April 7, 2024
Second Sunday of Easter
They say, “Life changes in an instant.” This is a cliché. But it is exactly what we see in the readings for today. In the chronological sequence of the New Testament, it happens first in the Gospel of John (Jn. 20:19-31) and then later in the First Reading from the book of Acts (Acts 4:32-35). Both shed light on the Christian response to life-changing situations.
It is Sunday evening, and the disciples are gathered together in a locked room. Just last Thursday evening they had enjoyed a Passover meal with Jesus. He had spoken some strange words about his body and blood being given up for them. But this was not unusual. Three times before they had heard Jesus makes predictions about his own death and so far everything seemed to be fine. Earlier in the week he was even welcomed into Jerusalem by a crowd who worshiped him.
Once they went into the Garden of Gethsemane, things took a turn for the worse. The chief priests showed up with a Roman cohort to arrest Jesus, and his dire predictions of betrayal and desertion came true. He was speedily put through a farce of a trial and condemned to crucifixion. One day later, the man they believed to be their messiah and savior was dead. In less than a twenty-four-hour period their lives had changed drastically.
Imagine the turmoil of emotions which must have been taking place among the disciples in that upper room in today’s Gospel. First and foremost, it would have been the grief, sadness, and loss over the death of a loved. This alone would have been very devastating, but they were also fearful of recriminations from the Jewish authorities and uncertain as to what they should do next. Their leader was now gone, and they had no one to instruct them or give them direction.
There also would have been a component of guilt. Other than the Beloved Disciple, they had abandoned Jesus when he needed them most. Even Peter, instead of coming to the defense of Jesus, had acted the part of a coward, and denied that he knew him at all. Added to all of this was the perplexity of the empty tomb and Mary’s vision of Jesus. Surely, they must have doubted the report of this woman, or at least attributed it to an incident of her seeing a ghost.
Then all of a sudden Jesus appears to them out of nowhere. He offers them peace and proof of his identity showing them the wounds in his hand and side. And he breathes on them his spirit so that they are equipped to carry on his mission. The disciples are beside themselves with joy. What started out as one the worst day of their lives instantly becomes a day of jubilance and celebration.
They can hardly contain their excitement when Thomas, who was missing previously, joins them. But Thomas has not had the benefit of the revelation they have received. He is still consumed by doubt, fear, and grief and refuses to believe unless he can see the injuries of Jesus for himself. Appearing a week later, Jesus allows Thomas to examine his wounds and physically touch him. Thomas’ demeanor changes immediately. All he can do is exclaim, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn. 20:28)
In the First Reading from Acts we can see how the disciples have been transformed after the Resurrection. Their lives are now serene and peaceful. They are “of one heart and mind” as they enthusiastically proclaim the good news about Jesus and their movement is gaining favor and recognition. They are a tranquil, cheerful community caring for one another and sharing all things in common, including the love and blessings left to them by Jesus.
Most of us have experienced how life can change in an instant. You merrily trot off for another day in the office just to arrive and find out that your position has been eliminated. What started out as a routine workday now becomes a time of fret and anxiety. How will I pay the bills? Will I be able to take care of my family? Will I be able to find a new job?
Or perhaps you have been feeling a little tired, and you think it is just stress. So, you schedule an appointment with your doctor, and she decides to do some testing. The results come back, and you learn that you have a unique form of cancer, perhaps treatable, but there are no guarantees. The prognosis is grim as you prepare to tell your family. Your mind now becomes consumed with fear. Will I die at this young age? What about all the plans we had for the future?
Probably the worst scenario of all might be when you send your teenage daughter or son out for the evening with their friends. They are a little late getting home, but you figure you will give them another half hour before you start calling around. The next thing you know the doorbell rings and a police officer is standing on your front porch with the horrible information. Your child has been killed in an accident. The news is too shocking and horrible to bear. Your life will never be the same. You will grieve until the day of your own death and your other relationships will suffer. Life is over as you know it.
These must have been some of the emotions that the followers of Jesus felt as they lowered his body from the cross. They thought life would never be the same, ever. There would only be anxiety, uncertainty, disruption, and grief. They never would have guessed that three days later their world would be renewed, that the risen Jesus would appear and fulfill all of their expectations.
What they experienced is the cliche. Life changes in an instant. It might bring joy and happiness. Or it might bring what feels like a lifetime of grief. Sometimes even for Christians who have the reassurance of the Resurrection of Jesus and hope for an eternity of contentment, this is little consolation when the situation seems so dire in the here and now.
However, there is something else to consider and it is not a cliche. It is two verses we find in scripture. The first is God’s ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:89). And the second is that one day of God’s time is a thousand years of man’s time (2Pet. 3:8). So, we have to try seeing our situation from God’s point of view. Even though life might change in an instant. One instant later, according to God’s timeframe, will be like living without a care in the world.
This is the promise of Jesus and the reason for our Easter celebration: “I will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away. Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:4-5a).
