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The thread running through the prescribed readings for the Sundays after Easter is “recognition”.  These readings remind us that Believers of every age struggled to discern the Risen Christ through the mists of political, cultural & economic concerns which could easily flood their senses and sensibilities.   This week, we hear stories of God’s Presence within a philosophical forum; in the face of government persecution; and as a reassurance that we haven’t been abandoned.

Paul was amazed at the diversity of religious expression in Athens!  Addressing the Forum , he pointed out an altar to an Unknown God, just in case they missed one.  “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23)  And so he began to speak of the Creator of all the world.  “…he is not far from each one of us.  For ‘In him we live and move and have our being'”. (vv.27-28)  We thus recognize God in Christ, not images of precious metals.

Peter’s Letters were aimed especially at Christians in Asia Minor, but are applicable to all anywhere who suffer discrimination and death for their belief.  Injustice happens because the Elite are afraid:  afraid that the hungry will eat their supplies, afraid that new ideas/music/cuisine/styles will supplant their own tastes, afraid that other languages will taint the Mother Tongue.  Afraid that their hold on the top rung will be eroded.  Peter writes, “Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.”  (I,3:14-15)  It’s hard to cling to Christianity while being crunched by the political surround!  Where, in our despair, can we see the Risen Lord?

“Don’t leave us, we’ll die!”, said the Twelve at the Last Supper.  “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.  This is the Spirit of Truth…” (Jesus, in John14:16-17)  Scared  of change?  Of course we are.  And of leaderless days and lonely nights, rudderless and orphaned.  But “in a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me….On that day you will know that I am in my Father…and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” (through verse 21) 

The church with which I worship grants small scholarships to graduating high school seniors.  I was pleased to be asked to be on the interviewing team:  Just when I felt arid and cynic about the state of the world, I reveled in the positive and faithful vision our kids brought to the table!   There’s hope yet!  Maybe it’s not all in vain…  Thank you, Lord, for appearing once again!

God Bless Us,Every One!                     Horace Brown King

When I was younger (so much younger than today), my mom would tell me that Dad’s bus had just reached the bus-stop.  “Sit here on the porch, and watch for Daddy!”   Thus I watched the bend in the street with great attention, and soon his brown topcoat would appear.  Focusing carefully, I soon made out the man for whom I waited:  I see him!  And I know him!  This Sunday’s scriptures continue the post-Easter story of recognizing the Risen Christ–following Thomas, the road-warriors of Emmaus, and other assorted sheep….

Instead of a reading from the Older Testament, during Eastertide a passage from the Acts of the Apostles is heard.  This week we’ll hear about the martyrdom of St. Stephen, who had the temerity to announce his vision of heavenly glory:  “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (7:56)   He saw and knew Jesus for what he was, that is the Christ exalted and at God’s right hand.

We turn next to St. Peter, or someone writing for him.  The First Letter is mainly a pep-talk for the Asian believers who were suffering for their allegiance to Christ.  He commends them for their recognition of the Divine, even in adversity, and for their persevering in devotion.  To these, and to all through the ages struggling to find their Christian identity, is written one of the best sentences ever crafted!  “But you–you!–are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light!”  (2:9)

The Apostle John was familiar with the classic teaching of rhetoric, thus his narrative is full of the disciples’ questions, included mainly so that Jesus can give a notable answer.  At the table of the Last Supper, both Thomas & Philip ask about the way to Heaven–to which Jesus replies, “If you know me, you will know my Father also.  From now on you do know him and have seen him.”  (John 14:7)  And later, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (v.9) 

Easter lilies have lost their blooms, and hyacinths have faded away.  How can we remember the Joy of Resurrection?   How can we continue to be Easter People?  Saints through the ages have searched scripture, tradition, experience and reason for a glimpse of the Holy amid the debris of the centuries.  The “theme” of this weekend’s worship is to watch & pray, to keep looking into the faces of God’s Creatures for sacred sparks….   Here’s looking at you!

God Bless Us, Every One                        Horace Brown King

In my 48th year of Christian Ministry, I still can’t figure why “Sheep Sunday” should come so quickly after Easter! I’d be glad for your explanation.   Is it to reprise the Lamb of God theme of the Pascal Season?  Is it to remind us that all we like sheep have indeed gone astray, every one to her own way?  A reading in Matthew’s Gospel has Jesus favoring sheep over goats, who are much more intelligent and nicer….  Whatever there lies, we’ll hear about it in this weekend’s lessons.

During Eastertide, we rightly explore the Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s second volume in the handbook for Christian Living.  This passage (Acts 2:42-47) describes the clustering of Believers in those euphoric days after they recognized that the Resurrection really happened:  they ate together, prayed together, even pooled their earthly goods!  Wonders and signs were being done, and the air is full of justice and well-being.  However brief the moment, for now the Church was Flocking Together.

St. Peter (or someone writing in his name) wrote to the congregations in Asia Minor, which were being persecuted for their alternative life-style.  He called them to bond with Christ’s sufferings, to take his wounds as their own–for character and for healing.  “For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have (been?) returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” (I Peter 2:25)  Is it the sufferings of Christ which cause us to be Flocking Together?  Or our own perceived deprivations….?

It’s true.  Sheep won’t go with someone they don’t know.  Suspicious of strangers and trusting of friends, they become immobile and often easy prey when confused.  St. John remembers Jesus calling himself the gate to the sheepfold (10:1-10): both to protect from external harm AND to set the “prisoners” free into the freshness of a new day.  The shepherd is more than a manager: he’s a companion and guide, promising green pastures and cool streams.  With such an arrangement,  we’ll be just fine as long as we Flock Together!

May your worship be a good gathering!  May the prelude be “Sheep May Safely Graze”, and your final hymn , “There’ll Never Be Another Ewe”…   Cling together as a flock.  Try not to wool-gather during the sermon.  Beware the wolves.

God Bless Us, Every One                             Horace Brown King