April 6 , 2008
Commentary by Bruce G. Epperly |
See also: [2005] [2002] |
April 6, 2008
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
I Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
A dear friend recently gave me a crystal paper weight upon which the words solvitur ambulando, “it will be solved in the walking,” are inscribed. My friend knows me well. She knows that my best thinking and greatest creativity comes when I’m on the move, walking through my neighborhood before sunrise or in the seminary neighborhood and through Franklin and Marshall College at midday. Indeed, often after a long walk, I feel inspired and hit the computer and outline a book chapter or write a sermon, lay out a seminary programmatic initiative, or write a lectionary commentary!
The Gospel also proclaims that we will be transformed by movement – that we find the Risen Christ in moments of spiritual movement and growth, adventures in ideas, novel behaviors, and in pilgrimages by foot, automobile, or airplane. We are transformed by our moving. God’s Easter Spirit is found most significantly in process, rather than stability. To experience God’s inspiration more fully, we have to be on the move, because God is on the move!
As Mary Magdalene discovers in John’s resurrection story (John 20:1-18), God’s resurrection power is found when we let go of familiar landmarks and ways of understanding God in order to discover God’s lively, creative, and novel spirit-movements. Resurrection transforms the known world and opens us to undreamed adventures in companionship with God. Resurrection life is filled with abundant surprise and unexpected adventure. A living faith, in the spirit of Whitehead’s understanding of the way higher organisms respond to environmental changes, does not cling to the certainty of the “old time religion,” but “originates novelty” to match the novelty of the environment, whether the novelty be resurrection, an encounter with pluralism, a mystical experience, racial tension, or global warming. The past we treasure, we are reminded, was filled with novelty when we or others first experienced it!
In light of the novelty of resurrection, what “new thing,” what novel practices and behaviors is God calling us to now? How do we respond to resurrection in all its surprise and novelty in our personal and congregational lives? Living by resurrection inspires us to awaken to novelty – what new thing will God do in our lives? What new thing will we do in response to divine inspiration as persons and congregations?
Two pilgrims on the way to Emmaus find resurrection in the walking! Fatigued and depressed by the rapid-fire events of Passover Week, they are returning home for rest and regrouping. They had expected a different outcome than crucifixion. Even the rumors of Jesus’ resurrection are unsettling, far more than they can integrate into their experience at the moment. A third pilgrim joins them. Hidden from their recognition, they journey toward home with the Risen Jesus, not knowing that their own resurrection is as close as the next footstep. Still, engaged in conversation, they gain a new perspective on the events of Passover Week.
On the way to Emmaus, moving with Jesus, they discover a new world of possibility. Something is drawing them forward; something is drawing them toward new life, although they are not yet consciously of it. Along the pathway, God is constantly giving us visions and possibilities, guidance and inspiration, and occasionally we notice it. Like the well-known poem “Footprints,” divine guidance and protection often come when we are least aware of it.
Still locked in the prison-house of grief, the two men do something amazing. They reach out in hospitality, although their hearts are breaking, sprits flagging, and bodies worn. As Jesus prepares to walk on to his next destination, they invite him to supper. And, in this interplay of call and response, they know him in the breaking of the bread. But, like Mary of Magdala’s story, they also cannot hold on to the Jesus they knew. As soon as they recognize him, he vanishes from their sight. Mystical experiences come and go. Moments of assurance are fleeting. Inspiration is transitory. Health is temporary. But, God is in each detail, filling it with holiness and then moving on the next and inviting us to follow. Faithfulness is in the remembering but also in movements that create new memories and new possibilities. As the Emmaus story notes, hospitality is the open door to creative transformation and an expanded vision of possibilities.
Although Jesus may not have given them a specific command, they immediately and excitedly return to Jerusalem. The seven miles fly by as they are propelled by the Spirit. Known in Eucharistic bread, fed by God’s Spirit, they have energy to burn and new life to share. The universal Christ is also personal and intimate. Revelation and inspiration are always both global and variable.
Acts of the Apostles continues the gospel journey as newcomers embrace the Way of the Risen One. Repent, “turn around and take another path” and you will have new life and receive God’s Spirit. This promise is to everyone who “God calls to [God].” Now, these words can be read in terms of Christian exclusivism and foreordination. But, they can also be read to mean that God calls each of us, even the “faraway,” the lost and wayward, in a personal and unique way. Preaching the good news must apply to everyone – salvation must be possible in any moment – or we will live in uncertainty and fear about our relationship to God. While revelation may be variable, it is always reliable and faithful.
We cannot discard I Peter’s emphasis on atonement by the blood. While we should not see substitutionary atonement as the only biblical understanding of salvation, even this difficult doctrine points itself to the recognition that wholeness often involves sacrifice and suffering. God often sacrifices the “ideal” to respond creatively to real persons in real situations. While God’s vision may be postponed or even neglected by human behaviors, God continues to address an imperfect world, offering possibilities for wholeness and justice that are “the best for the impasse.” While this may involve both suffering and sacrifice for God, God still remains faithful in God’s care for us and for the world. God welcomes all persons, indeed, the whole world without “partiality” (I Peter 1:17) God’s “judgment” is aimed at healing and reformation, at wholeness and reconciliation, for all of us. This process of redemption is painful at times, but God seeks the transformation of creation, ourselves included.
In response to God’s unexpected and transforming grace, “what shall we do?” the Psalmist asks. That is our question, too. In response, we shall move and dance, praise and keep covenant, and do justice and share in the resurrection healing of this good earth. We shall “praise God” by movement that transforms the world!
Bruce Epperly is Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Continuing Education at Lancaster Theological Seminary and co-pastor of Disciples United Community Church (www.ducc.us) He is the author of many books in spirituality, ministerial wellness, healing, and theology, including the upcoming theological and spiritual-formation response to the Purpose Driven Life, Holy Adventure: Forty One Days of Audacious Living (Upper Room).
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