Scriptures and Questions for Sunday, May 15

Scriptures and Reflection Questions
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A
May 15, 2011
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Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary
Year A
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How to use this page:

Print this and read a different passage each day and think about it.  Some questions
are offered to help stimulate your reflection.  You'll find your experience of worship
on Sunday will be intensified.

For a method to read and pray with the scriptures you might try to use the ancient
practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading).  We've written some instructions on
how to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link:
http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html
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The Collect

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear
his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads;
who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
 Amen.
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The Lessons

Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
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Acts 2:42-47

Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their
possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by
day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and
ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill
of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were
being saved.

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Maybe you recognize the first line of this passage as being part of the Baptismal
Covenant.  Do you know the rest of the Baptismal Covenant?  (Prayer Book, p. 304-305)
Note that in the early church, the members had a communal form of ownership.  What
do you think about that?
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Psalm 23
The Holy One is my shepherd; *
     I shall not be in want.

You make me lie down in green pastures *
     and lead me beside still waters.

You revive my soul *
     and guide me along right pathways for the sake of your Name.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *
     for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
     you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
     and I will dwell in the house of God for ever.

                             The Saint Helena Psalter

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What part of the 23rd Psalm most touches your heart?
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1 Peter 2:19-25
It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly.
If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you
endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this
 you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,
so that you should follow in his steps.

     "He committed no sin,
       and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten;
but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins
in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness;
by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now
you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

__________

Have you ever had to endure an injustice?  How did you react?  How might this passage
be encouraging?
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John 10:1-10
Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by
the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters
by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him,
 and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow
 him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will
 run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this
figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to
them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go
 out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came
that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

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What does Jesus' metaphor about the sheep and the good shepherd mean to you?
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On most weekdays I send a Morning Reflection  to this same list, offering a thought
about the readings from the Daily Office.

Lowell

The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Our Rule of Life:  We aspire to...
     worship weekly
     pray daily
     learn constantly
     serve joyfully
     live generously.

Visit our web site.