______________________________________________________

Sixth Sunday of Easter

The genre of visionary language pervades our readings for this Sunday. Visions of new earths and worlds, visions that call people into action and mission, prayers that envision all nations being blessed by God, visions of the descent of the Spirit.

PSALM 67-THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW . . .

In all three strophes that fill this psalm, the writer calls upon the nations to revere and praise God. The first line recalls the famous blessing of the Pentateuch: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us . . . But for the psalmist such blessing is asked so that in the end all the nations will benefit from God’s saving power. The second strophe calls the nations to be joyful with the prospect of God serving as Prime Minister-for Israel’s God judges with balance and fair play. The final strophe ends as the psalm begins, with a petition for God to be gracious and to bless us.

ACTS 16:9-15-THE MACEDONIAN CALL

The "Macedonian call" actually begins in verse 6 which, when read, throws light on the lesson which starts at verse 9. Luke records this pivotal narrative piece perhaps to segue into the new ministry team of Paul and Silas who now embark on new missionary tour of duty. We’re back in vision-land in verse 9 where Paul has a vision of a man in northern Greece who pleads for the missioners to come and help them. Thus is Paul’s second missionary trip launched and the story that follows includes a prominent woman named Lydia whom they meet along the way and whose heart God has already besieged and is thus ready to accept Paul’s good news.

REVELATION 21:10, 22-22:5-CITY OF GOD

The book of Revelation is a biblical oxymoron with its claim to offer "revelation" or insight into the mysteries of the future; yet paradoxically, it is the most veiled book in the entire Bible. It offers a dazzling vision of God and the city of God. (Dazzling is probably the best word here, since "to dazzle" suggests light so bright that it ultimately prevents sight or speech.) In this part of the vision John, again caught up in the spirit, sees the holy city coming out of heaven. The writer then describes what he sees-and what, in some cases, he doesn’t see. The vision centers in the Lamb as the Source of light for the city and from the Lamb comes a stream from which trees grow whose leaves heal the nations.

JOHN 14: 23-29-PRESENCE AND ABSENCE

Though we’re still two Sundays from our celebration of Pentecost, we find intimations of Pentecost in the gospel lesson. We are introduced to the Counselor-the Holy Spirit-who "will teach you everything" (v. 26). Jesus talks about returning to the Father, but the disciples hear abandonment. To help them understand that leave-taking doesn’t mean absence from presence, he introduces the Spirit as active companion and participant. Jesus encourages the disciples in this tender passage and assures them of his love.