Lectionary for May 17, 2026

Our readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter follow. For a combined link to read them online, go here.

• Our passage from John is the beginning of the “High Priestly Prayer,” when Jesus was giving his disciples their last instructions before being arrested that night and executed the next day. The Father has given him authority over everything and eternal life to all whom the Father has given to him. And what is eternal life? To know the one true God and Jesus. He asks the Father to keep them in his name, since Jesus will shortly be leaving this life. Jesus prays, not for the world, but for those whom the Father has given him. 
• Our reading from Acts relates Jesus in his resurrection, talking to his disciples. They want to know when the kingdom will come. He tells them it is not for them to know, but they are to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them and give them power. They will then witness to Jesus in the nearby environs of Jerusalem and eventually spread out to the whole world. He then ascends to heaven. The disciples return of Jerusalem and gather together for prayer with the women in the upper room, awaiting the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon him. 
• A Psalm praises God for his protection and rescue. So should we. Remember: God rules!
• 1 Peter tells us to rejoice if we suffer for the name of Christ. We are blessed for this. We also should humble ourselves before God, casting all of our worries upon him. He will exalt us at the proper time. But watch out for the devil. He is like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Resist him!

Comments: Jesus knew he was preparing for his suffering and death, but took the time at the last supper to pray for our protection and rescue. He knew that in his suffering he would be exalted, as he was in his resurrection and ascension to the Father. He knew also that we would suffer and be exalted for carrying forward his name in suffering love. Both the horrors of pain and death and the joyous glory of eternal resurrection go together, both for him, and through the power of his Holy Spirit, for us as well.