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May 28, 2025

Transformation as Salvation

Julie O'Neal   |   Read Psalm 97:1-12

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Lectionary Week
May 26–June 1, 2025
Scripture Overview

Across these verses, a rich journey unfolds, weaving together themes of identity, transformation, faith, and unity. Acts portrays powerful shifts in identity as a young enslaved girl and a jailer are given new opportunities. In the psalms, we read how people empowered with God’s righteousness and justice can transform communities. Revelation helps us remember the early church and how tradition continues today. John underscores unity among believers, praying for oneness through faith, mirroring divine unity. Collectively, these scriptures showcase how individual identity, nurtured by faith and transformation, unites people with God and one another, fostering cohesive unity and shared purpose.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Acts 16:16-34. When have you experienced unexpected transformations that have challenged your sense of identity and self-perception?
• Read Psalm 97. How does recognizing the presence of something greater than yourself inspire in you gratitude and a desire to contribute to your community?
• Read John 17:20-26. What signs of division do you see in your community? How can you work toward the oneness to which God calls us?
• Read Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21. Who is invited into the kingdom? How does this reshape the way you view the invitation to the sacraments?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 97:1-12

1 The LORD rules! Let the earth rejoice! Let all the islands celebrate! 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround God. His throne is built on righteousness and justice. 3 Fire proceeds before him, burning up his enemies on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees it and trembles! 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of the whole world! 6 Heaven has proclaimed God’s righteousness, and all nations have seen his glory. 7 All those who worship images, those who are proud of idols, are put to shame. All gods bow down to the Lord! 8 Zion has heard and celebrates, the towns of Judah rejoice, because of your acts of justice, LORD, 9 because you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth, because you are so superior to all other gods. 10 Those of you who love the LORD, hate evil! God guards the lives of his faithful ones, delivering them from the power of the wicked. 11 Light is planted like seed for the righteous person; joy too for those whose heart is right. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, righteous ones! Give thanks to his holy name!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In the musical Hamilton, Eliza Hamilton asks her husband, Alexander, to acknowledge the joy of simply being alive in the moment with one another. She wants him to be content because his efforts to build a new world and leave a legacy threaten his life. Her heartfelt words capture how...

Creator God, we acknowledge your presence as the ultimate refuge and source of true happiness and life. Guide us to create a society where every individual has access to a dignified life and a promising future. Amen.


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