In John’s gospel, today is the Epilogue of John and a reminder that we need to have our commission renewed periodically.
Our invitation to worship was reaffirms Jesus being made present in the breaking of bread and a that, most often, we need to open our eyes to see Jesus’ redeeming work. Our first lesson from the Acts of the Apostles was Saul’s conversion story on the road to Damascus and Ananias being changed to accept Saul as God’s messenger, not persecutor of Christians. The Psalmist’s refrain reminds us of God’s connection and salvation of humanity through God’s direct interaction with us. The New Testament reading from the Revelation to John recounts a hymn that affirms Jesus as the Lamb who saves us from ourselves and our sin. Our Gospel from John is the account of the disciples returning to Galilee to fish, Jesus’ “third” revelation to the disciples, and the recommissioning of Peter with the threefold questions about Peter’s love.
Our scripture serves the reminder that the life of faith will change us, if we let it. Sometimes, like Saul, our change is abrupt. Sometimes, like the disciples, we need to have our eyes reopened to God’s active presence, not just “back then” but still today and into the future. Sometimes our focus fades because we find ourselves in a self-imposed darkness and we need to be reminded by our community of God’s presence and guidance in our lives, especially in those times of trial How do you listen for Jesus’ call, especially when you find yourself in darkness? A way to remember we are not alone is the fact that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19.
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/easter-3-sermon
