RCL – April 29, 2012 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18
Something a little different this week. The headlines are full such disturbing, unsettling things. In contemplating the state of things in the world and this week’s scripture readings, I decided that fewer words are better for this week.
God is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
I will follow where the Spirit leads
and not complain when I am out of comfort.
God makes me lie down in green pastures;
and leads me beside still waters;
Even when destruction and violence surround me,
I will seek God’s presence and find quiet rest.
God restores my soul.
and leads me in right paths
for the sake of God’s name.
With God’s grace,
I will turn away from ignorance, judgment, and vengeance
and walk in the ways of advocacy, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff — they comfort me.
Economic distress, war (and threats of more), and hateful politics
will not silence me.
I worship a God of love who excludes no one.
I can only strive for the same and trust God’s mercy.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
When I am condemned, rejected, dismissed, or devalued
I will recall the strength of the One whose image I bear
and meet the eyes of my rejecters
with integrity and honor.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of God my whole life long.
If I focus on the way of loving-kindness,
goodness and mercy will result
and God will be well pleased.
Amen!