Pentecost 2

June 22 - 28

Proverbs, Joshua, Gospel of John, Book of Acts

This week, we are met with leaders appointed by God, poised to begin the work he gives them. However, they aren’t all that impressive to human eyes. Thomas had refused to believe the resurrection. Peter had very clearly disowned Jesus. Saul had violently persecuted Jesus and his church. And, though we aren’t given as many specifics about the other disciples, we do know that all of them fled from Jesus in his darkest hour.

What is Jesus going to do with these seemingly unfit ministers of his Gospel? According to the world, that kind of unfaithfulness should be reciprocated. Not so with our Lord. He offers loving discipline and grace. He sees Thomas’ incredulity and shows him what true faith looks like, the kind that believes without seeing. He sees Peter’s denial and offers restoration. He sees Saul’s the darkness of Saul’s false piety and blinds it with divine light.

Still, the work will be dangerous – dangerous because Jesus hismself disciples calls his disciples into his ministry. He sends them in the same way the Father sent him. If the world hates Jesus, it will hate his disciples and all they do. They will certainly suffer.

But Jesus sends his Holy Spirit. Persecution, suffering, doubt, unbelief, and denial are no match for the Advocate, who strengthens and sustains those bearing the Gospel. Jesus’ Ascension Day promise of his constant presence rings true, carrying the echo of his words to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or overwhelmed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

That should make us hopeful in the truest sense, even in this chaotic, corrupt, and bloodthirsty world. Nothing reverses the work Jesus has done for us, so nothing overcomes the work he has called his church to do, no matter how feeble or unworthy our efforts may seem. The land is ours. The LORD has promised it. He will bring us home. In the meantime, we labor on in joyful anticipation.

Festival of the Holy Trinity

June 15 - 21

Book of Proverbs and the Gospel of John

The Jewish ruling class believe they have a clear case of blasphemy and rebellion. For once, Jewish and Roman law seem to agree. But Pontius Pilate doesn’t see the infraction. Yes, the rabbi they have brought to him has said he is a king, but he doesn’t seem intent on acting like one. At best, his crown is a symbolic one. But the truth doesn’t matter for either party. It will be an unjust punishment based on lies and sustained by a thirst for power, demonstrated in Pilate’s flippant musing. What is truth, anyway?

In the lectionary, St. John’s account of Jesus’ trial and death is set beside King Solomon’s book of Proverbs, where a great deal of ink is dedicated to themes of justice and righteousness. Solomon poetically explores these ideas by comparing them to their counterparts: the unrighteous seek worldly approval, but will also step on anyone to gain it. They see blatant injustice, but pretend they don’t know about it.

Jesus trains his disciples to be ready for such things. The world will continue to act in darkness, and it will take particular pleasure in harming those who live in his light. But with Jesus’ grim prophecy comes profound encouragement. Unlike their fathers, who could not approach God in their uncleanness, his disciples can come to the Father directly in Jesus’ name. They will no longer ask questions of the Teacher like servants who don’t know their master’s will. They will now be friends who know God’s plan of salvation and participate in his work. They will not be left alone. The Holy Spirit will guide them. Jesus will intercede for them to keep them from evil. The Father himself loves them.

This promise is for us, too. Darkness, unrighteousness, and injustice will have their time, but that time is short. Even in duress, there is peace for us that only Jesus can give. As he says to the twelve, he says to us: n this world, there is much tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world. Praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the grace, mercy, and peace given to us!