Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for 5th Sunday of Easter: 

Acts 14:21-27: Living out the faith is not often easy. As alluded to here, Paul and Barnabus sometimes had to return to a place where they’d already preached and evangelized, in order to “strengthen the spirits of the disciples” and to “exhort them to persevere in the faith.” Just as Paul and Barnabus testify, “it is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” This exhortation is no less true today! While we may not be in imminent danger of being harmed or killed as early disciples were, we do face unique challenges to the faith in our own time; particularly in the realm of the distractions and temptations brought on by modern technology. It’s a challenge to maintain a transcendent spirit of reflection in the computer age! 

Psalm 145: “I will praise Your Name forever, my King and my God.” One way to develop and maintain a “transcendent spirit of reflection” in our unsettling times is to focus on God’s graciousness, mercy, kindness and compassion. Our role is to give vocal and especially public thanks to God; (though private worship and prayer are also vitally important in our relationship with God). “Discoursing” on the glory of God’s Kingdom and His mighty power facilitates hopefulness and confidence in God.

Basically, this psalm reminds us that we have a duty and inherent mission to encourage one another as we face the trials of our life-long faith journey and to evangelize others around us who haven’t yet heard the Good News. God’s goodness to us isn’t to be kept secret but shared!

Rev 21:1-5a: When we’re in the midst of earthly challenges… when we’re suffering mentally, physically and, likely spiritually; this is a useful passage to meditate upon. The vision we’re contemplating takes place at the start of the eternal Kingdom of God after the end of time on earth. In this passage we have the tender and hope-rendering promise to God’s people that God Himself “will wipe away every tear from (His people’s) eyes.” Just contemplate that mind-boggling thought. Every tear will be wiped away!  Every wound that we’ve accumulated throughout our whole lives will be tended to!

With this thought in mind, we have no reason for anything but hope and joy and trust and confidence in God. Our God knows everything about us. Our God knows us better than we know ourselves. Let’s rest in the serenity and trust of knowing that God is taking care of everything. 

John 13:31-33a, 34-35: With Judas’ just having gone off to betray the Lord, it may seem a peculiar time for Jesus to say that “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in Him.” However, upon reflection, we see how true this really is! Jesus and our Heavenly Father are now, more visibly and obviously glorified by the Father’s gift of Jesus and Jesus’ own complicity of offering Himself, as a Sacrifice of Love, on the Cross. With the Passion of Jesus, His divinity is revealed; along with His transcendent love, Salvation and redemption of us all.

As a parting legacy, Jesus gives us the command to love one another.  This commandment is vitally important for us to reflect upon, ponder and act upon it. How will we love one another in a more God-like manner?  

Encouragingly, 
Deacon Matt