On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
5th Sunday of Easter
A New Commandment
The 5th Sunday of Easter is part of the “Farewell Discourse” coming after the Last Supper and before his arrest. The discourse runs over several chapters. At the wedding of Cana, Jesus told his mother that his time had not yet come. Now, Jesus tells his disciples, the time has arrived. Now is the time he will be glorified by the Father. Unsaid, but implied, is that now the mission of the Kingdom falls to them. There is one final, overarching command of the Kingdom: love one another.
There is a lot to unpack in these verses, so grab your favorite beverage and take some time on the back porch.
Full Text of the Gospel
Detailed Commentary on the Gospel
Christ’s Final Address to the Apostles | Bona Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1380 | from the Maesta Altar | Siena, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo