Sunday after the Ascension- John 15

 The Sunday after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ is related to several Christian beliefs and themes. It is a basic expression of the broader Christian message. This time, let us focus on the opening words of this Sunday's Gospel. John 15:26-27 says, "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness..."

Note the Trinitarian theme related to the Ascension. The Gospel speaks of the Spirit who comes from God the Father and testifies of the Son. This is a beautiful summary of the Christian perspective on revelation and redemption. Christ's Ascension prepares the way for Pentecost. The risen Lord's physical departure from ordinary earthly contact with His followers allows the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, to come in a new and more powerful way. 

Yet, this sublime truth is not all; the message of the Ascension is not just abstract and heavenly. There is also a specific implication about the way Christ's followers are to live in the world. Our Lord tells His disciples that they shall bear witness. If we who follow Christ know something of heavenly truth, we are not to hide it. We are to share it in word and deed. Yes, Christ's Resurrection, His Ascension, and the Descent of the Holy Ghost are great events in salvation history. But we are not merely to bask in glorious reflection. We are called to active mission in the world.

Ascension Day

 This year, Thursday, May 14,  is Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter. While it may be understandable that many working people cannot make it to a church service on a weekday, it is not excusable when professing Christians do not even know what day it is. Clergy and teachers need to do a better job of instruction. Believers should be familiar with passages such as Acts 1:1- 11 and Luke 24: 49-53. Christ's Ascension into heaven is a basic New Testament teaching, and it is a central affirmation of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. In addition, thinking of the Ascension of Christ to the Father's right hand helps us better appreciate the Incarnation, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. Christ's ministry continues from heaven. Our crucified and risen Lord has taken His perfect human nature into heaven, and from there, He watches over us and intercedes for us.

The Collect of the Day:
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
     [It is fitting that the 1928 BCP rubrics direct this Collect to be said daily throughout the Octave.]

Rogation Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

 Yesterday was the Fifth Sunday after Easter, commonly called Rogation Sunday in the Anglican tradition. The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Day have been called Rogation Days. These days seem to date from the sixth century at Rome where Christian prayers for crops were appointed. Early processional litanies were associated with this observance, and other prayers of supplication were included during times of disaster. At the time of the English Reformation, the Rogation Days continued to be observed. In 1544, Thomas Cranmer first published the English Litany (based on Medieval and Lutheran sources). Although the Litany was originally said weekly, the Rogation Days were notable occasions for saying or singing the Litany in procession.

Books of Common Prayer from 1549 onward continued to include the Litany petition "that it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth so that in due time we may enjoy them." There were also other prayers related to nature and weather, and the American Prayer Book has incorporated a collect, epistle, and gospel on this theme (see !928 BCP, pp. 261-263).

Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural cycle of life, we should continue to be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that provides food and sustains earthly life. Furthermore, as we  approach Ascension Day on Thursday, it is also appropriate that we be especially aware of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor and Mediator. So on these days and every day, let us pray for both natural and spiritual needs in Christ's name, in His spirit, and for His purposes.

Easter V- Rogation Sunday- John 16:23-33

On traditional Anglican calendars, the common name for the Fifth Sunday after Easter is Rogation Sunday. The term "rogation" comes from the Latin verb rogo, rogare. This is one Latin term for asking or praying. It is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Rogation Days go back to the early centuries of the Italian church, and this Sunday and following week days became times to emphasize prayer, especially Christian prayers for good crops.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is also appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This bold claim has sometimes been misunderstood as an automatic guarantee of desired results. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the verse is not a simple liturgical formula. Christian prayer must never be seen as some sort of magical manipulation of divine power. Rather, we truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in a Christlike attitude. This is the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: "nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our union with Christ and in accordance with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray with a humble, faithful, and spiritual attitude, God does greater things for us than we limited human beings can imagine or comprehend.

In sixteenth-century England, the Rogation Days continued to emphasize prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural cycle of life, we should be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that provides food and sustains earthly life. In addition, as we approach the commemoration of Christ's Ascension, it is good to have a heightened awareness of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor and Mediator. All our prayers should be offered in Christ's name, in His spirit, and for His purposes.

