Easter IV- John 16:13-14; James 1:18-21

The Epistle and the Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter seem to be different and distinctive texts. James 1 has some very practical everyday advice for living. John 16 contains high theological thoughts about Christ's departure and the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. Yet, there is a theme in common. That theme is "the truth."  In James 1:18, we are told that as believers, God has begotten "us with the word of truth." In John 16:13-14, Jesus says, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

What is this word of truth? It is several things. Ultimately, the word of truth is Jesus Christ, God the Son, the eternal Word. And the word of truth is the Holy Scriptures, especially the Gospel of salvation through faith in our crucified and risen Lord. This message is the greatest truth of the universe, and as James 1:21 indicates, when received in humble faith, the word is able to save our souls! Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Thanksgiving Day- Matthew 6:25ff

The giving of thanks to Almighty God is a deep and perennial aspect of the Judeo-Christian heritage. Thanksgiving is a recurring theme and practice in the Old and New Testaments, and various autumnal thanksgivings developed in Christianized Europe.  In the Anglo-American colonies, there were early services of thanksgiving at Berkeley Hundred in Virginia in 1619 and at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. Over the year various observances arose, but the core religious element was emphasized in American Books of Common Prayer, 

In the Epistle for the day, James 1:17 reminds us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." Since God is the giver of every good gift, a thankful response is always appropriate for believers.

In the Gospel from Matthew 6:25 ff, Jesus exhorts us not to be anxious about basic material needs. In general, divine providence watches over and supplies the natural needs of even the birds and the flowers. Certainly, His care for human beings, especially those seeking His kingdom, is even greater, So believers should not be overwhelmed by anxiety; we should trust in God and gratefully seek His will.

With such a Scriptural background in mind, we can sincerely pray-

O most merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.