Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 17, 2016
Year C
Themes:Through Christ, we are able to do more than we could in our own strength, just as Peter worked a miracle in Joppa (Acts 9:36-43). The Lord is our shepherd (Rev 7:9-17); he takes care of all our needs (Ps 23) and offers us eternal life, if we listen to his voice and follow him (Jn 10:22-30).
–Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
"The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake..."
“It was winter,” and they were chilled because they were slow to approach that divine fire. For to approach is to believe: the one who believes, approaches; the one who denies, moves away. The soul is not moved by the feet but by the affections. They had become icy cold to the sweetness of loving him, and they burned with the desire of doing him an injury. They were far away, while there beside him. -St. Augustine
Easter hope is ripe with new possibilities and practices...illuminated bodies, burning hearts, and broken bread. Theses weeks of Eastertide highlight the joy, mystery, and power of the resurrected Christ and the promise of New Creation. Wonder and surprise mark the disciples experience during these days before Christ's ascension.
