Easter is a testament of renewal, marking the sacred moment where light overcomes darkness and hope finds its ultimate victory. We share these scripture reflections for contemplation and collective inspiration. These reflections offer a source of strength, a reason for joy, and a shared reminder that even in the quietest moments, the dawn of a new chapter is always within reach.
April 5, 2026 - Easter Sunday
In today's gospel we see Mary of Magdala coming to Jesus' tomb in the dark and she was surprised and probably confused to see the stone rolled away. She then ran to the disciples to tell them, indicating she didn't know what to do or what it meant. So, we start with darkness and confusion, following the dreadful events culminating in the crucifixion of Jesus.
Mary was assuming someone had taken Jesus from the tomb and is desperate to know where He was taken. Her dedicated attention to Jesus remains even after his death. Then when she returned with the disciples, they found the burial cloths left in the tomb. How could that be? Was this reminiscent for them of the raising of Lazarus? How could this immeasurable sacrifice lead to freedom and celebration?
Confusion remains, but just as the light of day breaks, this opens the possibility for optimism emerging from sorrow. This specifically helps Mary and the disciples begin to consider the enormous joy that accompanies His resurrection. A joy greater than the most joyful moments in anyone's life, for it is everlasting for those who come to believe in the resurrection and live a life in search of harmony with Christ's teachings. There is now hope despite our humanness, our failings, that we all might experience the afterlife with God in Heaven. Thus, on this Easter Sunday, may you be visibly joyful and spread that joy to everyone you encounter!
Kathleen Jagger, President
April 6, Easter Monday
Acts 2:14, 22-33; Matthew 28:8-15
The readings today highlight the contrast between fear and doubt with the boldness we sometimes experience in our faith. In Matthew, the women go from fear to joy as they carry the news of the resurrection, while others suppress the truth. In contrast, Peter, with boldness and confidence, proclaims that Jesus is risen and exalted by God. These passages remind me that our faith journey often begins with uncertainty, but it can also grow into courage through the Holy Spirit, who gives us the confidence to become faithful witnesses of the miracles God performs in our lives. God gives us the strength to speak truth even when the truth is questioned or misunderstood.
David Pérez, Assistant Professor of Music
April 7, Easter Tuesday
Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18
In our readings today, the first being Peter preaching to the crowds on Pentecost day, and the Gospel being Mary Magdalene weeping outside of the tomb, there is one similarity that struck me—both readings at their center are dealing with knowing Christ and who he is. The crowds at Pentecost do not know who Jesus is until Peter tells them that he is “Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Mary Magdalene does not recognize the risen Lord until he calls her by her name. May the Lent we have finished have prepared our hearts to be able to recognize Jesus when he is proclaimed to us and when he calls us by name.
Hadassah Suffield '25 Administrative Assistant
April 8, Wednesday
Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35
Quo Vadis - Where are you going? Tradition has it that this question was asked of St. Peter by Jesus as he was walking away from the city of Rome to escape the persecutions. Immediately, St. Peter turned back to Rome and would be crucified upside down in his final and most profound witnessing to Christ crucified yet resurrected. What was asked of St. Peter and, implicitly, of the crippled man in Acts and the two disciples walking to Emmaus can be asked of us too. Where are we looking for happiness? St. Peter gives us the answer. It's not silver or gold. It's not in safety from danger. It's not even physical, miraculous healings. It is Jesus Christ that we seek! In Christ and with Christ, we find peace and where our hearts burn with joy.
Rev. Mr. Koby Nguyen ‘20 Transitional Deacon
April 9, Easter Thursday
Acts 3:11–26; Luke 24:35
Both passages center on the same turning point, encountering the Risen Christ. In Luke, the disciples move from disbelief to understanding as Jesus opens the Scriptures and commissions them as witnesses. Acts shows Peter, once fearful, now speaking boldly at the temple that the Messiah has been resurrected, calling the people into repentance and renewal. As the Old Testament predicted, the Messiah has been delivered. The resurrection is not only something to believe, but also something to proclaim with lives shaped by forgiveness, hope, and trust in God's promise.