Easter IV- James 1:18; John 16:13-14

The traditional Epistle and Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter are distinctive texts that may seem to be about different topics. James 1 has some very practical everyday advice for faithful living. John 16 contains high theological thoughts about Christ's departure and the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. Yet, there is a theme in common in these two passages. That theme is "the truth."  

In James 1:18, we are told that as believers, God has begotten "us with the word of truth." In John 16:13-14, Jesus says, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

What is the truth referred to in our readings? It applies to several things. First, the truth is the Bible, God's inspired written document. Secondly, the truth is also a person; it is Jesus Christ, God the Son, the eternal Word made flesh. Thirdly, for us, the truth is the Gospel of salvation through faith in our crucified and risen Lord. The Gospel message is the greatest truth of the universe, and as James 1:21 indicates, when received in humble faith, "the engrafted word" is able to save our souls! Thanks be to God for His living and life-giving truth! Alleluia!

Easter III- John 16:16-22

The traditional Gospel read on this Sunday is from John 16:16-22. In these verses from our Lord's Farewell Discourses, we have another instance of the disciples not understanding what Jesus is talking about. He predicts His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. He warns them to expect separation and sorrow while they await His renewed presence. He drives His points home in two verses. In John 16:20, He states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." He explains this in John 16:22, "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (KJV).

Although they are slow to understand, the disciples eventually learn what Jesus teaches about sorrow and joy. They learn through Christ's cross and resurrection. His sufferings and their separation from Him bring them great sorrow, but His resurrection brings them profound joy. He changes them, and they find new strength in facing all the sorrows and joys of life in this world. The joy of His resurrection is so deep and strong that they learn to follow Him in deeper and stronger ways. They are empowered to serve Him through all the sorrows and joys of this world and remain faithful to the end.

These words about sorrow and joy still apply to Christian believers. We all experience earthly sorrows and joys. But there is one joy that surpasses our circumstances in the world. That great joy comes from knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us. Through His Word in Scripture, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, and through the visible Word in His sacraments, we sense His presence in this life, and we look forward to His presence with us eternally. In Paul's words from Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord, alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Easter II- I Peter 2:19-25; John 10:11-16

On the traditional one-year calendar, the Second Sunday after Easter highlights the theme of Christ the Good Shepherd (the three-year lectionary delays this theme for a week). In the Gospel from John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life and takes it up again to save His sheep, whatever fold they may be part of.

The theme of  Jesus Christ as a faithful Shepherd also occurs in the epistle selection from I Peter 2:19-25. In other recently read preceding passages from 1 Peter 1 and from 1 Peter 2:1-10, the Apostle refers to Christ's Resurrection, faith, hope, and the implications for the lives of believers. Thus, our passage in 1 Peter 2 is based on faith in the risen Lord Jesus. With this in mind, Peter is doing more than offering some practical advice about life. He is teaching that those who believe in Christ's Resurrection should live in accord with what they profess. The tribulations that come in this world should remind us of Christ's own innocent sufferings and His victory over them. He is the Suffering Servant who has triumphed over pain and death. He has risen from the dead, and He offers believers new life. He is the shepherd and overseer of our souls. Because of the death and resurrection of Christ, nothing should destroy our Christian hope.

Easter I- John 20:19-23

The Gospel for the First Sunday after Easter is John 20:19-23. The risen Christ appears to ten of the apostles (Thomas is absent). When He comes, Jesus blesses the disciples with divine peace. Despite reports of the Resurrection, they are still fearful and timid, and troubled by guilt. When the risen Lord comes to where they are locked in, He brings greetings in the common Jewish manner, saying, “Peace be with you."

This Biblical greeting is an implied prayer for God’s peace. Christ's prayer for peace has a special meaning in light of His resurrection. It is a blessing from the risen Lord, who is the embodiment of God’s peace. After all that has happened, the disciples have a special need for His peace and assurance. They need His forgiveness and encouragement.

