“Let us sing for joy! God is faithful (Psalm 98) and sends us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48). Keep God’s commandments; overcome the world (1 John 5:1-6); love one another (John 15:9-17).” – Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“If we love each other, God lives in us (1 John 4:7-21). We are called to share the good news (Acts 8:26-40) and be fruitful (John 15:1-8). Seek the Lord. Praise his name (Psalm 22:25-31).”
“Lord, we are the sheep (John 10:11-18) and you are our good shepherd (Psalm 23). The stone that has been rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Acts 4:5-12). Love one another; keep his commandments (1 John 3:16-24).” – Thomas Oden
“Why are we troubled? Christ suffered, Christ died, Christ is alive. Open our minds so we might understand (Luke 24:36b-48) and do right (1 John 3:1-7). Lord, please hear us when we cry out to you (Psalm 4); let us be your witnesses (Acts 3:12-19).”
– Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
Because the good news of Easter can hardly be contained in a single day’s celebration, Easter is only the first of fifty days of Eastertide, the “Great Fifty Days” that lead up to Pentecost. This season is designed for extended celebration, for exploring the ramifications of Easter for the redemption of all creation, and for joyful Christian living … Jesus Christ’s resurrection is the central event … of all human history. Christians who make this confession are talking not about the resurrection of faith in the disciples, or of hope in the women at the tomb, or of tulips in the spring. They are confessing the real resurrection of Jesus … (more)”
-from The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd Edition.
This week’s readings:
Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133, 1 John 1:1 – 2:2, John 20:19-31
“Jesus has risen (Acts 10:34-43)! God’s love for us is unshakeable. In the most desperate situations, he will be victorious (Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24). Let us then also walk in new life, putting away the old things (Colossians 3:1-4). Let us celebrate with the two women at the tomb Jesus’ triumph over death. He is risen, as he said (Matthew 28:1-10).” -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
Resources for engaging the Revised Common Lectionary
