Sermon for Tuesday in Easter Week
“Be it unto me according to thy word”
Mary’s word to God at her Annunciation is found in Luke’s Gospel. Readings from Luke’s Gospel also provide the Gospel readings at Holy Communion on Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday, the story of two resurrection appearances by Jesus: the one, on the road to Emmaus; the other, the story we have heard this morning about Jesus appearing “in the midst of his disciples” in Jerusalem. It serves as a complement to John’s account of Jesus appearing behind closed doors in the second lesson read at Evening Prayer on Easter Day and in the Gospel for the Octave Day of Easter, “the same day at evening” as we shall hear next Sunday.
In both accounts, there is this twofold emphasis on the Word explained and interpreted and the presence of the Risen Christ who teaches us about the reality of the Resurrection. “Behold, my hands and my feet, that is I myself: handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and blood, as ye see me have.” That direct encounter is not the end of the story here, however, for two more things follow. First, Jesus asks if they have any food. “And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and of an honey-comb.” Somehow, the holy tradition of the Church avoided turning this moment into something ritual and sacramental! Just as well.
But secondly, and importantly with respect to our Marian theme of letting the words of Christ define us, Jesus says, “these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me.” Then, as on the road to Emmaus, “opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” The Greek words emphasize the opening of their hearts and minds and the idea of comprehending something thoroughly. There is something intense and intentional about the teaching. Beyond rumour and report, beyond fantasy and fabrication, beyond even the evidence of the senses, there is this primary emphasis on understanding the Resurrection through the pageant of the Scriptures, explained and interpreted.
