Second Sunday of Easter, April 11, 2010
 
During this Easter season, we proclaim the Acts of the Apostles, the book of Revelation, and the Gospel of John.
 
It is important to remember that the Acts of the Apostles is not exact history.  It is a proclamation of faith that sounds like history.  Acts is the second volume of a two-volume work; the first volume is the Gospel of Luke.  Some scholars judge that this two-volume work was written around 85 C.E., though recently other scholars have suggested years later.   Acts is a creative story about religious truth—the truth that the Spirit led the development of the early Christian community, the truth that the good news of Jesus is for all people, Jew and Gentile.  Of course, the first disciples had to speak and travel and touch people’s lives in order for the Gospel to spread.  Acts offers an idyllic account of this process.
 
The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos, who is neither the apostle nor the evangelist, for the early Christian communities in what we now call Turkey.  The book addressed the real life of their day near the end of the first century, not some unknown future, using symbols and visions to encourage hope and perseverance in the midst of persecution.
 
Today’s gospel, proclaimed in all three liturgical cycles, describes two familiar post-resurrection appearances, the first on Easter evening, the second a week later. In the first scene, John combines into one hour what we have come to call Easter and Pentecost.
 
Let’s listen to God’s word!
 
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Our Easter readings invite us to continue our meditation on the meaning of resurrection.  Two themes emphasized by Pastor Bollman in his vigil homily remain in focus: presence and peace.
 
The transformation we name and describe as resurrection allows Jesus to encounter the disciples in many different situations: in fear and at table, in the Scriptures and in the events of their lives.  Often, the disciples do not initially recognize him, nor do they understand. Eventually, however, they learn to discern his presence, especially in the gift of peace, a peace overflowing with justice and compassion, forgiveness and love.
 
The process remains true for us too.  Our lives and vision and meaning are transformed.  In the fears and horrors of our lives—scandals in the Church, murders in our city, countless crucified peoples in our world—and in the times of light and consolation—our vigil celebration last week, caring compassion, gentle love—in all these events, the risen Jesus meets us, inviting us to see and to trust, and sends us, guided by the Spirit, to faithful and often costly service.
 
Just as Thomas needed to be part of the community of disciples to encounter the risen Jesus, so too we need each other, indeed all of God’s people through the ages. As a wonderful expression of that reality, we will soon baptize Isaac into this new life.
 
But first, today, this week, this Easter, ponder: where do you need to find God’s gift of peace? How will you help build a culture of nonviolence and life?