The Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year A), April 24, 2005

BCP: Acts 17:1-15 or Deut. 6:20-25; Psalm 66:1-11 or 66:1-8; 1 Peter 2:1-10 or Acts 17:1-15; John 14:1-14

RCL: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5,15-16; 1 Pet. 2:2-10; John 14:1-14

In previous weeks of the Easter season, we have seen the themes of the resurrection of Jesus, believing it actually happened, the immeasurable love of God for his people, and finding deliverance in suffering. In the lessons for today, all these themes come together with the urgency of making a decision about putting faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The information that one will need to make that decision is presented in a variety of ways.

In the reading from Deuteronomy, parents are commanded to tell their children about the customs they follow and what they mean. In the lesson from Acts, Paul and his companions teach in the synagogue in Thessalonica, urging the Jews there to believe that Jesus is the Messiah in fulfillment of the scriptures. Peter presents two sharp contrasts: a life dedicated to evil that results in sorrow versus a life of delight and holiness — he even describes the contrast as between "darkness" and "wonderful light" (1 Pet. 2:9). He gives the same message by contrasting how people respond to Christ as a "living stone" — they will either believe and find honor, or reject and stumble.

In the gospel, Jesus exhorts the disciples to learn and believe in his unique role in the salvation of the world. To one degree or another, it is all hard teaching, especially when it is presented as being of ultimate consequence. If true, it means everything. If not true, it is misleading, deceptive and valueless. Even in the Old Testament lesson, long before the promise of a Messiah is made, much less fulfilled, keeping the commandments is presented as the means of being happy forever and surviving.

The choice is offered in various ways. Common to all is that the decision one makes is of eternal significance — everything or nothing — complete, invincible joy or endless sorrow. In the lesson from Acts, we learn that "some of them were convinced," but those who are not convinced do not allow things to rest. "Filled with resentment," they put "the whole city into an uproar" (Acts 17:5) in vehement opposition to those who have believed what Paul preached. Finally, the turmoil, the stakes, and the decision come down to one statement from Jesus. His words "I am the way; I am truth and life. No one can come to the Father except through me" get much attention, as do "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." These are given in response to what the disciples say. The lesson begins with Jesus’ telling the disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me." This is the issue.

Look It Up

How does the psalm for today match the theme of the other lessons?

Think About It

Do we really believe that the gospel is fully, authentically true? If so, do we have to declare that all other beliefs fall short of the truth to one degree or another?

Next Sunday

The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A), May 1, 2005

BCP: Acts 17:22-31 or Isaiah 41:17-20; Psalm 148 or 148:7-14; 1 Pet. 3:8-18 or Acts 17:22-31; John 15:1-8

RCL: Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:7-18; 1 Pet. 3:13-22; John 14:15-21