ASLC Podcast

All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51

This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends, but not all of them, Mary Magdalene remains. Today we are reminded that Jesus has poured himself out to us and all of humanity. This is kenosis, this is a love that is stronger than death. And, now, we raise our hands and our palms in the air as we hear the Gospel for this Palm Sunday.

Readings: John 12:12-16; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11

The gospel for the third Sunday of Easter is always one in which the risen Christ shares food with the disciples, meals that are the Easter template for the meal we share each Sunday. In today’s gospel, Jesus, the Incarnate One, both shares the disciples’ food and shows them the meaning of his suffering, death, and resurrection through the scriptures, the two main elements of our Sunday worship.

Readings: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; Luke 24:36b-48

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently.

Scripture Reading: : Hebrews 10:16-25;John 18:1-19:42

The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Today you are invited to experience the power of God at a healing station during communion. Come for prayer and anointing with oil during the meal.

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:17-20, Revelation 12:7-12, Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22

Walk With You clip by Della Reese & The Verity All-Stars, Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC