Verbs have been our wise guides this year. “Stop, Look, and Listen” grew our awareness of God’s manifestation in Epiphany. “Ground” helped us sink our roots into Jesus so we could tell each other something good. Now, in Eastertide, the verb “emerge” keeps us on our toes, looking out for what will push up into the light as we encounter the Risen Christ.
A late 16th-century definition defined “emerge” this way: “to become known, to come to light.” As we read the lectionary texts together this Eastertide, we will notice what emerges within the disciples as they encounter the Risen Christ. We will notice what becomes known, what comes into the light.
Last Sunday, we read John 20:19–31 and witnessed how, in the presence of Jesus, consolation emerged within the disciples’ fear. The passage begins with the image of a locked door. The disciples huddled behind it, afraid. Despite the reality of the locked door, Jesus comes into their fear. He becomes known. He steps into the light.
From this place inside their fear, he stands among them, giving them his presence. He speaks words over them, giving them his peace. He breathes on them, giving them his Spirit. Then he sends them, giving them his ministry of forgiveness.
Later, Jesus appears again behind locked doors. This time, he initiates an encounter with Thomas. Thomas is also dwelling in fear. He has locked the door to his heart, afraid to trust that Jesus is real, lest he be hurt again. Jesus gives Thomas an additional gift: “Touch my hands, Thomas. Touch my side. Believe.” In other words, “See, I am real! You can trust me.”
As Thomas encounters the Risen Christ and touches his wounds, something begins to emerge inside his fear: a sense of awe, transcendence, and mystery—a pull toward worship.
The danger has not gone away. Herod is still Herod. The chief priests are still the chief priests. The threat of death is still the threat of death. But within the fear, something new has emerged. Something has come into the light and is now known: peace, a sense of renewed purpose, an inner strengthening to love, awe, and a pull toward worship. They feel spiritually consoled by Jesus, even in the midst of their fear.
As we encounter the presence of Christ, consolation will emerge in us too. Even in the most fearful of conditions, consolation emerges in Jesus’ presence.
Is there a locked door inside you today?
Is there a fear connected to this door? If so, what are you afraid of?
Imagine that fear. What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like? Does it have a name—a felt sense in your body?
Now imagine that Jesus is standing with you within that fear.
Imagine him speaking to you, “Do not be afraid.” Imagine him breathing Spirit into you, so you have the strength, love, and clarity you need for whatever awaits you.
These spiritual consolations are for you.
You are not alone. And it is not all up to you. This week, return to this place inside, where you and Jesus, side by side, hold both your fear and your future together.
Blessings, Anne