We have a future, and a task, with the Risen Jesus

Recognizing the Risen Lord in Emmaus: A fresco from Grachanica monastery, Serbia, 1321

By Bishop Todd Townshend

BY THE TIME you read this we will be several weeks into the season of Easter, hearing the stories of Jesus’ appearances in the time of the Resurrection. We will also have come through a Federal election, and who knows what will have happened in the un-nerving, and at times terrifying, developments in the USA.

In all of this, we are a bit like the first followers of Jesus who were so disoriented by the events of his death and resurrection that they could only “go home”, “go fishing”, or “lock themselves in” as responses to the fear they felt.

The death of Jesus occurred in the context of political struggle. The mere presence of Jesus was extremely unsetting to those who had political power. His teachings upended the ways of empire and oppression. His acts of healing frustrated the ways of war. His resurrection reveals the impotence of any meaningless quest for “greatness” in the world, especially if greatness is “won” by violence. He had refused the devil’s temptations in his life and, raised from the dead, he now embodies the undoing of death and the dissolution of all of the resentment and violence that fuels authoritarian political leaders.

We see in these Easter narratives that the work of the Risen Jesus isn’t done. He intrudes—in the midst of their fear—offering his presence and his gift of peace. He had not abandoned them and, much more, he assures them that they have a future with him. And a task.

Seeing the task given to us by Jesus is important. In this time there are going to be many who suffer economically due to the trade wars and the various assaults on the dignity of human beings. There will be many who suffer physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There will be those who abandon basic human empathy—and that never ends well for anyone.

So, we recommit to our baptismal covenant as a gift and task. With God’s help we continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. We persevere in resisting evil and, whenever we fall into sin, we repent and return to the Lord. We proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ. We seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbour as ourselves. We strive for justice and peace among all people, and we respect the dignity of every human being. And we strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation and respect, sustain, and renew the life of the earth.

May God inspire and bless us in the work of resurrection-life.

+ Todd