| Acts 3: 11 – 26 Psalm 8 St. Luke 24: 36b – 48 There are three interlocking components of the resurrection of Jesus: 1. the empty tomb, 2. the multiple apparitions, and 3. the seismic change in the followers of Jesus. Jesus was buried in a conspicuous place in a new tomb, and that this tomb is found with discarded grave-cloths is only the beginning of our Easter narrative. The apparitions of Jesus, multiple and numerous, are what rattle his cowardly disciples, who had deserted him in crisis and hid themselves away in the days following Christ’s crucifixion. St. Paul, writing long before the Gospels were written and within the lifetime of those who experienced the resurrection, summarizes the apparitions in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-8, culminating in an appearance to 500 people at the same time, “many of them still with us,” Paul writes. This resurrected Jesus takes pains to indicate continuity between his pre-resurrection and his post-resurrection identity. The disciples are startled in today’s lesson from St. Luke’s Gospel. They think they are seeing a spirit or a ghost. The Risen Lord takes pains to demonstrate to them otherwise. “Touch my hands and my feet. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” To emphasize his point, Christ asks, “Do you have anything to eat?” The gathered disciples give him some broiled fish, and the Risen Jesus eats. Why is this important? Greeks believed in the immortality of the soul…Jews, not so much. In Greek thought there was an indestructible element of human life, a soul or spirit, which comes into the body and birth and returns to God at death. This is not, strictly speaking, the Christian view of matters. The Gospels teach that God raised Jesus from the dead, not as a soul, but as a new being with elements of corporality and complete connection to his previous identity. Jesus’ palpable and real death has been overcome by his union with God, and it is this ‘being seen and known by God’, this union with God, which is the foundation of the Christian Hope. No wonder the disciples are startled and terrified. No wonder “in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering.” This repeated and unusual presentation of Jesus to his disciples clarifies that Jesus does not belong only to the historical past, and that his disciples are not now summoned to follow some eternal, overly-spiritualized Christ. Crucifixion and resurrection are one, and following Christ requires present engagement with one’s personal suffering and the suffering of others. Faith in Christ is a summons to “take up one’s Cross and follow,” as we are elsewhere reminded. The Church, the Body of Christ, in union with God, must have scars in hands and side and and feet. We are not to be overly-spiritual people. More on that, and on the third dimension of Jesus’ resurrection, in Friday’s reflection. “I remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news I proclaimed to you, which you received, in which you stand, and through which you are being saved.” 1 Corinthians 15:1 Canon George F. Woodward III Post Script: Some of our parishioners who belong to the British Commonwealth have asked that occasionally we offer a prayer for the Queen, a traditional version of which is below. The Collect for Thursday in Easter Week “Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen” BCP page 223 In the Morning “This is another day, O Lord. I do not know what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.” BCP page 461 A Collect for the Queen Almighty and everlasting God, we are taught by thy most holy Word, that the hearts of kings are in thy rule and governance, and that though dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: we humbly beseech thee so to dispose and rule the heart of Elizabeth thy Servant, our Queen and Governor, that, in all her thoughts, words, and works, she may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to her charge, in wealth, peace and godliness: grant this, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son’s sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
| St. Paul’s Anglican Church Calzada del Cardo, 6 Centro 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 415.121.3424 www.StPaulSMA.com |