Deborah Beumer, ASC Associate
April 10, Easter Friday
Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14
At the break of dawn, Christ appears to his disciples who had caught nothing after a night of fishing. He tells them, "Cast the net to the other side.” They then catch 153 fish. 153 is the numeric value of the Hebrew phrase Ani Elohim ("I am God"). This encounter with Christ provides a grace for his disciples to bring people to Him. In Acts, we see Peter and John proclaim the Resurrection. Though they face arrest by the high priests, they are not deterred to share the good news, because it is by Christ all people are saved.
Anna Engle, Assistant Campus Minister
April 11, Easter Saturday
Acts 4:13-21; Mark 16:9-15
Lent was the time to prepare ourselves for the Resurrection of Jesus, the Lord our God who is the foundation of the Christian faith. This is Good News - without the resurrection, the promise of eternal life is nothing but a vague fairy tale. Be excited to proclaim the good news of the Resurrection, just as Mary Magdalene did. Be unwavering in proclaiming the good news like John and Peter. Believe in Christ who has defeated death. Let us pray for faith and boldness to proclaim the Good News of the Resurrected Jesus.
Ba Minh Nhat Nguyen, Newman Student
April 12 - Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
When we hear “Peace be with you,” we want to ask: Where? If Peace doesn’t come to us, maybe we need to search for Peace. What is our part to do to invite God’s Peace? How do I become a person who exudes Peace?
Having a good conscience is a worthwhile basis for Peace in our hearts. Forming a good conscience can be a challenge to our ego. Only through prayer, study, reflection, experience in a relationship or a community, can a right conscience be formed. Just a few verses beyond the end of our first Reading, St. Peter advises us to “Always be ready with an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that is in you, but do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience.” (1 Peter 3:15)
When someone asks, “the reason for the hope that is in you,” people with inner Peace are often the persons who are asked—and the ones who can give the best answer. Does our being, our personality, carry the message that portrays Peace to the people who know us? Or even to someone who meets us for the first time?
According to the Acts of the Apostles, early Christian communities willingly shared their possessions, so no one was in need. They could indeed eat their meals “with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.” We can consider that to mean: not only was their Peace among the Christian communities, but it spilled over to at least some of the non-Christians. When Peace brings a willingness to share, I may need to ask: Am I the kind of person who refuses to remain complacent when I realize I have more than I need? Am I ready to share my goods with someone whose needs are not being met?
Having Peace in our minds and the “sincerity of heart” of the early Christians, is an invitation for the Holy Spirit to find a dwelling place within us. After Jesus says, “Peace be with you” a second time in today’s Gospel, he sends his disciples on their journey, but he doesn’t send them without help: “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he says. The message of Jesus is to send them as the Father sent him.
We are being sent to recognize the persons who need to hear from us those inviting and comforting words that Jesus spoke: “Peace be with you.”
Elaine Freund, ASC
April 13, Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8
In the Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus we must be born of the Spirit, which is like the wind, unseen but powerful, giving us new life in God. This new life transforms us from within, shaping our hearts, minds, and actions in ways we often cannot see. In Acts, we witness the disciples living this transformation. Faced with threats and uncertainty, they do not pray for safety, but for boldness, and God fills them with the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that empowered them continues to give us courage to spread the Word of God and live our faith openly each day.
Grace Long, Newman Student
April 14, Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 4:32-37; John 3:7b-15
In the reading of John, Jesus tells us that we must be born of the Spirit, and that when we start to stray from Him or no longer understand his teachings, we must be born again. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see how people behave when they are born of the Spirit and follow the word of God. Believers come together as one and share with each other so that no one person is in need. This Easter season, we are reminded by these readings to come together as a community and serve each other with generosity because we are all born of God’s Spirit and therefore are one being.
Bryn Kovacic, Major Gifts Officer
April 15, Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21
In today’s gospel, we hear the iconic line from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave us his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but have eternal life.” These consoling and reassuring words, remind us of God‘s constant deep and unfathomable love for each and every one of us. This love like any form of human love demands a response. How are we to respond to God’s love? The first part of one’s response to God’s love is to simply receive His love and allow that to form our identity. Secondly, we are called to imitate God’s son, Jesus in making a complete and total self-gift of ourselves to others. This imitation of Christ lays within the heart of being a saint and responding to God’s love here on earth.
