Easter 5
May 10. 2009

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

May I offer possible introductions to the suggested readings for Sunday, May 10?  
I naturally invite you to check these thoroughly, correct, elaborate, abbreviate, etc. 
to make them more suitable in your worship or meditation. I think primarily of worship, 
since we have, week by week, a chance to encourage "Biblical literacy," and honour the Bible 
and the interest and intelligence of our congregations by offering some background to the passages.   
(Frankly, showing my bias, I think that reading a passage of the Bible without a lead-in 
is to expect the Bible to work magically!)



In our first reading, we find the church's missionary (apostolic) activity fully active (in full swing.)  
Already, there is tension between the church and the Jewish leaders, evidenced in the emphasis 
on the Samaritans (we have been told that the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans) 
and the Ethiopian eunuch (perhaps marginalized by his colour - and his condition, 
which allowed him access to the Queen's presence, but barred him from some human 
and religious gatherings) (the same would probably have applied to Nehemiah[1]!)

We have reports of miracles in this reading, but I am not sure which is the greater miracle, 
Philip's disappearance and reappearance at Azotus (Ashdod) or the conversion 
and baptism of the Ethiopian senior civil servant. (Incidentally, there would naturally be water 
on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, which passes and crosses several rivers.)

Lets listen, as the Spirit directs Philip to step out[2]

Acts 8:25-40

You may want to reserve your acclaim until after the Gospel reading, or have some traditional response, 
or say something like: May God keep us open to the working of God's Spirit beyond 
human structures and strictures. Amen.



The key link between the Acts reading and the Psalm may be in the references to "the nations," 
and "the ends of the earth."  The emphasis is on God's authority and grace.
Let us..
Psalm 22:25-31 (VU p.746)



The Epistle reading is about love.  In Greek, there are at least three words for love: "philia," 
or friendship; "eros," or admiration and desire; and "agape."  John consistently uses "agape," 
both of God and of "us."  More than feeling is involved, and more than attitude. Agape is both noun 
and the root of an active verb, speaking of "Grace," or "unconditional love.". 
Along with belief in Jesus Christ, it is essential for Christians.

Let us listen as John explains:

1 John 4:7-21

God grant us the grace of Love because God is Love. Amen.



The Gospel reading is one of the "I am" sayings, echoing the personal name of God, 
(as Moses hears from the burning bush, "I am who I am.")  The metaphor of the vine is explored 
to invite our exploration of our faith. (Vineyards would be at least as common to them 
as apple orchards to us, and pruning as well as harvest would be natural references.)
Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(Or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us in: )
John 15:1-8

May we be fruitful branches or even twigs, and give thanks for The Vine. Amen.

(It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.)

Notes:

 
 For him to be allowed near the Queen, he would have been made a eunuch, 
which would have excluded him from the Temple he was so keen to re-build! 
But that didn't seem to stop him!  RSC.
 You may want to compare this with Simon Peter's struggle about the Gentile question.   
OTOH, the apostle in the story has a Greek name, "Horse-lover," which may be significant.  
Philip is the fifth disciple to be named. He was called by Jesus, and he calls Nathaniel 
( A Hebrew name.) BTW, I understand that Ser. Philip's Day is May 3, so we have just missed it.  RSC. 


(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)