Christ does not stop with reassuring words. Jesus adds a mission or a call to action. As the heavenly Father has sent Him, likewise Christ sends the apostles (and through them, His whole Church). Jesus brings peace through His resurrection victory over sin and spiritual death, and He asks His disciples to share that peace with others. Jesus the Christ is risen and alive, and His peace is to be spread. His followers are to continue His work in the world. Christians are called to share the peace that comes through faith in the crucified and risen Lord with all people.

Easter Week- Luke 24; John 20

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday have come and gone. Christian preparation for Good Friday and Easter has passed. Celebration and rejoicing have reached a high point on Easter morning, and we have begun the 50 days of Easter joy.  Unfortunately, for many of us, during the rest of Easter week and even the whole season, it seems we crash. This tendency is understandable. We often exhaust ourselves with preparations and then lack the energy to enjoy the spiritual celebrations on the church calendar.

However, the fact is that Easter Week and the fifty days of Eastertide should be filled with spiritual rejoicing for individual believers and the body of believers. We should be freshly inspired by our Lord's Resurrection. So even if we take a brief pause to catch our breath, let us remain focused on our risen Lord in our thoughts and prayers.

The Traditional Books of Common Prayer offer us help to continue celebrating. The primary collect for Easter Sunday is to be said throughout the week. There are Eucharistic collects and readings for Easter Monday and Tuesday in BCPs from 1549-1962. The Anglican Missal and newer Prayer Books also provide propers for all of Easter Week. Hymnals contain numerous Easter hymns which may be read or sung as prayers of praise and thanksgiving. And as always, there are readings for the Daily Offices. 

So let us be filled with prayers and praises during the Easter Season. Our prayers of thanksgiving and rejoicing for Christ's Resurrection should be as devoted as our prayers of preparation and repentance! Christ is risen! Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!

Easter V, Rogation Sunday- John 16:23-33

 Historically, the Fifth Sunday after Easter has been called Rogation Sunday, and the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week have also been known as Rogation Days. The term "rogation" comes from the Latin verb rogo, rogare. This is one Latin term for praying and is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Rogation Days date back to sixth-century Rome where Christian prayers for crops were appointed to replace certain pagan customs. Early processional litanies were associated with this observance, and other prayers of supplication were included during times of disaster.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is one of several from the Farewell Discourses, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This is a bold claim and has been misunderstood by some. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the real meaning goes beyond certain liturgical formulae. We truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in Christlike humility. Such prayer includes the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our participation in Christ and in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray in that spirit, God is doing greater things for us than we in our human limitations can comprehend.

At the time of the 16th-century English Reformation, practices were simplified, but the Rogation Days continued as occasions for the Litany and prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural way of life, it is good for us to continue to be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that sustains earthly life.  Furthermore, as we approach Ascension Day, it is appropriate that we be more aware of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor; it is in His name and spirit that we are to offer up all our prayers.

Easter IV- John 16:5-15

 The Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter is John 16:5-15. Like some other selections during this season, these verses are from our Lord's Farewell Discourses to the Twelve on the evening of Maundy Thursday. In these discourses, our Lord addresses some of the misunderstandings and worries of the disciples. He is about to go away (first through His Passion and Death, later through His Ascension). He strengthens and encourages His followers by speaking of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13, Jesus says, "when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth..." (KJV). Then in John 16:15, Christ asserts, “All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he [the Holy Spirit] shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

The situation of the disciples is changing. Jesus will not be them in the ordinary physical way, but the work of the Holy Spirit will continue Christ’s ministry on earth.  The Holy Spirit is not confined by location, ethnicity, language, or time. The Spirit guides believers into truth. Yet, this truth is not some new message. It is the same eternal truth that has been revealed by God the Father to Israel over the ages. And it is the same truth revealed in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. 

So redemptive truth is Trinitarian. It comes from God the unseen heavenly Father. It has been made known by the divine Word over the ages and finally become incarnate in Jesus. This same eternal truth also works through the Holy Spirit. It will continue to work in the world until the end of history. The Spirit of Truth works in many ways, but chiefly He works through the Scriptures and the sacraments. He works in the church as the community of believers, and He works in the lives of faithful individuals.

