Preview of the Word for Sunday, May 5

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Question to Ponder is an invitation to prepare your hearts and minds for worship this coming Sunday. Read the scripture below by looking it up in your Bible or simply clicking the link. Reflect silently on the question, journal, or talk about the question with a friend. Come to worship on Sunday at 8am or 9:30am ready to receive God’s Word.

Introduction to the Readings

This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.

Readings
1 John 5:1-6 The victory of faith
John 15:9-17 Christ the friend and lover

Question to Ponder*
Contrast servants and friends. When do you feel like a servant and when a friend of Jesus’? (John 15:15)

Closing Prayer
O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*Question to Ponder provided by Working Preacher
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