Reflection on the Word in our Worship
By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.
-1 John 3:19-20 (ESV)
Yes, we are imperfect. Our own hearts cry out for a more consistent Christ-like love, but that does not destroy our assurance; it confirms it. Some sensitive souls desperately fear that they may have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit and so be beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness. . . . Like John Wesley we often find ourselves praying, ‘Lord, cure me of my intermittent piety and make me thoroughly Christian.’ This has been the common experience of many believers down the centuries. So, when we face the crisis of a condemning conscience, our hearts are set at rest in the assurance that we can trust ourselves to the mercy of the God who knows us better than we know ourselves, the one who knows everything.
-David Jackman, The Message of John's Letters
The Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm 66:1-8 (after the playlist below)
New Testament Lesson: 1 John 3:11-24
Gospel Lesson: John 14:15-21
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below to listen to Incarnation's Playlist)
Psalm 66:1-8
1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing praises to the honor of his Name;
make his praise to be glorious.
2 Say to God, “How wonderful are your works; *
through the greatness of your power
shall your enemies cower before you.
3 For all the world shall worship you, *
sing to you, and praise your Name.”
4 O come and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5 He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot; *
therefore in him let us rejoice.
6 He rules with his power for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
7 Bless our God, you peoples, *
and make the voice of his praise to be heard,
8 Who holds our soul in life, *
and does not allow our feet to slip.
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