I See Him! I Know Him!

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