Third Sunday of Easter
Donna Joy

Luke 24: 36b - 48

So much of life, perhaps most of life, is spent in the ‘in-between’ times. This past week you may have received the news from St. Peter’s canonical (selection) committee that no suitable candidates applied for the Incumbency position, so the arrival of a new Incumbent will be a bit delayed as a second search is arranged. So, the time between Incumbents will be extended. (Rest assured that your wardens are working diligently to establish a workable plan for the meantime.)

Personally, I’m in the midst of my own ‘in-between’ time as I complete my Incumbency duties and prepare for a new life in retirement. This COVID time is also teaching us something about this reality within the human condition, as we are constantly living between news of positive COVID cases, new variants, and vaccines which we see as a sign of hope for a healthier future where we are more free to physically interact with other humans. These are big examples, but of course, we are always, every day, living in-between one reality and another one yet to emerge. Waiting for surgery. Waiting for news (good or bad) that may change life forever. As we ponder our questions about the place and presence of God, especially during these in-between times, we find some helpful wisdom and guidance, particularly in this morning’s Gospel reading from Luke.

If ever there was an in-between time, this is it. Jesus’ followers, having experienced Jesus’ death and then discovered that his body has risen from the tomb, are in some sort of limbo as they wait to see what is yet to come; what is to happen next. Now, it is later that same day when the tomb was found empty, and this remarkable series of events continue to unfold. Cleopas and possibly his wife (although it annoys me that if that is the case, she is not actually named, but I digress) While these two are returning to Emmaus (that same day) they encounter the risen Jesus and although they fail to recognize him at first, they eventually do when they share a meal. They recognize Jesus as he breaks the bread and gives (administers) it to them. (I know during this COVID time many of us are missing the experience of recognizing Jesus through sharing the Eucharist. I am grateful that through this time of abstinence we remain a Eucharistic people empowered to also recognize Jesus in a multitude of other ways. I’ll say more about this in a minute.)

Following this, the risen Jesus disappears; Cleopas and his travelling partner (likely his wife) return to Jerusalem where they find the remaining disciples. While they are all discussing these miraculous events, Jesus appears yet again, and stands among them as he says, “Peace be with you.” Again, they don’t recognize him; this time, they think they’re seeing a ghost, so he shows them his wounded hands and feet, and invites them to touch him. As they watch him, he eats some fish! Interesting detail here: those disciples offer him this nourishment, and he accepts. Indeed, each time we offer food to those who are hungry, we remember Jesus’ words: Each time you do this for others, you also do this for me.

Jesus, then, again explains how the scriptures have pointed to him throughout the whole of salvation history. The messages of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms all agree. It was the Messiah’s destiny to suffer, die, and be raised to new life. (Acts 3: “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus”) Jesus’ is the fulfillment God’s unfolding plan which began with creation. Now the disciples have a complete gospel to proclaim – not just the dawning of the kingdom, but the triumph of One who has ushered it in.

Following this, he (and I love this) “opened their minds to understand scripture,” that is, he opened their minds to recognize that he IS the fulfillment of God’s plan. While they had THOUGHT that their dreams had been destroyed with Jesus on the cross, they are now beginning to understand that with the cross and resurrection their dreams have been realized in ways far greater than anything they could have imagined. Because of Jesus’ suffering on the cross followed with his rising to new life, he is now WITH them as they suffer.

Finally, he reminds them that (because of human frailty) repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to all the nations, and that they are the primary witnesses to these unfolding, spectacular events.

So, yes, those disciples are living in-between two realities: the devastation of Good Friday, and the discovery of Jesus rising from the tomb. And as they discover his risen body, it begins to dawn on them that there IS hope. The Messiah HAD been expected to redeem them FROM suffering, when in fact, the Messiah has now redeemed them THROUGH suffering and is with them in theirs. As they transition from one reality to another, we can feel their sense of confusion, fear, chaos, tension, and as the story evolves, through the power of the resurrection… the beginnings of joyful anticipation.

This is good news for anyone who is struggling. It is good news for (1) St. Peter’s as you enter into a longer in-between time than you had originally anticipated, (2) me as I shift from a life and vocation that I’ve known for the past 31 years, (3) each of us as we live between this COVID reality and a time – sometime – in the future when this burden is lifted. Jesus has redeemed us through his suffering and appears to us in ours. This IS the resurrection story.

And remember, the disciples didn’t recognize him, even when he was standing right there with them. Favourite cartoon: elephant lying on a couch with his psychiatrist sitting in a chair beside him. Caption: The worst part is they don’t recognize me, even when I’m standing in the middle of the room! In these stories, Jesus is kind of like the elephant in the room. He is standing right there and they just can’t see him. But, eventually they do.

One question that this raises for us today: Where might Jesus be present during these in-between times? And the answer is anywhere and everywhere: Times of worship… Reading material and conversations that offer new insights… A caring gesture from someone supportive… Front line workers ensuring that our basic needs are met during this COVID time… Medical researchers working tirelessly to create and provide vaccines… etc. etc. etc. We are assured that Jesus comes to meet us in all our places of suffering and uncertainty, but we need to be alert and attentive in order to have eyes to see and hearts to feel that presence in our midst.

It is my hope and my prayer that as you embark on in-between times, here at St. Peter’s and beyond, that you will – with God’s help – be attentive to this Presence in your midst. He does, and will continue, to stand with you, offering peace and comfort, wisdom and guidance. Of that I am sure. Certainly, allow yourselves the freedom to acknowledge any sadness, disappointment & grief that you are feeling. This, in itself is an important witness to a world that so often lives in denial; self-medicating in order to numb the pain of unidentified sadness. But remember, as a Christian people we grieve in a spirit of hope, and are reminded of the words of Julian of Norwich: “All in the fullness of time, all will be well. All manner of things will be well.”

Think about it this way: Those disciples, while actively grieving, dared to discover hope beyond their seemingly dismal circumstances. We are called to follow in these footsteps. They were the primary witnesses to this message of hope which has been passed on to us. We are called to be and do the same – for ourselves, and for others. Even, or especially in the midst of any sadness and grief you may be feeling, as you embrace this sense of hope with joyful expectation, you become a beacon of hope for others, currently living in despair. In the midst of life’s challenges, Christ IS risen. The Lord IS risen. Alleluia