Rev. Mr. Peter Bergkamp ’20, Transitional Deacon
April 16, Thursday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 5:27-33; John 3:31-36
From the passage from Acts, we see the apostles’ courageous commitment to "obey God rather than men," even when facing opposition. This serves as a reminder of the strength God gives us through the Resurrection when we look to him for help and stand firm in our faith. It also reminds us that we always have the option to choose our response, even if we dislike the initial consequences. John reminds us that "the one who comes from above is above all," pointing us toward the eternal perspective and the life-giving Spirit that Christ offers to those who believe. Many think of this as hope and a belief that something much better awaits us on the other side after death if we strive to accept and live by God's laws.
Sheryl Stanley, Honorary Alumna
April 17, Friday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15
So many nuggets of truth for our lives are to be found in these two readings!
“If this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”
“The apostles left…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” “Every day… at home the apostles did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.”
“Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks…”
“Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost.”
Take one of these nuggets. Ponder it during the day. Listen for the truth being spoken personally to you for your life today.
Anonymous
April 18. Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 6:1-7; John 6:16-21
These verses make me think about the importance of faith and service. The verses in John 6 artistically describe a scene of stress in a turbulent lake, in which Jesus comes and calms the waters. It makes me think of how we run into these "strong winds " and "rough waters" constantly and just need something or someone to help "calm the lake". Similarly, Acts 6 describes a complaint, an early stress, in the church; however, in this case, instead of Jesus calming the waters, the disciples band together and help each other. If we were to grow from these verses, all we need is to observe the subtle comparison of the disciples and Jesus; to be Jesus-like is to be in service of those who are on those rough waves and waging against those strong winds.
Daniel Knolla, ‘22
April 19, Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14, 22-23; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
LISTEN! SEE! Our readings today challenge us to use our senses – but at a level deeper than just the everyday. In the first reading Peter raises his voice and proclaims to his audience that they are to “listen” to his words. You can almost hear the intensity of his request. He wants them to really understand who this Jesus of Nazareth was and still is because of his resurrection.
In the Gospel the two disciples listen to this stranger who has joined them on their journey, but do they really hear what he is saying. Why can they see who this person is? Some things require us to get out of our mundane, run-of-the-mill, often self-centered way of walking through life and encountering others. Being Christian requires an attentiveness in both listening and seeing that allows us to go deeper than the surface, to encounter others as fellow human beings at the heart level. To listen intently and accompany reverently as Jesus did.
Sister Fran Schumer ASC, Board of Trustees Member
April 20, Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 6:8-15; Gospel: John 6:22-29
These readings from Acts and John are both prime examples of faith leading to eternal life. Stephen, though scorned and faced with false accusations, boldly witnesses to the Gospel and encourages believers to rely on God even in times of persecution. This connects to what Jesus says during His “Bread of Life Discourse,” when He responds to the crowd by explaining that the works of God are accomplished through believing in “the one He sent,” rather than focusing only on what can be physically seen or received. During this holy Easter time, we must remember to live out our faith and beliefs in a way that reflects God, just as Stephen did.
Samuel J. Somerhalder, Newman Student
April 21, Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 7:51-8:1; John 6:30-35
In Acts 7:51—8:1, Stephen calls out the people for being stubborn and rejecting God. Then in John 6:30–35, Jesus is clearly offering himself as the Bread of Life something meant to fully satisfy. Both passages highlight the tension between resistance and what God is trying to offer. It stands out to me that even when God provides exactly what we need, people still resist or miss it. My hope and prayer are that our eyes be opened and our hearts embrace the life-giving grace that God persistently extends to all.
Hazel Leslie, Lead Clinical Director, Nurse Anesthesia
April 22, Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40
In our first reading from the Acts, we hear about the apostles experiencing many setbacks, many disruptions to their work of sharing the Gospel. They experience hardships, persecutions and, for some, martyrdom. But they remain faithful to their mission, sharing the Good News with joy and boldness. What about us? When we experience difficulties in our spiritual lives, do they make us put our faith on hold? Or are they opportunities for us to lean into our trust in the Lord? Because ultimately, the Lord can work victoriously through it all. Let us trust boldly in the Lord!
