Year C
The 6th Sunday of Easter
As we come to the sixth Sunday in Easter we feel the pull of Pentecost, the climax of Easter. We have before us not only the wonderful promise of peace in the Gospel for Sunday, but also the promise of the Holy Spirit: the paraclete, the advocate, the defender. The vision of the new Jerusalem, the healing and redemption of the world brought under the reign of God’s Spirit, continues in our reading from Revelation. And the pull and push of God through the Spirit to bring the message of Christ beyond the borders of Israel continues with Paul’s vision of the man from Macedonia saying “Come over and help us.” The psalm embraces all these texts, rejoicing in the harvest, the bounty of God’s creation, and calling all nations to give praise to God.
The Prayer of the Day
God of might and tenderness,
who makes the mountain shake
but breaks not the bruised reed
and sustains the flickering flame.
Help us to dwell in your peace,
and ever to take refuge in the Holy Spirit
whom you have sent as our advocate and defender,
our teacher and guide.
(DKB 3/27/2013).
The Texts for Sunday, May 5
First Reading: Acts 16:9-15 (Paul’s vision of the man from Macedonia)
Psalmody: Psalm 67 (The earth has yielded its increase)
Second Reading: Revelation 21:10, 21:22-22:5 (The New Jerusalem and the Tree of Life)
Gospel: John 14:23-29 (The promise of the Holy Spirit and the gift of peace)