Wait, they fell asleep? - April 13

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 93, 98; PM Psalm 66; Exod. 12:14–27; 1 Cor. 15:1–11; Mark 16:1–8

I love the stories of Easter, probably because the people who meet the resurrected Christ are usually surprised, shocked, or do not realize quite the importance of what they are seeing with their own eyes. In Mark’s Gospel, the Marys encounter a young man dressed in a white robe. In John’s Gospel, it is a gardener who they then realize is their friend who has just died. In Luke’s Gospel, they run into Jesus on a road to Emmaus and they spend what seems like hours with him before the realize the importance of the conversation. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians that we hear from today, Paul talks about Cephas and then the twelve meeting Jesus, and then five hundred at one time. Paul says, “most of who are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.” Can you imagine how extraordinary those accounts would be? Wait, they fell asleep?

We are not only people of the Resurrection, but we are people of the Incarnation. This means that when we gather in person, when we reach out to our fellow human beings, we come to realize that our ordinary relationships are much more. It might take as long or longer than those disciples on the road to Emmaus, but eventually, we see the divine spark in the rest of humanity. It can really unsettle how we understand people. And then sometimes we fall asleep. Even if we had previously come to know the extraordinary truth of God Incarnate. I am glad Paul goes easy on those people in the group of 500 who have fallen asleep. It doesn’t sound like he is even surprised.

It is interesting to watch what seems like an astonishing renewal of faith as our society shifts, the economy falters, and what was normal two months ago becomes an impossible way to live right now. People are finding church and becoming engaged like never before. I suspect others who were regular volunteers and nearly every Sunday attenders are taking a break from church. Our daily rhythms and the practice of our faith have changed for everyone. Maybe like Paul, there is an invitation for grace, but we should also remember the power of those odd encounters of what seem like ordinary people. Maybe the phone call, the text message, the handwritten card, the smile at the grocery store worker, taking the time to check on an isolated neighbor, or the car parade at a birthday are much more important than we realize. Because Jesus has risen, and we don’t know where he might appear next. Alleluia, alleluia!

- John+

Questions for Reflection

  • Who is someone who you have encountered that has surprised you or caused you to change your understanding of that person?

  • What is your Emmaus or resurrection story?

Challenge

  • Practice this week suspending judgment when someone gets under your skin. What would it look like to imagine that person could reflect the image of God?

John Burruss