The Third Sunday After Easter: Jubilate
On this Sunday after Easter, we look forward to the two events yet to come: Ascension and Pentecost. The readings for this Sunday lead us from the joys of Christ’s resurrection to the realistic viewpoint of our life as Christians, that is, sheep following the Good Shepherd through this vale of tears. For in order to one day rejoice with the choirs of heaven, we need to live in Word and Sacraments, fight against sin, error and temptation, and carry out God’s loving will as we deal with those around us. We live in no paradise, but with thorns and weeks, sin and temptation, unbelief and persecution. The Christian life is hard, difficult, and full of suffering, combat and testing. Yet, we also “Rejoice” because of the peace and hope that the risen Christ gives us.
The Introit: The Church is called upon to “make a joyful shout” to God because of His awesome works of salvation and resurrection. For who could love and forgive us like God does? Through the power of His Word, God’s enemies trust in Jesus and rejoice.
The Collect: This prayer extends the idea of God’s enemies submitting to Him, by asking God to show them His truth so that may turn away from all those things that are contrary to the true faith and follow after the voice of our Shepherd.
The Epistle: This reading from Revelation where St. John heard heavenly creatures singing praise to Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Savior. We may not understand what the angels, elders and creatures represent. What is important in this lesson is the words of their songs that are true praise to Jesus, as they worship Him as God.
The Gradual leads us through Christ’s death and resurrection to His ascension. Just as it was necessary for Jesus to suffer for our sins, rise from death and enter into His glory in order to win our salvation; so it is necessary that we also follow His example in our daily lives.
The Paraments are white to symbolize the joy and gladness that the message of Jesus’ rising from the dead gives us. It also symbolizes that righteousness that Jesus won for us on the cross that He gives us through faith in Him. As Jesus lives in glory, the while color reminds us of the glory and joy that He will give us in heaven.