Sixth Sunday after Easter

The gospel for the 6^th Sunday of Easter illuminates the abiding friendship Jesus has, with all who seek unity WITH and IN him. The disciples are named as friends three times in John 15:9-17. Jesus calls them friends because “I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." (Jn 15:15). In John's discourse it is clear there are demands that this gift of friendship places upon us. The vine constantly needs pruning (purification) if the commandment to love one another is to bear fruit. The words 'remain' or 'abide in my love' suggests that a deep, continuous union with Jesus is always present for those seeking it with patient faithfulness. It's the mark of real friendship. And it follows that the love of God flows out from us into our relationships with each other.

Readings

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 

Retells the story of Peter in the house of Cornelius and the first gentile baptisms.

Psalm 97 (95) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

One version of this psalm is available as a pdf from Michael Herry fms HERE

1 John 4:7-10

‘the love of God was revealed among us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might have life through him.’

John 15:9-17  

‘This is my commandment, that you should love one another, as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.’ Jn 15:12-14

Sing

A new commandment.  Youtube version of this hymn HERE

This is my body by Peter Jacobs is another suitable hymn for this Sunday.

Art work: Jesus washing the disciples feet. Iconographer Julia Stankova, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Mothers day Sunday 9 May

The following prayers offer an opportunity to reflect with sensitivity, on different kinds of relationships we have with 'mothers'. For example there are short prayers here for those who have lost mothers; those who long to be mothers; those with good mother relationships or those with strained mother relationships.

Prayers for Mother's Day can be downloaded as a pdf HERE