I have to admit, sometimes seeing things from the perspective of others is a real challenge. So, I hope you’ll forgive me for starting off with a little judgment. Now that the Artimis Two crew have returned, I’ve seen some early reports and reflections on the successes of their mission. It’s not as great as Easter, but their success is a success for all and worth admiring. That crew went farther than anyone and the pictures sent from that unique perspective are amazing. But then, and this is where the little judgment comes in, I occasionally see some content posted proposing it was all made up and the earth is flat; and it leaves me wondering: when the earth looks so clearly round and spinning, what could possibly cloud someone’s vision to see anything else? Now, if you happen to see the earth as a little less spherical than most, again, sorry for the judgment, we still love having you with us because Easter is for you too.
Truth-be-told though, we all suffer with clouded vision in one way or another. It what suggests to a child in need that turning to a parent will lead to rejection. It affirms lunchroom gossip as an acceptable tactic for advancement. It proposes that forgiveness will only result in further hurt. Proposing limits to love, a clouded vision tempts someone to keep secrets from their spouse. Clouded vision leads us to see others as obstacles instead of opportunity, life as dangerous and ourselves as inadequate.
Last week, we reflected on the clouded vision that afflicted the disciples on the first Easter morning. Their clouded vision insisted that the cross and tomb were symbols of definitive failure making it difficult for Peter to believe Jesus had risen and impossible for Mary Magdalene to recognize Jesus standing right before her. Like those disciples, when plagued with clouded vision, if we don’t have the right perspective, we miss a lot. We can’t see how God mysteriously answers prayers and guides his people. It’s clouded vision that so often leads to choices that eventually require the healing of a good Confession.
We admire the first disciples because they truly know what it’s like to suffer from clouded vision. Their first Easter didn’t start as a day of joy; the disciples weren’t running out to buy lilies and egg-shaped chocolates. No, we’re told how, on the evening of the first Easter, the doors, “…were shut where the disciples were, for fear…”[i]. The religious authorities had demonstrated how far they were willing to go to silence the message of Jesus. The Romans had proven their power over the people. That’s all the disciples saw, and that clouded vision left them feeling powerless against such giant forces. So, filled with fear, they hid, they locked themselves away; their clouded vision told them there was no other option.
But then something changed. The disciples saw and heard. Jesus appeared pointing out signs of his power; through the marks of the nails, the disciples saw. The Saviour then spoke: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”[ii] The disciples heard. While a clouded vision fixated on weakness against powers like the Romans or religious authorities, Jesus revealed an Easter perspective: that disciples are to work in his name and with his power. The religious authorities may have had power to imprison, but they could never silence the Good News. The Romans may have had power to crucify, but death would not have the last say. The disciples saw and heard the Saviour and it gave them an Easter perspective.
Our continuing Easter celebrations offer great opportunities to reflect on our own vision and perspective. Maybe at times, it’s easy to see things with an Easter perspective, to see God at work, to trust him and put him first and I hope that’s your experience today. But there are also moments, and we’ve all been there, where it would be easy to stand among those disciples who have fearfully locked themselves in a room. Armies, inflation, politicians, relationships: there are some very intimidating powers out there.
Regardless of where you are, the response is the same, to see and hear the Saviour. Disciples work to see Jesus maybe by coming here or taking a moment to reflect on where he has worked. We might examine the incredible lives of saints or on the good works done by Christians everywhere. Disciples work to hear Jesus too, perhaps by spending some quiet time in the chapel, by reading scripture or by caring for his creation.
Disciples see and hear, not just for themselves but for all. We all know people who live as though they are in a locked room, fearful of the powers of the world. For many, life can seem like a cross and fear of the tomb highlights the limits of time, energy and resources. But disciples show something different: a power over all that, our Saviour who reveals a new perspective, an Easter perspective, that overpowers the cross, the tomb and all else that threatens God’s people.
God of all, we praise you this Easter season for conquering the grave. As the love of your Son transformed the cross and tomb into symbols of life, may he also transform all that threatens and inspires fear in your people today so we would accept the gifts of your Holy Spirit, who empowers disciples to lead others in seeing and hearing the call of the Saviour. In His name we pray. Amen.
[i] John 20:19 NRSVCE
[ii] John 20:21 NRSVCE
