Acts 3:12-19
Psalm 4
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48
In our opening reading from the Book of Acts, Peter and John have just healed a lame man who had spent his whole life begging for alms.
The man not only stands up. He leaps for joy. The people looking on are amazed. They think that Peter and John are miracle workers. Peter explains that this healing has come from God.
Our epistle for today reminds us that we are God’s children. We are called to live lives that show forth God’s light and love.
Our gospel for today comes after the wonderful story of the walk to Emmaus. Jesus joins two of his followers who have witnessed his death and are horrified and devastated beyond belief. But they do not recognize him. He asks them why they are so upset and they tell him what has happened. They still do not realize who he is. They arrive home, and Jesus looks as though he is going to continue on his way, but they invite him in, still not recognizing him.
It is only when they break bread together that the two disciples realize who Jesus is. They rush back to Jerusalem to tell the others they have seen he risen Lord. They find the eleven apostles and the companions who are with them. The two men from Emma’s are bursting with their good news, but the the others are shouting out their own joyful report:“The Lord has risen, and he has appeared to Peter!” The two disciples from Emmaus tell about their encounter with the risen Lord, and how they recognized him in the breaking of the bread.
Then Jesus is among them, again bestowing his peace, his shalom. They are terrified. They think he is a ghost. “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts,” he asks them. He points out his wounds. They are trying to absorb all of this. Joy is beginning to seep up from deep inside them, but they wonder how this could be.
And then, that wonderful moment. “Do you have anything here to eat?” he asks. He is hungry. How human! How down to earth. He is not a ghost. He is risen. It is really Jesus. He has been through all of that torture; he has died, and here he is asking for food.
Sometimes, when we think all hope is gone, It is very difficult to realize that the risen Christ is walking right beside us. We think it is impossible that he could be alive after what he went through. We do not see how he could really care that much about us. Who are we, that he should give himself for us, go through the worst horrors we can imagine, rise again, and then be with us every moment, leading and guiding us?
That is how his love is. It is beyond our understanding. He is our brother. He is our Good Shepherd. And he is indeed risen. And he leads us into a new level of living that is impossible without him. A kind of life that values all people, loves every person. A life that is eternal and vibrant with light and energy. A life and love that nothing can destroy.
Have you heard of Weston Priory? This is a community of Benedictine monks down in southern Vermont who live and share God’s love in Christ and in the Spirit. You can go there and visit them. They have come to our diocesan convention. They have a powerful ministry of inclusiveness and peacemaking and support of human rights and care for all people. They also have a music ministry which has touched the hearts and lives many people, including many folks in our Church.
I’m going to play a song of theirs about the Walk to Emmaus and about new life in Christ. It’s called “All Along the Way.” Please feel free to sing along.
Filed under: Reverend Janet Brown, Sermons | Tagged: Acts 3, Easter 3, Luke 24, Psalm 4 1 John |
Grace Episcopal Church (Sheldon, VT) 