Our verses from John 16 proclaim a simple and clear basic point. The work of the Spirit comes from God the Father, and it is consistent with the revelation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. The work of the Holy Spirit is not a new or separate revelation; it is a series of living applications of the divine truth already revealed, especially revealed in Jesus Christ. This is good news!

Easter III- John 16:22

The Gospel for this Third Sunday after Easter is from John 16:16-22. This is one of several selections during Eastertide from the “Farewell Discourses” where Jesus gives some final instructions to His followers before the crucifixion. In all likelihood, He may have repeated similar instructions during His forty days with them after Easter.

A key verse in the passage is John 16: 22: “ And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Joy is a major of Easter and the following season, but we are tempted to ignore its great importance. The joy of Christ's living presence should remain in our hearts and minds. 

Jesus Christ rises from the dead. He wins an eternal victory over Satan, sin, and death, and He offers us true joy. This joy of Christ goes beyond passing earthly happiness. Christian joy is a spiritual gift. It transforms the sorrows of this world. It comes from the grace of God embodied in Jesus Christ. As believers, we still have both sorrows and joys, but there is one joy that surpasses our earthly circumstances. We still have bad times in this life, but the joy of Christ can remain through our worldly sorrows. Since this joy comes from our Lord, no one can take it from us. We can forget it or ignore it, but the gift is still there. So in faith, we should reclaim joy if it fades and abide in it. This is the great joy of knowing that the presence of the risen Christ is with us, in this world and the next!

Easter II- I Peter 2; John 10

 The Epistle for the Second Sunday after Easter is from 1 Peter 2:19- 25. At first glance, this passage is a moral exhortation that does not say a lot about resurrection, but if we look at the context, it is related to what the Apostle says in 1 Peter 1:3-4. There the Apostle refers to Christ's Resurrection as the basis for faith, hope, and Christian living.

Thus, our passage in 1 Peter 2 is based on faith in the risen Lord Jesus. Peter is not merely giving some practical advice about a moral life. He is teaching that those who believe in Christ's Resurrection should live in accord with what they profess. The problems that believers undergo in this world should point us to Christ's innocent sufferings. He is the Suffering Servant who has triumphed over pain and death. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, and He offers us new life. He is the shepherd and overseer of our souls, and He calls us to live in ways that reflect our faith in Him.

So as Jesus teaches us in John 10, He is truly the Good Shepherd. He has walked through the valley of the shadow of death for us and risen to life. He has cared for us as sheep in His flock, and He continues to guide and protect us. Although there are real dangers and threats to our physical and spiritual well-being, nothing should destroy our Christian hope. Our Good Shepherd has overcome our greatest dangers, and He is still leading us and providing for us. 

Easter V- Rogation- John 16

 Among Anglicans, the common name for the Fifth Sunday after Easter is Rogation Sunday, and the Monday, Tuesday. and Wednesday of the following week have long been known as Rogation Days. The term "rogation" comes from one Latin term for asking or praying. This word is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Originally, Rogation Days were times of Christian prayers for crops that replaced certain pagan customs. Later, litanies and other prayers of supplication were added.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) continues a series of selections from the Farewell Discourses, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:23b). This is a strong affirmation that has sometimes been misunderstood. Using Christ's name in prayer is an ancient and laudable Christian practice, but it must not be superficial. Christian prayer must not be distorted into some sort of magical manipulation. Rather, we truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in a Christlike attitude. This is the attitude of Christ in Gethsemene: "Nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). The heavenly Father blesses us through our unity with Jesus Christ, and our prayers should always be in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray with such a spiritual attitude, God does greater things for us than we limited human beings can imagine or comprehend.

Easter IV- John 16:5-15

The traditional Gospel for this Sunday from John 16:5-15 is one of the rich selections from the "Farewell Discourses." Here our Lord seeks to reassure the disciples by speaking of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He says, "I tell you that it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" (16: 7). A little later, He adds, "when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth..." (16: 13).

