It is interesting
to see the ways folks work to make sense of things.
Similar
to last week's readings, this week we see a range of reactions to the
resurrection of Jesus. And this week, it feels a bit like watching a
variety of news reporters all working to make sense of the same event.
And like our variety of news outlets today, everyone
comes at it with their particular view, audience, and interest in mind.
Looking
at them is as close to chronological order as we can, first we see a
pretty straight forward first person account of the resurrection in the
gospel of Luke. Jesus himself is present and is making sure every one at
the scene is getting accurate information about has happened. After
having a snack with them and letting them pinch him and such, he reminds
them "These are my words that I
spoke to you while I was still with you--that everything written about
me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled. Thus it is written, that the
Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day,and that repentance and
forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations,
beginning from Jerusalem. You
are witnesses of these things." In this scene Jesus is doing his best to make sure the
disciples put the pieces together of all that they have experienced and
witnessed.
The next account we get comes from book of Acts
which many assume was written by the same writer that wrote the gospel
of Luke. Even though this may have been the same reporter, he is
reporting on a different scene that is separated from the resurrection
by some space and time. In this scene, we find disciples still trying to
share the good news of Jesus with folks. However, Peter is sort of
putting his own spin on the message. He berates his listeners by
emphasizing how they were the ones who handed Jesus over and who killed
Jesus and how they were ignorant and such. Not necessarily the same note
of "Feed my sheep" that Jesus left on, but we have to trust that Peter
knew his audience and felt that an insulting scare tactic was the right
approach. WE don't think it was, but evidently Peter thought it was the
right way to relay the message.
And in the passage from 1 John (which we assume was
written about 50-70 years after the community described in Acts) we find
a much more reflective and narrative news piece. The writer of this
passage has obviously had some time to think through the life of Jesus
and hone in on what he sees as the primary message to be shared. It
seems he wants his audience to understand the importance of simple
obedience. He refers to the love of God the Father protecting and
inviting us, the children of God, in to obedient relationship.
It is always important for us to pay attention to
the context and audience of the passages of scripture we encounter.
Every word is written in a particular context with a particular audience
in mind.
And an important responsibility we have is to think
about the messages we share in the particular contexts and with the
particular audiences where we find ourselves. We all remember the words
of Saint Francis to "Preach the gospel at all times--if necessary, use
words", and find ourselves each day preaching the gospel in one way or
the other.
What message do you choose? How do you choose to
portray it?
God of creation,
Of resurrection,
Of
breath,
Representing you,
Sharing your light
Requires my knowing you
And
my neighbor
My co worker
My partner
The
stranger
The neighborhood
The world itself
So
that your light
Your message
Lands
Where you would have it.
Amen.
© laura & matt norvell 2012 www.settingourstones.org - We share
this with you and hope you'll share with the world; we simply ask that
you let people know where you found these words. May Grace & Peace be
with you.
this with you and hope you'll share with the world; we simply ask that
you let people know where you found these words. May Grace & Peace be
with you.
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