Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, and The Rev. Mary Ann Hill. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By Deacon Cynthia Z. Biddlecomb, (ELCA) retired
Happy Easter! You might, unless you are Christian Orthodox, say “but that was a week ago”. In many of our churches, Easter is celebrated for 50 days, until the Day of Pentecost, which means “Fifty”. Among us, Easter is a season!
In this Easter Season, we tell the gospel stories in which the resurrected Jesus came to be among his apostles. He first needed to calm them down with the words, “Peace be with you”, here in the flesh is their beloved teacher and Lord, his torturous death only hours ago, reappearing among them in the flesh!
Over forty days, Jesus met with those apostles, walked with them, and ate with them, all to help them to open their minds to the reality that Death no longer has the last word. Forty days before Jesus felt he could leave them and ascend to his place in Paradise. Another ten days for the apostles to take up Jesus’ earthly ministry. Forty days is a long time for any of us to go from grief and despair to empowerment and mission focus.
To find the best of these Easter season gospel stories, read Luke 23:13 to 24:53 and John 20:19 to 21:25. Here is Thomas’ disbelief until he could see the wounds from the cross (John). Here is the gathering at the Sea of Tiberias where Jesus undoes Peter’s knot of guilt over denying Christ three times (John). Here too is the walk to Emmaus story, my personal favorite (Luke).
In the Emmaus story, two of Jesus’ devout followers are walking home from Jerusalem, discussing what had happened, trying to make sense of Jesus’ crucifixion and reports of his resurrection. Another pilgrim joins them and asks what they are discussing. One of them, Cleopas, describes what had transpired. He notes that they had hoped that Jesus was the one to redeem Israel.
In response, the stranger says that they are being “slow of heart,” not believing all that the prophets declared. He says, “Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”
“Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.” He opens their minds. When he joins them for supper, they recognize Jesus in the stranger as soon as he breaks the bread.
Our resurrected Jesus wants us to open our minds, to believe, and especially to understand that Death has no more power over us. We are to go forth without fear and share the Good News with others (and, “if necessary, use words” as St. Francis reportedly said.)
A blessed, happy Easter to YOU!
Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a column written by local women clergy, including The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rector, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (momaryannhill@gmail.com); Deacon Amy Schmuck, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (deaconamy@bethluth.com); and ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com).