Acts 15:1f., 22-29 Rev 21:10-14, 22f. Jn 14:23-29
Peace
The New Jerusalem; The Continuing Presence of God; Peacemaking; The Dwelling Place of God
Acts 5:12-16 Rev1:9-13, 17-19 Jn 20:19-31
The Meaning, Wonder, and Result of Faith
How Much Can We Learn From Experience?; Making Real the Power of the Resurrection; The Presence of the Risen Jesus.
INTRODUCTION AND CONFITEOR
Today is the Sunday between the Ascension and Pentecost. We are gathered here to do what Christ asked his apostles to do, namely, to wait in prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We can be certain that Mary is with us, as she was with the apostles in the upper room.
Through the voice of the Church Christ says to us what he said to his apostles: ‘If you love me, keep my commandments’. We couldn’t possibly call over selves his disciples if we didn’t listen to his words and make an effort to live by them. [Pause]
Few of us know what it’s like to be homeless. Without a home where we belong and are loved, life loses most, if not all, of its meaning.
Jesus assures us that ultimately all of us have a home to go to, namely, the Father’s house. He even says that he has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us in that house. What a tremendous reason for hope. [Pause]
This Sunday is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. We will hear once more the words of that great psalm: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want’.
Christ is our Good Shepherd. Let us pause to reflect ‘on his unfailing love for us. [Pause]