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Advent 3 -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Gospel text is our first big jump in Matthean order for this church year.
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12-23 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC)
Persistence Along The Road Of Life -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
The Sermon On The Mount -- Matthew 5:1--7:27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our outline of Matthew's Gospel presented Matthew 1:1--4:16 as Part One which introduces Jesus of Na
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The text appointed for this week omits 11:20-24.
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (C)
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 49:1-7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (RC)
Seeking Greater Tolerance And Patience -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week comes from Matthew 9.
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to our text for this week noting that the lectionary has entirely omitted Matthew 12.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1-4 (C); Isaiah 8:23--9:3 (RC)
Finding Christ: The Treasure Of A Lifetime -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Enter John the Baptist. Matthew doesn't introduce this desert prophet until now.
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 13 contains the parabolic ministry of Jesus as Matthew tells the story.
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 (C)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Micah 6:1-8 (C, E)
Sharing God's Unlimited Forgiveness With Others -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord if another member of the church sins against me, how often sh
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's assigned Gospel story is a continuation of the story assigned for the Second Sunday in A
Proper 12 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The whole of Jesus' discourse in parables in Matthew 13 demonstrates for us that Jesus did much of h
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) (C), Isaiah 58:7-10 (RC)
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers fo
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week has allusions to many, many stories throughout the Bible.

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The Dangerous Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
I'd rather hear Saint Matthew talk about Christ the King. His story of the Last Judgment is vivid.
Who Can Ask For Anything More? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Those who have read Charles Dickens' famous story, Oliver Twist, will recall that little Oliver, sti
Taxes To Caesar - What To God? -- Matthew 22:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A young politician running for office asked a veteran politician for advice on how to assure victory
King Forever! -- John 6:56-69 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Norman Rockwell has a painting titled Lift Up Thine Eyes.
Anxious Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
On Thanksgiving, isn't it odd to hear a Gospel that talks about anxiety and worry and not about, wel
The More -- Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
In seminary there was a very popular saying.
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'
Joy To The World -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Curtis Lewis -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Open the hymnals. Pull out the stops on the organ, for we are going to sing a song.
A Friend In High Places -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
What we want to talk about is not, I am extremely sure, a theme that dominated your breakfast conver
Everybody Loves A Parade! -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
This is the season for parades.
Stocks, Bonds, And Petty Cash -- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
The Christian Faith owes a great deal to sailors on the seas.
The Dangers Of Being Religious -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Jeff Foxworthy has made a career of telling "redneck" jokes.
Heart Transplant -- John 8:31-36 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Imagine the scene: you are in the doctor's office, an array of EKGs, echocardiograms, and other test
Security Concerns -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Security has become big business in our world.
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
The Making Of A Saint -- John 11:32-44 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is difficult to preach on All Saints' Sunday.
Don't Fence Me In! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Goodspeed translates our text: "I may do anything I please but not everything I do is good for me.
2001: A Faith Odyssey -- Luke 12:15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It made the headlines when it was first released. Magazines and newspapers were raving about it.
To A Life Beyond -- John 6:51-58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
The torches burned long into the night in the banquet hall.
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Gifted People -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
You and I are "gifted" people. We live in a "gifted" country. We gather in a "gifted" institution.
The Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Today we celebrate the Festival of the Holy Trinity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The God Who Never Lets Go Of Us -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
The prophets of antiquity faced problems no different from the soothsayers of today: what language c
Turn On The Lights -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Many people don't realize the extent of the preparations involved when the President of the United S
Spelling Doesn't Count -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
How many of you know what BASE jumping is?

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Grounded In Love -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your
Proper 18 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- John Steward -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
A man was once put in a dark cave.
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
My friend, Pastor Ray Christenson in Las Vegas, once told about a pastor who would regularly visit a
A Dog With Soul -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, John Zingaro -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you a
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Proper 19 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- John Steward -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
From time to time I have, as most pastors do, a conversation with someone about his or her relations
All Saints' Day -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- John Steward -- All Saints Day - C
"...
Ascension Sunday -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Steward -- Ascension of the Lord - C
This is a story about two young men I once encountered.
God's Faithfulness -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Edgar A. Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
As I look back over my relationship with God, two events, which I believe were miracles, stand out t
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth
Proper 20 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- John Steward -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
One Sunday morning on a subway car in New York City people were traveling in relative peace and calm
Baptism Of The Lord -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John Steward -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Many years ago the founder and president of the National Cash Register Company of Dayton, Ohio, used
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --
Proper 21 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
We are often afraid to speak of money in the church.
Easter -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- John Steward -- Easter Day - C
There was a little boy who would always come home late from school.
A Healing Presence -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lynette E. Metz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
The Mystery Of His Will -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marcia Lee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
...
Proper 22 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- John Steward -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
A pastor was preaching one of his first sermons in the new church to which he had been called.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
The Call Of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Dow -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
On Ash Wednesday of 2000, I had a very powerful worship experience.
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia M. Thaker -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Luke 17:11-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
I have noticed that at Thanksgiving time it is difficult for people to give God thanks and praise.
Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Since many of the followers of Jesus were fishermen, it made sense for Jesus to use fishing as an ex
Letting Go Of All The Junk -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay L. Bandle -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who ha

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Rivers of Living Water -- John 7:37-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pre-preparations for Pentecost
Prayer 17 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient, Present, And Self-Revealing One:
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4Theme: Out Of DarknessCall To Worship
Watchfulness -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate Its ExpectationsInvitation to the Celebration
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Judge -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Judges 4:1-7Theme: JudgeCall To Worship
Destruction of the Temple Foretold -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Prayer 18 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Author Of Great Mysteries:
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8Theme: Do JusticeCall To Worship
Promise -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's PromiseInvitation to the Celebration
The Parable of the Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Theme: ShepherdCall To Worship
Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost (formerly Kingdomtide [Trinity] -- Season of the Kingdom of God on Earth), meaning "fiftie
Prayer 19 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Love Entity:
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)Theme: Draw NearCall To Worship
Wonder -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Wonder That Became Reality
Self-deception; Hearers and Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 20 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Scientist Of The Universe:
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
Fulfillment -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Promise Of Fulfillment
The Call of Matthew and Several Healings -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 21 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving Communicator:
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Theme: Not Just On SundayCall To Worship
The Communion of the Saints with the Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
The Source Of Our SainthoodInvitation to the Celebration
Few Laborers and the Disciples' Mission -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:
  • Dry Bones or Dancing Bones by Dean Feldmeyer based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.”  Henri J.M. Nouwen

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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