Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, we gather to hear readings that speak to the heart of the Christian faith: knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, our hope amid suffering, and the promise of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
FIRST READING – Acts 17:22–31
Paul stands before the philosophers of Athens and directs their attention to an altar inscribed "To an unknown god." He reveals that the God they unknowingly worship is not far away. This God does not dwell in human-made temples and needs nothing from human hands, for he is the source of all life and breath. God has arranged the world so that humans might search for him and find him, for "in him we live and move and have our being."
PSALM 66:7–18
A celebration of God's mighty power and the deliverance he brings to his people. Though God tests his people as silver is tried in the fire, he brings them out into a spacious place. The psalmist bears witness to God's faithfulness: "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me."
EPISTLE – 1 Peter 3:13–22
Peter encourages persecuted believers to stand firm in their faith. They are to be ready to defend the hope they hold, yet do so with gentleness and reverence. Christ himself suffered for our sake—the righteous for the unrighteous—to bring us to God. Through baptism and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are saved and made alive in the Spirit.
GOSPEL – John 14:15–21
In the Upper Room, Jesus comforts his disciples as he prepares to depart. He promises them an Advocate, the Spirit of truth, who will remain with them forever. "I will not leave you orphaned," Jesus assures them. Through love and obedience, they will experience a deep union with the Father and the Son: "You in me, and I in you."
To truly know God is to experience everlasting life—a profound, transformative union with the living God through Jesus Christ. We are called to love him, keep his commandments, and allow his Spirit to dwell within us, transforming us more fully into the image of Christ.
Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Read the full readings and reflections
The podcast of today's service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
This week in your prayers, please include those on our prayer list to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, consider the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
