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Fifth Sunday of Easter • Year C
May 18, 2025
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Historical Collect
O God, you make the minds of the faithful to be of one will. Grant that your people would love what you command and desire what you promise, that, among the manifold changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are to be found; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Pour into our hearts, O God, your Spirit of truth, that we might live in confidence and peace, secure in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life as we await the return of your Son when all our sorrows will be turned to joy in his presence; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
The Evangelist tells us that the “horn” God has lifted up for his people is none other than Christ (Luke 1:69). This horn, or power, is so strong as to destroy death. He is able to do so because this Christ is God, the beginning and the end of all things. As he overcame death, he conquers death in his people, those who have believed his trustworthy and true promises. As such, our sorrow in this life will be turned into joy, and death into life. God has raised up a horn for those who believe the message of salvation, for they are his people, Jew and Gentile alike.
First Reading • Acts 11:1–18
God’s measure of love is not so limited that it is only poured out upon one small group of people. He illustrated this truth to Peter in a rooftop vision. The outcome was that Peter, a Jew, came to believe that God was pouring out his Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17). “What God has made clean, do not call unclean.” Through his Christ, God will purify all who believe (1 John 3:2–3).
Psalm • Psalm 148:1–14
Praise the Lord! There are many reasons to praise the Lord but the psalmist has one, great reason in mind. He draws us toward his point as the Psalm progresses until in the last verse we hear the supreme reason for praise. God has raised up a mighty salvation for us (Luke 1:69). The Lord himself is God, our rock, in whom we take refuge, our shield and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold, refuge, and savior (2 Sam 22:3). Praise the Lord!
Second Reading • Revelation 21:1–7
God, who was before the beginning and will be here after the end, promises that, “Death will be no more.” His testimony is sure. Who would know better than the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end? His “words are trustworthy and true.” Death will be no more because the eternal God is making his dwelling place with people. We will behold his face (Rev 22:4) in the glorious light of heaven, where “its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev 21:23). In this glory, a new thing shall come to pass: Death will be no more and the faithful will live forever with their God.
Gospel • John 16:12–22
In “a little while,” we will see Jesus. When we were young, life seemed to last a very long time. As we grow old, it no longer seems so lengthy. So, it is easier in the last years of life to hear the words of Jesus, that in “a little while...you will see me.” In the meanwhile, we have the Holy Spirit to comfort us in our sorrows. But joy is coming. In just a little while, when we see Jesus, our hearts will leap and rejoice. Our joy will be complete and no one will take it away. Sorrow will be vanquished forever.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
