Because robust theology cannot be done without a strong biblical foundation, I will occasionally blog on the lectionary. For those of you not familiar with the lectionary, it is system that divides the Bible in Sunday readings so that a congregation can cycle through all of Scripture in a period of 3 years. It is a mainstay in mainline denominations but is now also becoming common in non-denomination circles.
This is not a Sunday sermon but an attempt to reflect on all passages as one unit. I will be focusing on themes that emerge from the passages read in sequence along with a picture.
The picture for this lesson comes from a Christian community in Cameroon.
Second Sunday of Easter – Year A
(Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; I Peter 1:3-9 and John 20:19-31)
The readings for this Sunday extend our Easter journey on its way to Pentecost. As I read the passages, body part references caught my attention:
Acts 2:26b – my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope
Acts 2:31b – David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.
Psalms 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.
Psalm 16:11b – in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
John 20:20b – he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
John 20:25 “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
John 20:28 “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.”
The text’s corporal emphasis points us to the bodily reality of the resurrection. This is a season in the church where we are admonished to look at our earthly vessels with hope. This draws a sharp contrast in how we often perceive our bodies.
Western thought leans on a dualistic foundation that divides the self into body and soul. This duality has permeated our theology often emphasizing the importance of the soul at the expense of the body. This division is also reflected in our technology that divides computers into hardware and software. With the emergence of social media, we also experience the division between an online and an offline life.
In this environment, we often feel fragmented and internally divided. It also forces us into false choices where one area gets neglected while other becomes over-emphasized. In Christian theology, this often means a focus on spiritual things (soul) over earthly matters (body).
Therefore, it is healing to hear the Early Christians’ emphasis on a bodily resurrection. This reminds us that the transformation of Christ is not just for our souls but has ramifications to our physical bodies. Our bodies are not just shells, they are destined to be transformed in Christ’s coming. They matter to God.
May you walk into the incarnate reality of the savior.
May you experience his power in this life.
May you get a taste of heaven in this season.
Peace.