These verses point to the divine plan for Christ's mission. As Jesus' ordinary physical presence on earth draws to a close, His followers experience some natural human anxiety. They do not really understand much that is about to happen, and they certainly do not want to hear of His leaving. But Christ's death, resurrection, and return to heaven are good for His followers. In heaven, He will intercede for them and prepare a place for them. Furthermore, through a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Christ will continue to work among His followers in ways transcending His earthly ministry. The Spirit will guide them into truth. This truth is not some new, secret or unheard of truth, but it is the same truth already manifested in the person of Christ.

The essential point of Jesus' teaching should be clear to Christians. He teaches us that the work of the Holy Spirit must not be separated from the revelation in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. The work of the Spirit among Christians is a series of living applications of the truth already revealed in Christ and His Gospel. So as the Easter season winds down, and we look forward to Ascension and Pentecost, we should appreciate the unity of divine truth. The basic work of redemption in Jesus Christ was a unique time in history, but the same Christ continues to be be present and guide Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church.

Easter III- John 16:20

The Gospel for this Third Sunday after Easter is from John 16:16-22. This is one of several selections during Eastertide from the “Farewell Discourses.” In these discourses in John, Christ gives His disciples instructions about who He is and about their discipleship. These instructions may have very well been repeated during the forty days after Easter.

A key verse in our Gospel today is John 16: 20: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” Joy is a central theme of the Easter season, but we should take time to reflect on its meaning. Christian joy is not simply ordinary worldly happiness; it is a profound spiritual blessing.

During Lent and Holy Week, we emphasized the way of the cross, the sorrows and sufferings of Christ. And we must never gloss over those realities. However, sin, suffering, and sorrow do not have the last word. Jesus Christ rises from the dead. He wins an eternal victory and brings true joy. This joy of Christ is not some fleeting earthly happiness. While joy may sometimes be expressed through ordinary good times, the joy of Christ transcends transitory manifestations. Christian joy is more than ordinary human happiness. It comes from beyond this world. It comes from the goodness, the love, and the grace of God.

True joy can remain in the good times and the average times of ordinary life. And the joy of Christ can also remain through all the difficult times. It can abide with us in sickness, pain, and sadness- even through the valley of the shadow of death. As believers, we still have both sorrows and joys. But there is one joy which surpasses our earthly circumstances- there is the great joy of knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us!

Easter II- The Good Shepherd- John 10:11

In the traditional Gospel for the Second Sunday after Easter from John 10, our Lord boldly proclaims, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). There are two main aspects of Jesus’ claim. 1) Jesus is claiming to be the Messiah- a leader like King David in many ways. 2) By calling Himself the Good Shepherd, Jesus of Nazareth is also moving His claim to a different dimension. Let us notice that Jesus does not merely say “I’m a good shepherd.” He says, “I am the good shepherd.” The “I am” sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel are reflections of God’s name in Exodus. 

In Scripture, God Himself is the Good Shepherd of Israel, and by identifying Himself this was, Jesus is claiming a unique relationship with God the Father. So in this verse, Jesus is saying that He is both the human Messiah and the divine Son of God. He is the great leader of the chosen people in both ways. 

The Easter season stresses our hope in Christ. Accepting and trusting Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd highlights Christian hope in a special way. All too often we are like wandering sheep, but we do have a leader, a shepherd, that we can trust. Easter is a celebration and a proclamation of the depth of our Shepherd’s love and of His victorious power. So let us heed Him and have faith in Him. Let us follow where He leads and accept His nourishment for our souls through His Word and Sacraments.

Easter I- Resurrection Peace- John 20:19-23

In the Gospel for the First Sunday after Easter (John 20:19-23), the risen Christ appears to ten Apostles and blesses them with divine peace. Despite reports of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples remain fearful and timid. The risen Lord comes to where they are hiding, and He brings greetings in the common Jewish manner, saying “Peace be with you.” 

