FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 15, 2022
AS WE GATHER
“A little while” says Jesus, and He will not be seen and then seen again—because He is going to the Father. Jesus is nothing but blunt with His disciples, telling them what will happen. But they do not want to hear it. They did not want to hear His words of suffering and death to come on the cross, and they missed His promise to rise again. Jesus knew their aching hearts were full and promised the Spirit to lead them into all truth. A little while and death will give way to life—for Jesus and also for His disciples. Because He goes to the Father, preparing the way, we also look forward to going to the Father. This hope sustains the weary through their trials in this mortal life. We belong forever to the Lord.
BIBLE READINGS
FIRST READING: Acts 11:1–18
(What God has made clean do not call common.)
EPISTLE READING: Revelation 21:1–7
(The vision of the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, is described.)
HOLY GOSPEL: John 16:12–22 (I am going to the Father.)