Reflection on the readings for the 12th April, the 2nd Sunday of Easter
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Readings: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; John 20:19-end
Today’s reflection is by Reader, Pete Gillions:
A film called ’The Man Who Crossed Hitler‘, set in Berlin in summer 1931 gives a biographical account of one man, Hans Litten, a German lawyer who represented in court opponents of the Nazis. He actually cross-examined Hitler in person, something Hitler never forgot or forgave. Later in 1933 as Hitler came to power he ordered Litten’s arrest. What happened next really challenged me. As Litten was being arrested at his home a neighbour came out and spoke up for him. One of the arresting officers cut him short. He said “This man is in serious trouble – do you want to join him?” He realised the futility of the situation and quietly went back into his own house. I think most of us would have done just the same. Litten later died in prison.
What we see in the gospels is that almost all the disciples stepped back when Jesus was arrested. Peter did take out his sword to fight but Jesus quickly told him that was not what was wanted. So in fear and confusion we see that all the disciples slipped away including Thomas. Thomas who had promised to die alongside Jesus realised the futility of resisting. As we remembered on Good Friday Jesus was given a sham trial, was beaten, crucified and finally died in agony. Days later when the rest of the disciples meet the resurrected Jesus Thomas is not with them. He listened to their accounts but was not at all convinced. Thomas was sure of two things. One Jesus truly died and his body taken to a tomb. Secondly dead people do not return to life. Whatever has happened to the other disciples might be some sort of delusion or wishful thinking but dead people do not come back to life. He explained what was needed for him to be convinced otherwise “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
What we see unfold after this speaks not only to Thomas but also to each of us as we face our own doubts and uncertainties. There is an old joke about a golden telephone that a direct line to God.
If you could make that call and ask God one question, just one question, what that question would be? It might be a philosophical question about why we see so much suffering in the world. Or a theological question about what is really going on in communion. If you knew that you could only ask one question the question would probably be much more personal. A question maybe about something that has happened in your life perhaps something you still struggle with it. Something that you have never had a satisfactory answer for. Perhaps it's a painful regret or an event that still troubles you. Maybe you hear accounts from others of prayers answered by yours aren’t and you don't know why. Maybe you wonder if it might be your fault as your faith is not strong enough. Something that makes you ask yourself – if God really is a God of love . Or maybe, maybe is there really a God t all?
Take a moment to think what your question might be.
Thomas said “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” And then nothing happened. Not that day, or the next day or the day after that. It is a full week later before we see Thomas encounter Jesus and come into faith. And what Jesus did for Thomas can also help us on our own journey of faith. The gospel tell us that it was a week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Jesus greeting Shalom – translated as ‘Peace be with you’ points to something much bigger that we have time to go into now. Perhaps it best summed up in a phrase attributed to Julian Of Norwich written during the Black Death. Despite the terrible loss of life and suffering she wrote "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well" It promises that despite present pain or evil, divine love ensures that all things will ultimately be made right.
When Jesus appears to Thomas he meets his request directly: Jesus tells Thomas “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side”. Jesus points to His wounds. His wounds tell us one thing, that the love of God is seen not only in the life of Jesus but also most starkly in His death. As the poetic language of a hymn puts it:
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide,
Through the flood-gates of God’s mercy,
Flowed the vast and gracious tide;
Grace and love, like mighty rivers
Poured incessant from above,
And God’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
What we see in the wounds of Jesus is sacrificial love, a love that is bigger than our faults and frailty. A love that calls us to himself.
What we see in the resurrection of Jesus is the power of God. A power that says death does not have the last word, that where there is loss there is yet hope, that one day all things will be restored. That sorrow and sighing will flee away. That is the message of Easter. But let's face it, we still live in a Good Friday world where we see injustice and the misuse of power. Where unspeakable acts of violence still continue and the rich exploit the poor. And in the very reality of this broken world Jesus calls us to know his love and share His love. In the words of the Lord’s Prayer to bring something of Heaven to Earth.
Whatever your question the encounter of Christ with Thomas gives a perspective. The first thing to note Thomas did not get his answer immediately. Maybe that is because that sometimes there are truths we can discover in the waiting. Then notice Jesus greeting to the disciples ‘Shalom’ – translated as ‘Peace be with you’. This points to something much bigger that we have time to go into now. Perhaps it best summed up in a phrase attributed to Julian of Norwich written during the Black Death. Despite the terrible loss of life and suffering she wrote "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well" It promises that despite present pain or evil, divine love ensures that all things will ultimately be made right.
The wounds and death of Jesus tells us we are deeply loved by God. The resurrection of Jesus tells us of a grounded hope for the future. Together these form our foundation of faith and hope that whatever out question. "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well"
Amen