The “P” Triple Play by Sam Miller

The “P” Triple Play by Sam Miller

Fifth Sunday of Easter

After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.  They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22)

R. (cf. 1) I will praise your name forever, my king and my God.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works. (Psalm 145:8-9)

I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race.  He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:3-5a)

“I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.  This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:31-33a, 34-35)

Piety

Heavenly Father, “I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God.”  You are all gracious and merciful, always forgiving and loving.  Help me to be ever mindful of the blessings You shower on me especially in those times when my vision is blurred and my heart is not open to the truth of the depth of Your love for me, the work of Your hands.  Amen

Study

To me, there are three “P’s” in today’s Scriptures – Prayer, Praise and Perseverance!  Paul and Barnabas exhorted the disciples to persevere in the faith; the Psalm is constant praise; John’s vision of the New Jerusalem says “God’s dwelling is with the human race.”  How can that be without prayer, turning everything over to God?  By loving one another, we are identified as disciples of Jesus, for me, needing lots of prayer at all times!

I’ve been privileged to watch this “triple play P” in action by spending time with my, 95- years-young, Mom.  Poor dear has more trouble doing things for herself which she knows she could do just yesterday.  Slow her down, it may; bring her down, it won’t.  Mom has had a lot of time to think and while she remains suspicious of her worthiness of God’s love for her, she accepts that He does love her and certainly has been very kind to her.  When she’s afflicted with some new malady, she gets medical advice and declares, “I just need to know what it is and I’ll deal with it.”  Mom will complain now and then but immediately apologizes for having done it as “There are so many others who are in worse straits than I am, how dare I complain?”  I have witnessed Mom’s blessing before meals which explains why she believes the staff brings her cold meals!  So many expressions cross her brow in her prayer and praising God!  Thank You, Lord, for Mom’s sharing of and perseverance in the faith!

Action

Lord, help me always to strive to love as you love through the three “P’s”!