Easter 6
May 17. 2009

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

In our first reading, we find Peter overwhelmed by the response after his preaching.  
The mission of the church has far outstripped his understanding. 
Today's reading is the climax of a story that begins with Peter sound asleep 
and dreaming a powerful dream, with the divine message: what I have cleansed do not call unclean.  
Right on cue, messengers from Cornelius, a Roman centurion (in charge of 100 troops), 
call on Peter for help. Cornelius has heard about the Gospel and wants to hear more.  
In the meantime, Peter is struggling in his dream with his understanding of purity, 
just waking as the Cornelius' messengers arrive asking for him.

Peter accepts the invitation - and the Spirit's obvious prompting - 
and visits Cornelius, on Gentile turf! There, he hints at his mental 
and spiritual struggle, with a summary about Jesus.

Let's listen to what comes next [2]!

Acts 10:44-48

(You may want to keep your acclamation until after the Gospel reading, 
or use traditional words, or say something like: May we show such radical inclusiveness, 
as the first followers of "The Way". Amen.)



The Psalm emphasizes the New Song, which is consistent with the emphasis 
on the Good News.  The whole world is invited to give praise to God.

Let us..

Psalm 98 (VU p.818)



In the Epistle, John[3] emphasizes belief and obedience, reflecting our identity 
as God's children, and stressing the importance of love.   .

1 John 5:1-6

May we love one another, as Jesus loves us. Amen.



The first part of the Gospel reading is emphatically about love, as Jesus demonstrated love.  
The word for "love" is "agape," only one of the words for "love" in Greek, 
but quite distinct from friendship (philos), human affection,[4] (storge)[5] or desire (eros).
"Agape" was rarely used in Classic Greek, but became the typical Christian word for love.   
In early Greek it implied warm welcome or appreciation.  New Testament use 
gives it a special place as divinely given love, which helped to define the Christian Church.

Then Jesus is pictured as shifting to friendship, with its note of equality and sharing. 
The church has often honoured the master/servant relationship, but Jesus saw and sought friends. .

Let's rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(Or: Let's listen closely for the Good News for us in:)

John 15:9-17

Let Jesus' words ring in our ears, and be lived out in our lives. Amen.

It is appropriate to follow the readings with Thanks and Praise.

Notes:

 With thanks to CAM
 I wish that we had a precise description of the Holy Spirit's visit.  Is it enthusiasm, or miraculous, as evidenced inn the Acts account? (2:4) Or might it be an obvious caring as continuing Jesus' own spirit? (John 2-:22)
 Traditionally, the Apostle, John, writing around 86 - 90 at Ephesus.
 Thanks to VC.
 Stor-geh or storgay. 


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