Rev. Mr. Luke Meyerhoff ’20, Transitional Deacon
April 23, Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 8:26-40; John 6:44-51
Faith begins with God’s invitation and grows as we respond with openness, faith, and trust. As Philip demonstrated, obedience is essential when we commit to following Christ. Even when we don’t fully understand God’s plan, we are still called to obey, trusting that outcome will reveal His purpose. At times, we may feel unprepared or unsure, but God’s timing is perfect, and He equips along the way. Today, we can take comfort in knowing that His guidance is intentional, His timing perfect, and His Spirit is ready to lead us into a deeper, sustaining relationship with Him.
LaShonda Porter, Board of Trustees Member
April 24, Friday of the Third Week
Acts 9:1-20; John 6:52-59
Life is filled with doubt, doubt about our jobs, our family obligations, our own abilities, or even who we are supposed to be. I read the scriptures from John and Acts and I am overwhelmed with a sense of trust and belief. It is far easier to question the road that we walk than it is to trust that we will be led through every trial and tribulation set before us. The fear, or in Saul’s case of anger towards what he cannot explain until he is placed into a position that requires him to step back and put his trust into the Lord for the path forward. God has promised us his love and protection, and during this Easter season we are truly reminded what will come when we let go and put our faith and trust into Him.
Josh Schnoecker-Prilliman ’14, Director of Student Activities
April 25, Feast of St. Mark
1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20.
On the feast of St. Mark, the readings call us to live with both humility and courage. In Peter, we are urged to “clothe ourselves with humility” and place our anxieties in God’s loving care. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus sends his disciples into the world with a bold mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.” Together, these messages remind us that, when we humbly trust God, He strengthens us to serve others with confidence and joy. Like Mark, we are invited not only to believe the Good News, but to share it through our words, actions, and faith-filled lives.
Christopher Mick, Human Relations Coordinator
April 26, Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10
Today Jesus presents himself as both The Shepherd and The Gate. This imagery is understandable to his listeners. Jesus doesn’t describe himself as King or a demanding authority figure. He speaks of Himself as a shepherd – someone close, attentive, and deeply invested in the lives of His sheep, whose sheep know His voice.
“Knowing His voice” can be a challenge for us: there are many voices in our lives, not all of them positive . . . fear, anxiety, shame, control, self-reliance, discouragement to name a few. We are called to recognize voices that are not leading us to peace and serenity. Instead we listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd that leads, invites and speaks truth with kindness and love. It doesn’t push or force but may call us out of our comfort zone. It always leads us toward life – not away from it. And the Good Shepherd will always go in search of the sheep who wandered elsewhere.
Jesus then shifts the image. Not only is He the shepherd – He is also the Gate. Jesus is both protector and pathway. Through Him, going through that gate, we find the peace, safety, and freedom we seek. Jesus says, “Whoever enters (the gate) through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” Herein lies our peace and our true happiness. Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus just doesn’t want to keep us safe; he wants us to have fullness of life with Him. “Jesus, we believe, hope, and trust in You.”
Sister Linda Fischer ASC
April 27, Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18
In this Easter season, we are reminded that Christ is the sacrificial Lamb who has a profound love for each of us personally. Christ, the Good Shepherd, tells us that His sheep hear His voice, that He knows them, and that they follow Him. This relationship is deeply personal and rooted in trust. The invitation to communion with Christ stretches beyond what is familiar and comfortable, calling us to ongoing conversion. Just as the Lord revealed something new to Peter through his encounter with the Gentiles, we too are invited to trust that God is leading us toward our ultimate good. Payton Meyer, Newman Student
April 28, Tuesday of the Fourth Week - Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-30
The truth of Christ is inexhaustible. Setting aside the drama of history and tradition, in the end the simple truth of “I know my sheep and my sheep know me,” rings deeper than any quest for self-reliance. Those, in Jesus’ hand, can’t be snatched or seized by the nuances of digital media or human recognition. As our individual lives wind down day by day, moment by moment, it dawns upon us more spectacularly. Recognizing Christ and following Christ is the real pursuit of life, the perfect end to being in Jesus’ hands and following his voice.
