Looking into the lectionary - Remembering Pope Francis

May 4, 2025 Third Sunday of Easter  Acts 9:1-6, (7-20); Psalm 30; John 21:1-19 There is a scene in “The Big Lebowski” that I cannot help but recall when reading Acts 9:1-6, (7-20), Psalm 30, and John 21:1-19. The Dude and his friend Walter Sobchak have been charged with bringing a ransom to the people who kidnapped Jeffrey Lebowski’s wife and then returning safely with her in tow. Everything goes horribly wrong and as they stand in the street watching the kidnappers drive away, having failed to achieve this modest task, Walter turns to The Dude and says (I’m paraphrasing), “Ahh screw it, dude. Let’s go bowling.” More than we’d care to admit, we are all Walter Sobchak, desperately trying to pretend like none of this is really happening. Rather than engage with the wreckage of our present circumstances, we do what we’ve always done. Thankfully, the saints who have come before us who faced similar situations did not keep their heads in the sand for as long as we may want.. John 21: 1-19 doesn’t include it, but it’s not hard to imagine Simon Peter saying, or at least thinking, “Ahh screw it” after the crucifixion and the strange visits from a resurrected Jesus to the hiding disciples. What else is there for him to do? But upon recognizing the resurrected Jesus on the beach, Simon Peter does something completely different, jumping from the boat and swimming to shore. And then the resurrected Lord puts an even finer point on it: there is a belt fastened around you, and it will take you where you do not wish to go (v.18). Peter’s life will be different now. ... Thank you to this week's writer, Andy Greenhow. Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship — May 4, 2025, by Andy Greenhow Pope Francis, charismatic reformer and disruptor, dies at 88 by Christian Iosso The scroll and the lamb (April 27, 2025) by Mark Hinds  A call to recover the original Easter vision in an age of mass incarceration by Chris Hoke  Want the worship resources for April 27, 2025? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Praying Easter would happen again "I’ve never stepped into the mouth of an empty tomb, but I have walked into my grandmother’s one-bedroom apartment three days after she died," writes Lisle Gwynn Garrity. The many lives of Stony Point Center Christian Iosso reflects on Stony Point Center's 75 years of faith, friendship and formation — and their recent anniversary celebration. Reflecting on Jesus’ last words and unspoken truths What are we supposed to do about climate change? Reproductive rights? Gun violence? Jesus addresses none of these pressing issues in his last words to the disciples, but that doesn't mean we're left to find solutions on our own, writes Ron Byers. Now’s the time to act The days after Easter hold a unique opportunity for pastors to engage their community, writes Raymond R. Roberts. Love for Easter-only worshippers How Andrew Taylor-Troutman's investment in a theology of belonging has liberated him from resentment. The invitation of the Marys Eliza C. Jaremko looks at Mary the Mother of God and Mary the sister of Martha in the resurrection narrative. Appreciate These Things: Eight Ways of Cultivating Compassion How can we preserve our tender hearts yet be vulnerable enough to engage with the “other” in this current climate? Amy Pagliarella reviews Jill Duffield's new book. Cross A poem from the acclaimed poet Marjorie Maddox. Why did Jesus die? Churches grapple with the mystery of atonement In recent decades, some Christians have moved away from the theory of penal substitutionary atonement, which summons up the idea of an angry God who needs to be appeased. — Kathryn Post The Outlook is hiring! Presbyterian Outlook is looking to hire a remote WordPress & SEO specialist for 100-Hour Contract Project.