RCL: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Where violence seeks to end life, God seeks to bring new life. The invitation in this Easter season is to pay attention to the little buds of new life all around us. They are there, if only we take the time…

RCL: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Where violence seeks to end life, God seeks to bring new life. The invitation in this Easter season is to pay attention to the little buds of new life all around us. They are there, if only we take the time…

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 They prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.” An interesting and easily misleading aspect of this reading is found in Peter’s declaration that the Scriptures had to be fulfilled. At first glance, Peter’s analysis might seem like a strict application of a theology rooted in predestination. Throughout the ages, however, the Church has…

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Trying to discern God’s will for our lives is a serious matter. We make decisions and choose courses of action all the time that we hope are for the best, but many of us would desperately love to know what God would have us do. Whether we are casting lots, randomly picking…

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Who or what is “missing” from your community? Jesus leaves the apostles with an extensive charge: to be his witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Similar to what we see in the Acts of the Apostles, today’s church also needs a body of leaders who can carry out uncertain,…