Lon Flippo, Head Women’s and Men’s Golf Coach
April 29, Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter - Acts 12:24-13:5a; John 12:44-50
What stands out from today's readings is the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. In Acts, the Holy Spirit guides the prophets and teachers of Antioch to lay hands on Paul and Barnabas. In the Gospel, Jesus Christ states that both He and the Father are in perfect union. All three Persons of the Trinity are at work in the Scriptures, and the same is true in our own lives. I think that it is easy for us to focus on only one Person, but the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all at work in us for our salvation.
Rev. Mr. Kyle Demel ’20, Transitional Deacon
April 30, Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter - Acts 13:13-25; John 13:16-20
As we continue to celebrate this glorious Easter season, John’s words and the message in the Acts of the Apostles reflect beautifully on what this holy and hopeful season holds for me and for all of us. John’s promise of “whoever receives the one whom I sent, receives me” and Paul’s reassurance in Acts that “ the message of salvation has been sent” re-affirm that God was, is, and always will be with us. What a glorious Easter message for us to carry in our hearts and souls.
Gerry Killeen, 65’ 69’, Board of Trustees Member
May 1, Friday of the Fourth Week - St. Joseph the Worker - Acts 13:26-33; John 14:1-6
On this feast of St. Joseph the Worker, I am reminded of a line from St. Thomas Aquinas in which he says that every task in our day can be performed with joy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Every task? I mean, we all have some tasks more interesting than others; some of them can be quite tedious. But Aquinas is not going to let us off the hook by dividing our work into interesting and boring. Every task, he says, can be performed with joy and delight, if we approach it alongside the Holy Spirit.
Now, if we approach our work as just something I have to do by myself, as if it were all up to me, well, then we can get weary even before we begin; we can start to dread what we have to do; something we can’t wait to get over so that we can relax. But to approach our day like that is live much of it as tedium to be endured. Aquinas says there’s a better way to live.
The secret to finding more joy in life is to invite the Holy Spirit into whatever we must do. We are good about turning to Jesus, but not so good about turning to the Spirit who is the joy, the energy, the vitality of the Risen Christ; so, turning to him throughout our day; noticing when he shows up, relishing his presence, thanking him and asking for an even greater share of the Spirit. Doing so will bring joy and delight in all we do, which will open us up even more to the Spirit, which will generate more joy, more delight, even in the midst of our daily tasks.
It’s a nice summer day outside as I am writing this; but what I’m talking about is really a snowball--an ever-growing spiritual snowball of delight to support us in our work.
Happy Feast Day of St. Joseph the Worker!
Rev. Joseph Gile, Professor of Theology
May 2, Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter - Acts 13:44-52; John 14:7-14
Today’s readings invite us to be a “light to the Gentiles” and a beacon to others. Even though Paul and Barnabas were expelled after preaching the gospel, they did not despair. They simply shook the dust from their feet and moved on. Even when faced with doubters and naysayers, we should continue to find joy in sharing the word of God. The gospel reinforces the call to discipleship. Jesus tells Phillip, “anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus provides us with a path to the Father through his words and actions. Emulating his mercy and love brings us closer to understanding the true nature of God.
Chris Siefers ‘91
May 3, Fifth Sunday of Easter – Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
The passage from ACTS describes tension between diverse disciples about concern for widows who are being overlooked in the distribution of bread and about ‘who should be doing what’ in the faith community. The ‘twelve’ gather, listen, and give the issue back for discussion and a solution-- that ‘seven’ spirit-filled and wise people are to be chosen among them to serve bread to those in need. Does that passage show, then as now, too much attention to position, rather than calling everyone to listen and ACT, so that bread will be distributed to those who need it? Lest we are tempted to leave ourselves out of this discussion for lack of being ‘ordained,’ the second reading from Peter offers this challenge, YOU are the living stones, YOU are chosen, so that YOU may proclaim and bring light in darkness.
