In the Easter Season, the weeks between Easter Sunday and Pentecost, the first reading on Sunday mornings is from the book of Acts, rather than from the Old Testament. This is a symbolic reminder that after Easter we are looking forward towards the new life given to all through Christ’s resurrection.
Acts is also considered as a guidebook on how to respond to a new life with the Risen Jesus. The readings are full of encouragement to live reflecting Jesus’ mission of being in a loving community where all share, care for and heal others. Included in these readings are requests to turn back to God for sins to be wiped out, and to take the good news to others. We learn that we may anger some people and suffer. Yet, the Good News that God is with us always gives us the strength to live as Christ like as we can.
In Acts we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is shared with all who want God’s presence in their lives. This is extended beyond the early Jewish believers to non-Jews, to Gentiles, to people like us. Jesus’ message of forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation, and life forever with God, is for everyone.
We gather here at St. Anne’s to learn more about Jesus Christ, to share with, care for, and love each other. In our Sunday morning worship we listen to our stories, pray, and gather at God’s table for communion to receive the spiritual nourishment for our new life as we journey forward to share Christ’s love.
On Sunday May 19 we will celebrate Pentecost, the day of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus’ followers and all the people gathered with them. And we will join with all the follower of Christ before us and will joyfully repeat Psalm 104 verse 34, “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God while I have my being.”
~Annie+