THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR EASTER 2 – 23-04-06
Psalm 133
Note the symbols of unity – the reconciled group; the lavish use of fragrant oils; and the dew on Mt. Hermon. We might add the use of incense or the Aboriginal use of smoke from burning green eucalyptus leaves. This unity is the spiritual experience of God’s blessing.
Acts 4: 32-35
The resurrection story tells how the Jesus people began their group life in radically new ways. They sold spare property and shared the proceeds so that widows who once faced hunger and death through lack of male help were now supported by the group. Each member had so vividly experienced the risen Christ that they formed a transformed community.
1John 1: 1-2;2
This letter. written late in that first century argues that the life and resurrection of Christ is more than a true story. “We cannot be content to leave this story in our diaries or photo albums and move on: it is there to change our lives.” (With Love to the World. 21-04-06. p 45). Things which were shadowy and uncertain become clear in the strong light of the risen Christ.
John 20: 19-31
This story seems to focus on the very sensible objection of Thomas that a story so amazing must have ample proof. But think of the subplot.. Here was a small defensive group, but as they tell their resurrection stories their Jesus with all the scars of his death becomes visibly present, and offers his gift of peace. On the second occasion Thomas is satisfied. So too over the centuries has many a small. anxious and defensive group found new life.
Question for Pentecost.
In a world where we have allowed the threat of terrorism to raise old prejudices and racial fears, we ask what was the event which made the Jesus people see every member of the human family as equal before the one Spiritual Power so that Jew and Gentile, master and slave, man and woman, could sit down together in love sharing a common meal?
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