In worship today we celebrated this year’s version of “the Good Shepherd Sunday” which began with a prayer to remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gathers all people to God’s gracious presence. Likewise, Jesus is the one who calls everyone by name so they can be connected to God’s grace. Our first lesson was from the Acts of the Apostles continued Peter’s defense of the healing of the man and shared the truth that Jesus’ name (the relatable self which was shared with us) was sufficient to make all creation whole. The Psalmist sang a song that reminds us that God is the Good Shepherd who will lead us in times of trial and tribulation. The lesson from First John reminds us that we are God’s children, and our hallmark is to love one another. The love we share is not emotional but relational. The gospel from John spoke of the good shepherd laying down their life for God’s sheep and the surrender of his life bridged the gap between humans and God. The sermon today touched on the mission we have to share the hope found in God’s grace, not in perfection but in living faithfully as ones who build a community of faith and acceptance. Our mission is based on relationships and helping ourselves and others to find wholeness in a broken world.
May the upcoming week be one where you find people who need to be loved and connected to God’s grace. I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/4-easter-sermon