In Scripture, this greeting is an implied prayer for God’s peace, and this implied prayer has a special meaning in light of Christ’s resurrection. At Easter, the common greeting becomes a specific blessing from the risen Lord. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s peace. He reconciles repentant and believing sinners with the heavenly Father. After everything that has happened, the disciples have a special need for His peace. They have not been very faithful. Even after hearing of His resurrection, they are still fearful. So they need to hear reassuring words directly from Christ. 

Jesus shares His resurrection victory over sin and spiritual death with His disciples. Through His Cross and Resurrection, Christ has accomplished the reconciliation of penitent sinners with God. This is true peace, and Jesus shares this divine peace with the apostles. And this peace is not limited to the apostles alone. As the heavenly Father has sent Him, likewise Christ sends the apostles and through them, His whole Church. Jesus Christ is risen and alive, and He wants His peace to spread through His followers.

Christ’s words of greeting remind us that divine peace is part of the Gospel. In Scripture, peace has many implications, and people often have limited or superficial understandings of peace. We need to see peace as a spiritual condition involving the relationship between God and human beings. We also need to realize that the resurrection of Jesus is the high point of scriptural teachings about peace. Faith in Christ can contribute to other types of peace, but most importantly, the risen Christ offers us peace with God. He overcomes our fallen estrangement from God; He offers us new eternal life in God’s holy and merciful presence. And the peace of His resurrection is not some private possession. It is not a secret that we are to keep to ourselves. The risen Christ wants us to share the joy of His spiritual peace with others. When we have living faith in Him, we can begin to share in the peace brought by His resurrection victory over sin and death.

Friday in Easter Week- Revelation 1

The New Testament reading for Morning Prayer in the 1928 American BCP (1945 lectionary) is from Revelation 1:4-18. This selection provides a meaningful way for us to look back at the last week. On Good Friday, it is appropriate for us to focus on the details of our Lord's Passion and Death. On Easter, it is appropriate to emphasize the power, mystery, awe, and joy of Jesus' Resurrection. Now it is easier to see His Death and Resurrection together. As Revelation 1:5 indicates, we recognize Jesus Christ as "the first begotten of the dead." Jesus' Resurrection is unique. His return to life is more than a temporary restoration of an ordinary person; His Resurrection is a lasting victory with eternal significance. This is made even clearer in Revelation 1:18, "And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." This is a forceful proclamation of Christ's role as the crucified and risen Saviour. And it shows that Jesus Christ is not merely some historical hero. He is the everliving Lord over life, death, and life beyond death! He is Lord of our lives now and evermore! Alleluia!

Easter Tuesday- Resurrection and Incarnation- Luke 24: 36-48

 Traditional Books of Common Prayer provide propers for the Tuesday after Easter. This observance may have been intended to give more opportunity for Easter Communions. Aside from referring to the initial fear of the disciples, the Gospel from Luke 24:36-48  highlights two points: 1) the physicality of Jesus' resurrection, and 2) His resurrection as the fulfillment of all Scripture.

First, many people in the first century and since have not appreciated the unique character of Jesus' resurrection. Many people have merely viewed Christ's resurrection as a vague affirmation of spiritual survival. Some have viewed it as a dream, a vision, or even as some sort of ghost story. However, the New Testament accounts deny such bland understandings of the Resurrection. Although Jesus' physical nature has certainly been transformed (for example, space and time no longer limit His movements like before), the risen Jesus still has a tangible body. He walks and talks. He bears marks of the crucifixion. He can be touched. He can eat and drink. During the 40 days till the Ascension, Christ is physically present with His followers in real ways. His Resurrection is both a transformation of and a continuation of His Incarnation!

Secondly, as mentioned in yesterday's post, Jesus uses the days of Easter to complete the instruction of His followers in the meaning of Scripture. He re-emphasizes some of the teachings that the disciples never seemed to understand before. He equips them for lasting faith and mission. In particular, Jesus interprets the whole biblical message in light of His life, death, and resurrection. The risen Christ helps His followers see that He is the eternal Word at the heart of all Holy Scripture. He is the One whose death and resurrection gives all divine revelation its ultimate and abiding significance! He is the Gospel, the Good News, personified!