Lectionary for sixth Sunday of Easter.
Jesus said: ‘The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.’ John 14:26
Collect. O God, you have promised to make your dwelling place within the hearts of all who hear your words and put them into practice. Send your Spirit to bring to our mind all that your Son did and taught, and empower us to bear witness to him in our own words and deeds. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Acts 16:9-15. This reading finds Paul on his second missionary journey. On this journey Paul is accompanied with Silas having had a major disagreement with Barnabas his previous travelling companion. In a vision Paul is directed to take the message of the Gospel over to Macedonia and so to Europe. The preface to this reading reminds us that Paul no matter how much we might revere him was a fallible human being just like everybody else. ( In Paul’s defence we might note that later in his ministry he did change his mind about Mark, the young man over whom he and Barnabas quarrelled. {c/f 2 Tim 4:11}) Despite his flaws the reading reminds us that God continued to use him.
The direction of this second journey is guided by this visionary call to travel to Macedonia rather than to Asia as Paul had wished. We do not know what prevented Paul from preaching the Word in Asia but it is interesting that his friend Dr.Luke joins them at this point in his travels. Luke’s arrival has caused some scholars to wonder if Paul was unwell and so his doctor friend joined him in Troas.
The scripture does not tell us why Luke joins the group but it is interesting that the next incident from Paul’s journey is written in a much more personal way. Luke writes of this first foray into Europe as an eye witness. Through Paul’s preaching Lydia becomes the first convert to Christianity in Europe and Luke’s description gives us a remarkable insight into the person that Lydia is. As a woman of some wealth and prestige she gives Paul and Silas a base from which to continue the ministry in Philippi.
From Luke’s description of this whole incident we see that God directs Paul to travel to Macedonia to preach. God also has been preparing the ground for the reception of the Good News of Jesus. The group of women of whom Lydia was a member are part of a praying congregation. What began with a closed door to Asia ended with a whole new ministry in Philippi. It is a clear reminder of the importance of being open to God’s guidance and direction.
Prayer. O God, slow us down and help us to see that we are put in charge of our lives with the help that comes from you alone. Help us to get in tune with the rhythm that makes for life. We keep moving, even though we know that we are made to centre down, as well as to be actively engaged in the business of life. We compete for things and make those things more important than they ought to be. We eat what we ought not to eat. We neglect and misuse our bodies. We fail to discipline our minds and to be still and know that you are God and that we are the temple of the Most High. Yet we often complain about our misfortunes and our hard luck, when at times it is we who are guilty of disregard. Help us to know that we can be broken by life only if we first allow the victory of evil over our spirits. May our hope and strength and faith be grounded in you; and may we recall the strength of our model, our brother and your Son; Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.{George Thomas in, Conversations with God:Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans.}
Reading. John 14:23-29 Jesus makes this statement in answer to the question raised by Judas (not Iscariot!) “How will you reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” The sub-text of that question is surely why is it that some accept and understand who Jesus is while others do not. In chapter 15:16 John goes some way towards answering that question when he records the words of Jesus, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” John is indicating that the disciples understood that following Jesus did set them apart for they recognised something about him that the world did not. Maybe they did not fully understand who Jesus was nor fully understand his ministry but they had begun the journey of faith and obedience. Moreover they were willing to learn.
Most faith systems work on the principle that the more you keep the rules of that religion the closer you are to the deity and therefore the more you are blessed. Christianity works in an entirely different way. Jesus loves his people unconditionally. In scripture that principle is clear; as Paul writes, “we still were sinners Christ died for us”. Romans 5:8. It is this unconditional love that encourages us to love, and for the believer it is the act of loving Jesus that leads to living a life of obedience to Jesus. Love is the primary motivator, as the statement suggests; “If you love me you will keep my commandments”. However, having said that the passage also reminds us that the more we live in obedience to Jesus the stronger our relationship with him becomes. It is within this loving relationship that the Spirit is given or as John says, “Comes to us”.
The Spirit constantly reminds us of what Jesus has said and done on our behalf. It is that constant reminder of the complete ministry of Jesus that brings the assurance that allows us to be at peace. Once we begin to understand that the ministry of Jesus is ushering in a new beginning for the whole of creation then we can know that no matter what the circumstances are we can be at peace. The whole of chapter 14 begins with one of the most comforting verses in the New Testament, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1. Jesus has completed his ministry and is now working towards a glorious fulfillment, why would we not want to be obedient to him?
Prayer. Lord, grant to me a generous spirit and a grace filled heart, that my words would honour you and I would be an encouragement to all I meet. When I am called to serve, help me to serve with diligence and vigour. When I am called to lead let it be with wisdom and humility, trusting in your power and guidance. When I am to wait, let me do it with patience, and at all times Lord may my heart and mind be ruled by you. Forbid it Lord that I should ever put a barrier between you and any other person but on the contrary always strive to present Jesus Christ as the only way to growth and full maturity. Grant me the wisdom that in my words and deeds no one would ever be discouraged or put down, but would grasp more firmly the truth that you are leading them on. In all things let me live to please you alone, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Collect. Loving God, you make your home with your people; may the Spirit arouse the love of Christ among us, that we may do your will and find your peace in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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