Lectionary Reflections

  Theme On Pentecost Sunday, we reflect on the arrival of the Holy Spirit to God’s people and our scripture readings for this week guide us to do so. In Acts, the Holy Spirit came upon the believers at Pentecost, who in turn spoke in other languages and prophesied. In Corinthians, the Apostle Paul talks about the variety of gifts that the Holy Spirit gives, but stresses that all these gifts come from the same Spirit. In the two Gospel readings, Jesus speaks of the Spirit that he will be giving them. In Numbers, a story is shared of one of the few occassions in the Old Testament that the Spirit of God empowered a group of people to prophesy. Scripture Readings Acts 2:1-21 - The followers of Jesus met together on the day of Pentecost. A roaring sound, a mighty wind and what looked like flames appeared and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirit, they spoke each others languages but onlookers thought they were drunk. Peter preaches and explains that what was ...

  Theme This week’s readings speak about the possible unity of God’s people. In Acts, Jesus ascends into heaven and the disciples unite themselves in prayer as they await the coming Holy Spirit. The Psalmist urges the Israelites to rejoice and praise God together. In 1 Peter, Christians are reminded that their suffering unites them with Christ and each other. In John, Jesus prays that God’s children will be united, as Jesus is united with his Father. Scripture Readings Acts 1:6-14 - The disciples ask Jesus if the time has come for him to restore Israel’s Kingdom. Jesus responds that it is not important for them to know the times, but they will receive the Holy Spirit’s power and become witnesses to the ends of the earth. Jesus then ascended into the clouds. Two men in white appeared and asked why they were looking up, Jesus will come again in the same way that he left. The disciples return to Jerusalem where they devoted themselves to prayer along with certain women and Jes...

  Theme This week’s readings remind us of God's inclusive and expansive salvation that has been offered to us through Christ. In Acts, Stephen understands that death is not to be feared and will only reunite him with Jesus. Peter reminds Jesus’ followers that they are God’s own people who have been chosen and called to holy living. In John, Jesus comforts the disciples, saying that he is going to prepare a place for them in God’s home and if they want to know the way to God, they merely need to follow him. Scripture Readings Acts 7:55-60 - Stephen claims to see Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. The crowds drag him out of the city, stone him and lay him at the feet of Saul. Just before he dies, Stephen asked God to receive his spirit and forgive those who stoned him. Psalm 31:1-5 ,  15-16 - A cry of appeal to God for help and protection. 1 Peter 2:2-10 - Peter claims that Christians should long for pure, spiritual milk so that they may grow into salvation. Like...

Theme This week’s readings speak about the kind of life that following Jesus brings about. In Acts, the devoted disciples are performing miracles, eating together and sharing all they have with others in need. In 1 Peter, we are told that God calls people to do good, but that they may suffer in spite of it. In John, Jesus teaches about the kind of life that he offers to all who follow him: a life that is rich and satisfying. Scripture Readings Acts 2:42-47 - The believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, sharing meals and prayer. They performed great miracles, shared everything they had and shared what they had with those in need. They worshiped together every day, shared the Lord’s Supper in their homes and ate together with joy and generosity. God added to their fellowship every day. Psalm 23 - A well-known Psalm of trust and finding rest in God, especially common for use at funerals. 1 Peter 2:19-25 - God is pleased when we patiently endure unjust ...

Theme This week’s readings explain how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah and how followers of Jesus should respond to the Good News of salvation that God offers through Christ. In Acts, Peter explains how Christ-followers should repent, turn to God and be baptised in order to receive the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist offers their lives back to God for all that God has done for them. 1 Peter declares that Christ’s followers should love each other deeply because God has cleansed them of their sins. In Luke, Jesus explains how the Messiah had to suffer and die. Scripture Readings Acts 2:14a ,  36-41 - Peter preaches that Jesus is the prophesied Lord and Messiah that the Jewish people had been expecting. Peter instructs the crowd to repent, turn to God and be baptised. Then they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 3000 people were baptised and added to the church that day. Psalm 116:1-4 ,  12-19 - The Psalmist declares praise and thanks for all...

  Theme This week’s readings focus on the resurrection of Jesus and what the Resurrection means for those who claim to be his followers. In Acts, Peter explains how Jesus’ miracles and resurrection were a sign of his Messiahship. 1 Peter explains how Christians are born again through the resurrection of Christ, which comes with a promise of an eternal inheritance and a call to holy living. In John’s gospel, Jesus visits the disciples in the Upper Room and offers them peace, joy and the Holy Spirit. Scripture Readings Acts 2:14a ,  22-32 - Peter addresses the crowds in Jerusalem. He describes how God endorsed Jesus through miracles and how his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed and crucified. However, God raised Jesus from the dead and fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be resurrected. The passage also emphasizes that King David was not referring to himself in his prophecy, but rather to the Messiah. Psalm 16 - This Psalm speaks of find...

The Resurrection of Christ Jesus is such an important event in the Gospel Story, that one day is not enough to adequately celebrate it. Thus, in the Church Calendar, Easter is a 50-day season that begins on Easter Sunday and culminates on Pentecost. The Season of Easter is otherwise known as Eastertide which helps differentiate between the season of Easter and Easter Sunday which is also often referred to merely as Easter. Eastertide traditionally lasted 40 days to commemorate the resurrected Jesus’ time on earth before departing at his ascension. The season has however been extended to 50 days in modern churches to conclude on Pentecost Sunday. There are several Eastertide customs across the world. Many churches will host a sunrise service on Easter Sunday in addition to their regular daytime and evening services. Christians will often greet each other with the Paschal greeting during Easter, both inside and outside of worship services. One greets another person with “Christ is Ris...