5th Sunday of Easter

Our readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter:

1. Acts 14: 21-27
2. Psalms 145: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13
3. Revelation 21: 1-5a
4. John 13: 31-33a, 34-35

• Getting it done
• I'm always fascinated by the accounts of the early Church.  I try to imagine what it must have been like back then.  One thing that I'm always struck by is how the early Church leaders emerged, were trained, and then sent on their way.
• What do you look for in a good leader?
• How do you think that we can/should develop such pastoral skills among us?
• Do you ever get to be too old to lead?
• How do we find such folks in the first place?
  

• God of all
• The psalmists have a world view that includes all of creation in the kingdom of God.  Every rock, tree, gazelle and rainstorm are all His, and each in its way glorifies Him.
• If that's the case, how ought we to treat the world around us?
• How ought we to treat each other?
• How ought we to treat ourselves?
  

• All things new
• Our God makes all things new, rather than all new things.  Often, we wonder why would God not just start with a clean slate.
• Have you ever been in a failed relationship?
• Did you just walk away, or did you try to repair, heal, transform that hurt?
• Why did you work so hard?
• Why do you think God has worked so hard on redeeming us, both corporately and individually?
• Do you think God shares your grief?
  

• Giving consolation, being consolation
•  Consolation is anything that draws (rather than pushes I might add) us towards God.  That could be a gorgeous spring morning bursting with life and pregnant with glory, the fond touch of a loved one just when you need it the most, or even a superb pastrami on rye if you are properly grateful for it.
• Who are some of those who are a consolation for you, in your life?
• How have they come to mean so much to you over the years?
• Did you ever think that they would be that important to you?
• What do you do to foster and nourish that relationship?
• What do you wish you were doing?
  

• Preparation for Reconciliation
• Where might God be inviting me to be more welcoming?
• Where might God be inviting me into greater openness to others?
• Where might God have joy unexpected waiting for me where I least expect it?
• Where might God be calling me to deeper awareness of my place in the world?
  

 Building the Kingdom In Patience

Her name is Ezri.

She is a female black Labrador Retriever.

All of about fourteen pounds.

And very sure of what she wants, when she wants it.

 

Mary & I have raised puppies just like Ezri for over 20 years.

Every one of them with different personalities, foibles and quirks.

And a small handful of them have gone on to serve.

Furry ambassadors from our home to some other home.

 

They will never know of the countless trips to the back yard to relieve,

The time spent learning how to teach amazing things to that animal,

The times when we have had to take a deep breath in frustration,

And let it out in a laugh at the dog and ourselves.

 

The Kingdom of heaven is built of the little things.

What goes largely unnoticed in this world.

But has the power to transform the giver of such love,

And provide companionship and consolation to the receiver.

 

Each of us has our own puppies to care for and give away.

Sometimes, we just don't see them in that light.

But generous hearts send forth the love of God regardless,

And so are blessed in the giving.

Shalom!