While we encourage the graduates to soar like eagles as they develop their skills and knowledge, we also remind them that those gifts are to be used humbly among the "turkeys."

Even though Jesus was no longer visible with them, the disciples were still filled with great joy because of the resurrection.

Jesus says, "If you love me you will keep my commandments." That's not so much a new commandment as it is a promise that Jesus fills in us.

We usually don't think of stones as living, but in Jesus, we are, like living stones, being built into spiritual priesthood offering sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (who is the living stone rejected by men, but precious in the sight of God).

"All I learned about sheep I learned in church." With that Pastor Harvala launches into what is called "Good Shepherd Sunday." But before Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd," he first says, "I am the door." And it is through Jesus that the sheep find security and good pasture.

Peter simply explodes with joy as he reminds us of all the blessings that flow from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!

Peter and John saw and believed something. Mary Magdalene heard and knew.

This is a reading of the Gospel of John, the 18th and 19th chapters, interspersed with a hymn and closing prayer.