Found Worthy to Suffer
They left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus. Acts 5:41-42
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline." Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. John 6:8-10
Piety
Dear Lord, it feels impossible to believe that my life can change, that I can move out of this rut I am in. I know I don't always live my life feeling your love and being my best self. Help me to trust in you, to drop my defenses and to feel how deeply I am loved and forgiven by you. Give me the courage to feel it in my heart when you say, “Don't be afraid” and “Peace be with you.” I so long for that peace in my life but it feels so far away sometimes. Help me to believe in you, to drive away the doubts and unbelief that harden my heart. I know my life can change if only I can say with all my heart, “I trust in you, Lord. I believe in your mercy and I know that with your help, my life can be healed.”
Study
Last Sunday, we started out the Second Week of Easter with the Gospel about “Doubting Didymus.” The theme of doubt creeps its way into the readings again today. First, the Sanhedrin doubts that they can stop the disciples if their work is “from God.” That does not stop them from flogging the disciples, but at least they let them free after some punishment. Second, the disciples doubt that Jesus can feed the five thousand with merely five barley loaves and two fishes.
Yet, when Jesus is told about the paltry food available, his reaction is simple: “Have the people recline.” If this were the modern ear, perhaps he would have said, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” A hungry crowd, far from home, it likely to get as combative as the Yankees when a Red Sox team member slides into second base too hard. But that is not a concern for Jesus because he already placed his trust in God.
The Gospels are not written to climb the New York Times Best Seller List. There was no “advance fee” paid to Mathew, Mark, Luke or John. They wrote to a higher loyalty. They gave us the Good News to help us overcome our doubts and come to believe in our Lord and have life in his name. After all, no one is flogging us for what we say, or do or write.
Action
This Easter Season, like Thomas/Didymus, Jesus invites us to place our trust in God. The ever-human disciples didn't always put aside their fears, and neither do we. We can imagine the terrified followers of Jesus hiding behind locked doors until he appears in their midst, inviting them not to be afraid.
No comments:
Post a Comment