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Keeping the dimension of mystery

Commentary
Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
Acts 11:1-18
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
The reading from Acts this day is the closing scene in a story that begins in Acts 10:1. The whole section of Acts 10:1--11:18 is Luke's account of the meeting of Cornelius and Peter, the reception of Cornelius and his household into the church, Peter's subsequent report to the Mother Church in Jerusalem, his response to critics, and the official endorsement of the Gentile mission by the Jerusalem church. The preacher today might well consider telling the whole story via excerpts from Acts 10:1--11:18. Some commentary by the preacher at selected breaks would move the story along.
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Lent 2
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Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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