In the reading from John, Jesus reassures his disciples, who question how they can follow Him when they just don’t know the way, with a simple answer, “Don’t be afraid. Continue the works I have been doing.” Jesus’ way is very clear. Distribute bread to those in need.
Sisters Cecilia Hellman and Jan Renz, ASC
May 4, Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter - Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26
The message I receive from Acts is twofold. First, God is the source of healing the man, not Paul.
It is in the divine that we must seek our refuge, healing and restoration, not in any person. Second, when being praised from other people about our talents and abilities, we must redirect their attention to God, as it is only through him that we are capable of anything.
John speaks of the connection between love and action. Jesus states that love is expressed through obeying God and God’s commandments. It is easy to see how this plays out in our daily interactions with the people and things we love. If a gardener loves their garden, that love is expressed by watering the plants and providing the proper nutrients for growth. Simply saying “I love my garden” is a hollow statement if the actions to nurture the garden are not taken. Likewise, if we love God, that love requires us to obey his commands.
Frank Macias, Admissions Counselor
May 5, Tuesday of the Fifth Week - Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a
In these readings, we see both challenge and peace. In Acts, Paul experiences real hardship, yet he continues his mission and encourages others to remain strong in their faith. In John, Jesus offers a different kind of peace, one that is not dependent on circumstances but comes from trusting in Him. Together, these readings remind me that even when life feels difficult, I am still called to keep going and trust that God is present. They encourage me to find peace not in everything going well, but in knowing I am not alone.
Natalie Morales, Graduate Student
May 6, Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter - Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8
In John 15, Jesus is the vine and we believers are the branches. All goodness resides in Christ; by accepting Him we become partakers in His goodness. In the Old Testament Israel is often depicted as a vineyard tended by the Lord. Jesus uses this same imagery to speak of himself, showing that He is the fulfillment of the old Law. This is affirmed in the passage from Acts 15. We depend on God for all good things; we now look to Jesus to show the way to fulfillment. Christ taught this fulfillment is possible by loving God above all and others . We must cling to the vine as our source of love. As branches we receive and share the source and fruits of God’s love.
Rev. Mr. Isaac Hilger ’22, Transitional Deacon
May 7, Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter - Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11
The readings highlight God’s unconditional love for us, despite our failures. God’s joy and peace are always available, even when we stubbornly choose our own will over His. We are called to humble ourselves and surrender to God’s plan, trusting that His path leads to something greater. When we follow our own desires, we become distracted by idols and temptation. Yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are gently guided back. In choosing God’s will over our own, we open ourselves to the fullness of His love, joy, and purpose for our lives.
Whitney Burke, Assistant professor of Psychology
May 8, Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter - Acts 15:22-31; John 15:12-17
Of the many images of the relationship between God and His people, the image of the vine and the branches emphasizes our complete dependence and our need for a constant connection to Our Father and His Son. As Jesus is about to depart from the apostles, this was an important parable for them to hear. Jesus would remain united to them and they to Him as truly as the branches are connected to the main vine. Jesus is the true vine. We must be rooted in Him if we are to bear fruit for God’s work in the world.
At the first Council of Jerusalem, there was tension and questioning between the understanding of the Old and the New Covenant. The apostles and elders aimed to affirm that all seeking salvation - even Gentiles - must be attached to Jesus Christ - the Vine. This New Covenant would flourish only through the works of fruitful “branches.” This marks a crucial shift towards Christianity as a universal rather than purely Jewish faith.
Jayne Connor Farmer SHA ‘66
May 9. Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter - Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21
In Acts, Paul stays open to God’s direction, even when the path is uncertain and constantly changing. In John, Jesus reminds us that following Him will not always be accepted by the world. Together, these readings show that faith requires both trust and toughness. We are called to keep moving forward, even when we face resistance or discomfort. Growth happens when we stay committed through challenges. Like in life, we won’t always have clear answers, but if we stay rooted in Christ, we can handle whatever comes our way.
Blake Chadwick, Graduate Assistant Men's Basketball Coach