Based on a sermon written by the Rev. Kay Sylvester, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Tustin CA, May 13, 2012 “This is my commandment,” Jesus tells his disciples, “that you love one another, as I have loved you,” and to “abide in my love”. “Abide” comes from the Germanic word bīdan, meaning “to remain or stay”, and connotes not simply an action, but a state of living and being. It is a stronger idea than an instruction, but a way…
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1John 4) How many people here are on Facebook? Last month, there was a Facebook post that trashed the Christian religion, accusing it of being a destructive force in our country that threatens democratic rule. This particular post focused on the mean spiritedness of many Christians who…
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we engage familiar texts with new eyes, hearts, and spirits as we ask ourselves how we welcome those who may not already be a part of our fold into the flock.
In our text for today, we encounter Jesus appearing to the disciples in an effort to assuage their fear. Jesus greets them with Peace be with you and asks for something to eat. As the encounter continues, we see the path of development for the disciples from fear to faith
