Readings for May 12 Easter 7

Take a moment to reflect on Gustav Klimt's "Tree of Life".  It has many elements, some of which might appear good or bad at first - what does the whole painting say to you?

Centre yourself in prayer:

Architect of the Universe, You gave us this green earth with blue oceans to live upon. We are so, so small in the scope of all things that are. We see the universe through our eyes that can see so little; even together, with all the great minds that have ever lived, we know scant about what You have done and are doing and will continue to do in the universe. Help us to grow our world view so that we can see and understand Your ways in greater depth. Challenge us beyond what we think we know and see, and remind us that You are the Creator of the earth, the sun, the stars, the galaxy, the entire universe, and so much more beyond what we know and experience. In the name of Christ, who comes from You to guide us on the way. Amen.

READ Acts 16:16-34

 

2 stories where Paul and Silas “eternally save” 2 Philippians, but perhaps put them in more immediate risk, because they are upsetting the accepted “order” of things.

 

The apostles are in Philippi, living at Lydia’s household, and preaching in a “socially acceptable” manner – ie. they are tolerated by the authorities.

 

Provoked by slave-girl, they cure her – and upset the economic system that exploited her:  “spirit of divination” – possessed by a spirit or snake (symbol of God Apollo)

 

Verse 17 Her slavery/exploitation is contrasted with apostles’ slavery/freedom to God.

 

Verse 19 the owners haul the apostles into court in the marketplace stating they are Jews, encouraging Romans to what is “unlawful”  (liberate slaves? Call Jesus “Lord”?)

 

Usually outsiders disrupting order would be beaten and thrown out of the city, but Paul and Silas are put in prison – what was it that made them such a threat?

 

The prison story includes earthquake, cells popping open, but no one escaped or injured.  The guard so relieved, he finds salvation and honour in Paul and Silas’ way.

 

Later, Paul demands a public apology, as a Roman citizen. (But they are still told to leave and not come back!)

 

The word “Kyrios” appears many times in the passage:  slave-owners are “masters” and the foundation that support the ultimate master, Caesar  But the apostles proclaim Christ as master – followers of Christ are breaking down the traditional hierarchy.

 

Question for Reflection:  What does true “freedom” mean for you? Is faith something that “frees” or “binds” you?  How do you think the church is perceived?

 

READ Revelation 22:  12-21

(the lectionary verses are specifically 12-14, 16-17, 20-21 – check them out and see what was omitted… Verses of condemnation and punishment!)

 

The ending of Revelation is likely a collection of loose statements, not a logical flow, or argument.  It is the ultimate end point of the vision, where all the loose ends are tied in. 

 

Themes: 

 

Reward:  Christ is Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  He returns with his reward and rewards the faithful.

Washing: earlier verse about washing in the blood of the Lamb, miraculously makes things white/pure/clean!  A metaphor for those who have stood firm, even died, in the face of persecution for their faith.

Tree of life: Christ the root and descendant of David – everlasting, nourishing fruit that gives life

Witness:  the mission of Christ and all followers – who is “my angel?”  John? 

Bright morning star:  Lucifer, in Latin – hasn’t that name been distorted?  Often what is good and what is good distorted is hard to distinguish!   Emphasizes choice, discernment, seeing below the surface

Bride:  the new Jerusalem, with the Spirit, calling Come!  - to Jesus?  Followed by the faithful who also invite him.  Then the invitation is extended to:

The thirsty, physically or spiritually

 

Closing words are words of assurance:  I am coming soon! 

 

Question for Reflection:

Is it assurance to us?  What images have been associated with Christ’s 2^nd coming?

 

READ John 17:20-26

 

The end of John’s long discourse in the upper room – where he tells the disciples “what they need to know” – John’s most significant teaching comes in the form of a prayer.

 

This is the message John directs toward future generations of believers.

 

Johannine community was still within Jewish synagogue, but likely being expelled, rejected, because they will not conform to the traditional beliefs.

 

Confrontation between “the world” and “the word” are very real for him and his listeners.  Not just Jewish opposition, but Roman, social, familial, economic forces that were squeezing the followers of Jesus, pressuring them to conform.

 

This is opposed to “the work of the Father”.  In order to have courage, they must be unified.  Not homogenous, but connected at the heart:  through the indwelling of God and Christ and Spirit.  Must have unity in order to witness effectively.

 

“Glory” is not about status over, or prosperity or success, but about recognition that the cross has been God’s way to redemption. 

 

The grief of that cross can only be transformed by love, which will unify them in Christ. 

 

Question for Reflection:

How can we speak about Christian love without sounding shallow or facile?  What things challenge us living like a truly loving community?

 

Closing Prayer:

O God: The kingdom of love is coming because:
somewhere someone is kind when others are unkind,
somewhere someone shares with another in need,
somewhere someone refuses to hate, while others hate,
somewhere someone is patient - and waits in love,
somewhere someone returns good for evil,
somewhere someone serves another, in love,
somewhere someone is calm in a storm,
somewhere someone is loving everybody.
Is that someone you, O God?  Is that someone me? 

Is that someone us, working together?

In caring for one another, may we be untiring.
In sheltering one another, may we be strong.
In holding one another, may we be tender  - O God, make it so.  Amen