Exploring the Sunday Gospel – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!

Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The Easter season, spanning the period from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, celebrates life with the risen Christ. On the Thursday between the Sixth and Seventh Sunday of Easter the Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension. Today’s Gospel reading prepares for the Ascension by revisiting core teaching that Jesus gave to his disciples in the farewell discourse at the Last Supper as narrated by John. When Jesus is preparing his disciples for their ongoing life in the world after he has been taken from them, he makes two important points. He calls them his friends and he gives them the commandment to love one another as he has loved them. The group of people whom Jesus leaves behind are to be united as a team bound together in mutual love.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited you to reflect on the image of teams. In today’s picture, from their book, Exploring the parish church, Rees and Sara are at school, celebrating the team spirit of working and sharing together.

Risen Lord Jesus,

you show true love to your people.

Send your Holy Spirit to inspire us,

that we may show true love to you

and to those with whom we live;

for you are our friend and companion,

now and always.

Next Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, and the Sunday following Ascension Day, the Gospel reading focuses attention on the Ascension, seen as Jesus going to his Father and as his enthronement. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is royal robes. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Education Resources