Lectionary for Easter 2B
Opening sentence. This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you – God is light, and in God there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
Collect. Let us pray (as Christians thirsting for the risen life): Heavenly Father and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people towards the fullness of eternal life with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading. 1 John 1:1 to 2:2. As we begin this week, the celebrations for Easter will still be fresh in our minds but as we read this introduction from John’s first letter perhaps fifty or more years have transpired since Jesus’ resurrection. The church has begun to develop and the Jewish and Roman authorities are persecuting the growing groups of believers. John is writing to encourage the various congregations.
There are many points to consider in this first chapter but John begins by going right back to the beginning, reminding his readers of the practical reality of the faith. Christianity is not something from another realm it is very much grounded in this earthly life. Jesus lived and was physically present with his disciples. John says he was touchable and we touched him. However the life in him was an eternal life. Thus his death and resurrection effects life both now and into the future. Jesus’ life renewed through resurrection now links each believer’s life to the eternal life in Jesus and so to a real relationship with God. John wants us to know that our faith in Jesus has changed us in a most dramatic way, now we are related to God who is light and without any darkness. In the ancient world a bit like our own, “light” was often associated with knowledge. Consider the phrase, “She’s seen the light!”, knowledge or understanding has come.. Here in John “light” is used to describe pure goodness and without any sign of wrong. In the scriptures God’s nature is described as faithful, merciful, just and upright, one who keeps his word. Therefore the God who is light is also the God who is righteous and by contrast those who are in darkness are the unrighteous.
John is reminding believers that we are linked into an intimate relationship with this God who is righteous. To walk in the light is to walk in the way of righteousness, however John clearly realises that this is a tall order, perhaps he is remembering a verse from Job. “Can mortals be righteous before God?” (Job 4:17) The answer to the question is a resounding “No!”
That is why John is reminding us that only through Jesus can we claim to be righteous and so only through Jesus can we keep walking in the light. It is as we rely on Jesus, trusting in Him and not ourselves that we actually do walk in the light. It is the daily, even moment by moment remembrance that it is only through Jesus that we are worthy of being in a relationship with God. However, when we do trust is when we find a new and dynamic peace that brings a fresh joy to live as a Christian. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Prayer. Father God, you embrace us in your loving arms and have designed us to be a part of your great family of heaven and on earth. We are blessed to belong to your family and find in this a dignity which no one, nor nothing, can take away. Teach us to praise and honour our godly family more, by recognising the stamp of approval that you have placed on each one of those that you have chosen and called. Teach us to be obedient in rejoicing in their inclusion even as we rejoice in our own. May the bonds of family inform and empower all our relationships with all people. Lord let us live and love to your honour and glory. Amen
Reading. John 20:19-31. Biblical descriptions of the resurrection show how difficult it was to fully grasp that Jesus was alive after having been dead. The doors were locked for fear of the Jews. In a practical way that would be natural for once the leader is gone the remaining group become the prime target. Not surprising then that they keep the doors locked. Equally it makes a lot of sense as we read from John that Jesus’ first words to his disciples were to be “at peace!” The risen Lord comes first to quieten their natural fear and as their fear is diminished it becomes easier to realise that Jesus is alive. It is with that realisation that everything changes. The wounded Jesus is still in charge, his authority is unchanged. Not only has he conquered death but he has also rendered ineffective those who were seeking to destroy him. Death is the ultimate earthy weapon but once death is conquered those who live by deaths’ power are powerless. It is accepting that Jesus lives that brings true joy, and perhaps we might say relief to the disciples.
With the power of the world being nullified it is the power of the Holy Spirit that begins to guide them into ministry. As Jesus gives to them the Spirit of God he also gives them authority to announce the Gospel of Forgiveness. Forgiveness of sins comes by accepting that Jesus has lived and died and in that transaction forgiveness is available to be received. At the same time not to believe means that forgiveness is not available and therefore sin remains.
The disciples who met with Jesus find themselves completely changed; fear is gone and a new way has opened before them. For Thomas however things have not changed. The women at the tomb saw and the nine disciples saw but Thomas demands to touch Jesus. Thomas is convinced that only touch can bring the truth, however the minute he sees Jesus his faith is restored. Just as the nine disciples’ rational minds had led them to fear so Thomas’s rational mind led him only to unbelief. Thomas’s response is unequivocal “My Lord and my God!”. It is that exchange that reminds us that we cannot think our way to Jesus. In the end only revelation can bring us to true faith. However John reminds us that the Gospel is written so that belief may come and with belief will come true life. As we read and study the scriptures, as we worship in expectation, revelation and refreshing can come again and again.
Prayer. Most Gracious Lord, in your mercy refresh us each day concerning the wonders of your love for us. We so easily forget how great is your love and how privileged we are to receive all that you have prepared for us in Jesus our Saviour. Lord help us to keep our eyes on you and to rejoice in the freedom that your love gives to us. We follow a risen Saviour and it is Him who opens up true life for us. Help us through the freedom that He brings to love each other and so proclaim how effective your love is for us all. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus our Lord. Amen
Collect. Faithful God, when we are hidden behind locked doors, Christ comes to us with words of peace. Help us to hear his voice, and join him in reaching out to the world; we ask this through our risen Lord. Amen.
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