Lectionary thoughts for Easter 6

This, very mixed, collection of ideas are the result of looking at the Lectionary readings and noting the thoughts that 'popped' into my mind. I have, very deliberately, not tried to 'polish' them in any way, mainly because I lack the finesse necessary.

Year A

Easter 6A
Acts 17: 22 - 31

The presence of the living god
Is everywhere and all the time.
The truth of god which we express
Arises from our faith in Him.

God's graciousness to us is love
He takes and uses what we have.
Thus in this way our service is
Acceptable in earth and heaven.

Our human family demands
That we live in peace together.
But we cannot obtain this goal
Unless his love is in our hearts.

Such love he gives in Jesus Christ;
Such love he shows upon the cross.
The risen power of Jesus is
Our source of hope in all we do.

We gain this faith through penitence;
We gain new life through Jesus' Love.
God gives to us the power to
Proclaim his word of saving grace.

Easter 6A
Psalm 66: 8 - 20

The praise of God cannot
Be subject to our moods;
For god has shown his Love
Even through our sinning.

The Love of god gives to
Us the light we need to
See our way even in
Our sins' darkest moments.

Therefore to realise
The quality of life He
Intends we must offer
Proper sacrifices.

The best of all is to
Live the life that comes from
The proper "fear of the
Lord", our maker and guide.

Easter 6A
1 Peter 3: 13 - 22

Physical abuse for our faith?
The notion is quite strange to us.
Rather are we just ignored
We're not important any more!

Should we then enforce our belief?
No; the way of Christ is always
Gentle and yet loving
In its persistent grace for all.

Somehow this violent world has
To be shown that love is always
More powerful than force
If it is not to end in pain.

Easter 6A
John 14: 15 - 21

We have very mixed reactions to the concept of 'obedience'. Whilst we do feel that everyone should obey the 'law' nevertheless we are extremely keen that our 'self-expression' should not be inhibited. However the true realisation of 'self' is only to be found through obedience to the commands of Jesus.
Since, from the beginning, this has been found to be extremely difficult; and, indeed, Jesus knew very well just how hard such obedience would be, he gives his disciples the promise of "the spirit of Truth". On this day we anticipate again the coming of that spirit.
For it has been the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that has enabled the immense inheritance of 'western Christianity'! This is the world-wide acceptance, at least in general terms, of the teaching - even the example - of Jesus.
What we in the 'west' need to capture for ourselves is the active obedience that Jesus calls for in the day-to-day practice of living.