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Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Lectionary Cycle: Year A – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Today’s Scripture Readings

The following readings are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary in alignment with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) calendar:

  • First Reading: Acts 17:22–31 – Paul addresses the Areopagus regarding the "Unknown God."
  • Psalm: Psalm 66:8–20 – A song of praise for God’s preservation and listening ear.
  • Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:13–22 – An exhortation to provide a defense for hope with gentleness.
  • Gospel Reading: John 14:15–21 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as the Advocate.

Associated Artwork

Title: Christ in the House of His Parents (1849–1850)
Artist: Sir John Everett Millais

Description and Connection:
This Pre-Raphaelite work depicts the Holy Family in a realistic, mundane carpentry shop, filled with sawdust and the tools of everyday labor. This imagery connects deeply to the readings in Acts 17, reminding us that the Divine is not confined to distant shrines or idealized spaces but is present in the "grit" of daily life. In the sweat and mess of a workshop, we find evidence that "in Him we live and move and have our being."

Reflection

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to a group of disciples grappling with anxiety about an uncertain future. His promise is direct and profound: "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you" (John 14:18).

The feeling of being "orphaned" is a common human experience. It manifests in various ways:

  • Globally: In headlines regarding temporary ceasefires and the fragile state of international peace.
  • Locally: In the wake of community crises, such as local accidents or school safety concerns.
  • Personally: In the exhaustion of balancing the roles of student, professional, and caregiver, or when navigating bureaucratic systems that feel cold and indifferent.

To be orphaned is to feel unprotected and unseen. However, the promise of an "Advocate, "the Spirit of Truth, redefines this reality. An advocate does not simply remove all obstacles with a wave of a hand; rather, an advocate enters the "messy middle" of a situation. Whether it is a caseworker fighting for a child's dignity, a neighbor offering support during a difficult week, or a friend sitting in silence when words fail, advocacy is the embodiment of presence.

As Psalm 66 suggests, we may walk through fire and water, but we are not left to navigate the storm alone. We are held, seen, and supported by a God who refuses to let our feet slip, fostering us through the most difficult chapters of our lives.

Prayer

Gracious God,

In a world that can often feel isolating and overwhelming, we thank you for your promise to never leave us orphaned. When global headlines cause anxiety and our daily burdens feel too heavy to carry, remind us of your abiding presence.

We thank you for the advocates in our lives—those who see us and stand with us. Grant us the strength to step into the difficult spaces of others' lives and serve as advocates for those in need of hope.

In the name of the One who constantly seeks us out,
Amen.