Friday of the Second Week of Easter
Do you remember as a child sometimes looking at the world upside down? Hanging from the monkey bars, or swinging with your head tilted way back, or dangling from your parents arms to see the world from a different perspective? Or if you’re braver than me, maybe you’ve gone on the upside down rides (with your eyes open) at amusement parks or fairs. Well, this week’s readings seem a little upside down or backward to me, resulting in a different – and new – perspective.
We have not yet celebrated Pentecost, yet the First readings are from the Acts of the Apostles (which begins with the Ascension and Pentecost), and the Gospel readings, although we are in the Easter season, are from John prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection. I know it’s no mistake. And although I may not know the theological and/or liturgical reasons for it, I do know that it has opened my eyes to the disciples’ experience from a different perspective.
Today we hear about Jesus feeding the thousands gathered with just five loaves and two fish. The disciples are still fairly clueless at this point and can’t imagine how they (or Jesus) could possibly feed all of these people with what appears to be simply “not enough.” We also hear today about the post-pentecost disciples fearlessly and joyfully proclaiming Jesus, even after being imprisoned and beaten for it. What a difference we see in the disciples from just a couple of weeks ago! From denying they even know Jesus and hiding in fear in the upper room to courageously speaking in Jesus’ name and even rejoicing in their suffering. From fear and lack, to courage and abundance with the gift of the Spirit.
Remembering that we, too, are post-resurrection, post-pentecost disciples who have already received the gift of the Spirit through baptism and confirmation, let us pray for the grace to approach our fears and needs, the world’s fears and needs, from a new perspective – one of faith in that same risen Christ.
From a place of fear and lack, to a place of courage and abundance – proclaiming with the psalmist today, “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the Lord.”!
~Eileen Miller