth, calling forth, celebration and naming is done best when it's done patiently, mercifully, gently.
• Who are some of your true friends?
• What have you done for them that you call them that?
• How has that giving of yourself changed you?

• Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Where is God calling me to greater flexibility?
2. Where is God moving me beyond my comfort zone to people I barely understand and know?
3. Where is God calling me to give something up for something better?
4. Who is God calling me to appreciate more deeply?

Shalom!