Sermon: C 5 Easter 28 April 2013

Acts 11: 1-18; Ps 148; Rev 21: 1-6; JOHN 13: 31-35

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. AMEN.

This morning’s readings circle around the concept of love as the disciples heard it, in traveling around, with, and continuing to follow Jesus. The readings present an odd combination of images and associations. The chosen psalm is straightforward praising the Lord for his mighty acts. Since Halleluiah is the theme and concept for Eastertide, this psalm echoes or leads to both. Reciting this psalm in Easter season, we are suggesting that the Lord had done great deeds for them, and by extension, his deeds for us include the resurrection, ascension, and on-going life of Jesus our Lord. The psalm is joyful and suits the feeling of the season.

Getting and giving help after the bombings in Boston

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has some useful resources if you need help, or if you want to help out:

For crisis counseling, please call 1-800-985-5990 or the City of Boston Health Line at 617-534-5050. The American Red Cross has material on their website about emotional recovery. 

If you have a tip, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) and choose prompt #3, or email Boston@ic.fbi.gov. 

To make a donation, please visit www.onefundboston.org.