Throughout his life Jesus gives testimony to a peaceful Way. His testimony was consistently rejected by the rulers of his time; so much so they put him to death. This Sunday’s Gospel shows that Jesus’ community accepted his testimony, in life and in life after life. Thus, as people received Jesus in life so they received the newly living Risen Christ. They received his peaceful healing Way and were thus transformed. Unfortunately, one disciple, Thomas, was absent from the first Resurrection encounter. Upon learning other disciples witnessed the fatally wounded yet Risen Christ, Thomas rejected their testimony, “Unless I … put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Thomas’ response is one in a pattern of rejected testimony; in the Gospel and in life. As to the Gospel, some people rejected Mary Magdalene’s testimony of having spoken with Jesus at the empty tomb (Mk 16:9). They then rejected the testimony of the other women who had also been there. (Lk 24:11). Community members later rejected the testimony of two travelers who met the Risen Christ on the road to Emmaus. (Mk 16:12-13). As to our time, some people have rejected the testimony of our Black brothers and sisters in so many instances; most recently Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Walter Scott. Accepted testimony was the official police report that Eric Garner made no statement during his arrest and was not distressed – even after the “I can’t breathe!” video surfaced. Accepted testimony was the official police report that Tamir Rice was verbally warned three times before officers fired – even after the video surfaced of officers shooting Tamir from their car immediately upon driving up. Accepted testimony was the official police report that Walter Scott had, during a struggle, gained control of the taser to use against the officer who then resorted to his service weapon and shot Scott until the video surfaced of Scott being shot in the back. Accepted testimony in Jesus’ death is that his suffering and death on the cross saves us. No one is saved by the murder of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott, or Jesus of Nazareth. Nor is anyone saved by any of the weapons used to murder them.
We accept the testimony that after Jesus was murdered by weapon bearing agents of the state he rose from the dead. We can, therefore, accept the testimony that other bodies of Christ have also been murdered by weapon bearing agents of the state. The question is what new life will rise up to bring peace amidst the murders of our time? Let us agree that we are not called to emulate those who arm themselves, whether in service to their own needs, or in service to the state. Weapons are never in service to creating a peaceful Community on earth.
Prayer: Spirit of Wisdom, we receive your gifts
Question: How can we heal this culture of its willingness to murder?
April 12, 2015 Gospel John 20:19-31 Second Sunday of Easter