Easter 6 Yr A
God's Own PEople

Eye Candy:
“Endless Road” by Margret Hofheinz-Doring, a long journey;
“Personification of Gentleness“, quatrefoil from Cathedrale d’Amiens;
“I am a child of God” by Howard Lyon, a very interesting presentation from blank canvas to complete picture;
"Moses leading the people" (1947 or 1957), Arthur Boyd [Ed's note: difficult to find original source].

Ear Worm:
“Made of one blood“, an interesting turn-of-the-19th century hymn (tune William Merrill; text Nolan Best); this is a fine study for linquists [don’t forget to click the play button];
“I got shoes“, song about the benefits of being God’s children, by Johnny Cash;
“You are mine” by David Haas, a memorable refrain;
"Immortal, invisible" from St. Paul's Cathedral's (London) memorial service following 9-11; also the US national anthem (brought a tear to my eyes)

Brain Food:
commentary by Matthew Skinner;
"From synagogues and sanctuaries" from Journey with Jesus website; 

brief comment from Marilyn Robinson:
Peter and his followers assumed what we must struggle to accept, that the world will pass away. The great recurring theme of biblical narrative is always rescue, whether of Noah and his family, the people of Israel, or Christ’s redeemed. The idea that there is a remnant too precious to be lost, in whom humanity will in some sense survive, has always been a generous hope, and a pious hope. For Peter this remnant is the ragtag community spreading into Rome and throughout its empire, the new Christians. Therefore in characterizing them to themselves he is describing those aspects of humanity dearest to God.

Parables:
"We were soldiers” (2002), strength of community;
“The legend of Beggar Vance” (2002), Beggar Vance gives Junnuh advice;
“Wizard of Oz“, commentator draws an interesting parallel drawn between “wizard’s wind” and “holy spirit” [Ed’s note: I guess the same might be said about Twister.];
"Pay it Forward" (2000), how God's children behave.

Hymn Notes: "Immortal, invisible, God only wise", (referenced above). How do you express the inexpressible mystery of the Creator whose name was unutterable in Hebrew Scriptures, save the self-described "I AM"? How do you put into words what cannot be known? How do you sing about the One who is ineffable—beyond all words? Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908) attempted this in his classic hymn, "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise." . . . This hymn is the only one of his volumes of poetry that remains in common use. Hymnologist Albert Bailey says composing poetry was for Smith "the retreat of his nature from the burden of his labors." . . . This classic expression of faith that acknowledges human finiteness in the face of the One hidden by the "splendor of light" contrasts with more evangelical hymns that express a desire for an intimate relationship with Jesus. Perhaps this indicates a need for balance between the intimate and ineffable. The Jewish tradition expresses this balance well in the prayer book, The Gates of Prayer: "O God, how can we know You? Where can we find You? You are as close to us as breathing, yet You are farther than the farthermost star."