Year C Easter Ascension Sunday
Lectionary Meaning
Theological Focus
Falling between the Ascension and Pentecost, this Sunday focuses on the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. It reveals the intimate communion between the Father and the Son, a unity into which the Church is graciously invited. It is a time to reflect on our identity as those for whom Christ prays, even as he returns to the Father's side.
Scriptural Connection
In John 17, Jesus prays for his followers to be 'one' as he and the Father are one. This call to unity is a vital witness in a fractured world, suggesting that our love for one another is the primary evidence of the Gospel’s truth. Our oneness is not merely organizational but a participation in the divine life and a testimony to the world.
Sermon Ideas
Focus on the theme of 'being kept.' In the face of trial and transition, Christ’s prayer provides a sanctuary of belonging and protection. How can the local church embody this divine unity for those seeking refuge? Preach on the church as a community defined by Christ’s intercession and the shared glory of the Father and the Son.