Let us pray: Lord, help us to be faithful in our devotion and worship during these tempting days of spring and summer. Light within our hearts the flame of gratitude that in this complaining and selfish world our light may shine. In the power of your love, enable us to tell the difference between desires and necessities; between enough and too much; between making a living and making a life. Help us to follow your Son in the freedom from the idolatry of things. In Christ’s name. Amen.

I am glad you are here! You know the first Sunday after Easter used to be known as "Low Sunday." Unfortunately the liturgical significance of this "naming" was gradually replaced by the reality of the day. The Sunday after Easter became (and remains) a Sunday low in attendance and spirit.

Our problem has be…