The Story
Third Sunday of Easter
April 26, 2020

Luke 24:13-25

Now on that same day two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”

They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?”

They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”

Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. 

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Something to Do

Breaking of the Bread

Our collective desire to bake bread in response to the pandemic is a fascinating thing – and a frustrating one if you are trying to supply yourself with the necessary supplies. If you are fortunate enough, however, to have a stock of flour and yeast or sourdough starter or even baking powder/soda, bake some bread this week. When you eat it, take a moment to bless it and break it and remember that Jesus is with you.

If you are in need of a recipe, you could give Thomas’ no-knead sandwich loaf a try (our household plus the senior youth group can attest to its deliciousness):

• 6 cups all-purpose white or whole wheat flour (or a mix)
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cups water, room temperature

1.       In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together.
2.       Add the water and mix well.
3.       Cover and let rise 4 hours.
4.       Butter a 12 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
5.       Using hands, scoop dough into loaf pan, squishing it to fill the pan.
6.       Cover with tea towel and let rise 1 hour.
7.       Heat oven to 425 F.
8.       Bake  for about 30 minutes. The loaf will sound hollow when tapped.

Or, if you need something with no yeast, you could try one of these :

• Altar Bread from the Society of St. John the Evangelist (this is the bread Derek makes for us at church)
• Bannock for either the oven or the stope top
• Irish Soda Bread (or do a quick google search for a version with raisins and sugar)

“Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”

I wonder if the occasion to tell the story of Jesus death was a relief or a frustration to the disciples. If you think it might have been a relief, perhaps you would like to imagine you are meeting someone who has just arrived on earth and has no idea what is going on. Why are the stores closed? Why is no one at school? Why is everyone online all the time? How would you tell the story of the things that have taken place these past weeks?

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Something to Wonder

Recognizing Jesus

One possible explanation for why Jesus’ own friends seemed to have a hard time recognizing him after his resurrection is that their brains simply refused to suggest something so obviously impossible to them. Jesus is dead. This man I am talking to is not dead. Therefore, this man I am talking to cannot be Jesus.

In this week’s story, the disciples are finally able to recognize him when he breaks and blesses the bread at dinner, something they must have seen him do many times before.

• What are the things that help you recognize Jesus or that help you realize you are in God’s presence?
• What are the assumptions you make that get in your way to see God’s presence?

“How slow of heart…were not our hearts burning within us”

We are reminded that our hearts are an important source of knowing, offering us wisdom and insights and pathways to understanding that should not be ignored.

• What is your heart telling you these days?
• What is your heart resisting?
• What is your heart yearning for?

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Something to Learn

Bread in a pandemic

People are making bread! These two articles reflect on why that is:
The science behind why everyone is suddenly baking bread from the Globe and Mail
Stress baking more than usual from the New York Times

Being disciples

The question of what it means to be a disciples of Jesus was active before Jesus’ death as well as after his resurrection. The Story at the Rectory will be reading Rowan Williams’ book on the topic, Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life, beginning with chapter 1 on May 7th. The book is easily available in both print and e-book versions and the first chapter (only) is available as a PDF. Read it on your own or join us via Zoom in a few weeks and explore what being a disciple means to you.

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Something to Pray

Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

The Story
Second Sunday of Lent

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “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.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. 

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Something to Do

He breathed on them

Perhaps you, like me, have noticed that Jesus did not have to worry about social distancing! And perhaps you, like me, have noticed that you miss breathing with other people.

When we sing or speak together in church, we breath together – matching our sound-making out breaths and our replenishing in breaths. On-line community doesn’t really allow us to breathe together.

When we gather as a small group for conversation, we pay attention (whether consciously or not) to one another’s breath as it gives us cues about who wants to speak next and when someone is done speaking and how people are reacting to what they are hearing. On-line community doesn’t really allow us to attend to one another’s breath in this way.

But even though we aren’t breathing in the same room and we ARE still breathing together – and our breath is not just the air that goes in and out of our lungs. Our breath is the very breath of God, the Holy Spirit breathed into us and upon us. So, this week, breathe with the knowledge that we breathe as one.

Breath Prayers – This is an ancient prayer practice (dating back to at least the 6th century) in which the prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner is prayed to the rhythm of deep, slow breathing. Over time, and in other cultures, the practice has developed to allow for other words but the principle is the same: a simple phrase which orients you towards God and the need you are bringing forward. Consider these possibilities:

Jesus, Risen Lord, give me your peace.
Holy One, let me feel your love.
Source of all being, draw me into your presence
Creating God, create the world anew.

Doubting Thomas

Thomas’ doubts are entirely understandable – it’s not like his friends believed in Jesus’ resurrection without seeing him for themselves! Thomas’ doubts also don’t make him unacceptable to Jesus – who makes a special visit just for him.

As with Thomas, so with us. Doubts are an understandable and acceptable part of the life of faith and should be welcomed by our families and faith communities as expressions of genuine learning and searching. Doubts neither interfere with God’s love for us nor our love for God.

This is an especially important lesson for children and teenagers – but is a good reminder for all of us all of the time. Take the time to name your doubts this week and offer them to God in hope and trust that the truth will be revealed to you in good time.

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Something to Wonder

“Peace be with you”

What does peace feel like?
Are you finding peace hard to come by? Or are you finding a greater peace in the current situation?
Either way, what is bringing you peace in these days?

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

What do you believe without having seen?
What has led you to believe those things?

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Something to Learn

The Meaning of Peace

Peace is a simple word for a big idea. The Hebrew word that gets translated as “peace” is shalom, which contains ideas of wholeness and harmony and well-being. Watch this Bible Project video for a word study on Peace: https://youtu.be/oLYORLZOaZE

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Something to Pray

Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

The Story
Fifth Sunday in Lent

John 11:1-45

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him.

Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

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Something to Do

Those who walk in the day…see the light of the world

For many people, this is a dark time. Many people are worried – about the virus, about their jobs, about their schools, about their lives. Last Sunday, at 7pm, Christians around the world put a candle in their window as a sign of hope for the world and a prayer to God. We are invited to join in every Sunday for as long as the world needs the reminder that the light of the world is with us.

You could also consider making candles a part of your dinner routine, if it isn’t already. Light a candle or two as part of your table grace and let the light shine.

Jesus began to weep

Jesus weeps with his friends and knows the pain of loss. If you are sad this week, remember that Jesus is with you. If you know someone who is sad, how might you be Jesus for them?

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Something to Wonder

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Is Mary’s cry familiar to you? Have there been occasions in your life when you felt abandoned by God or when you blamed God for something?

How do you think Jesus felt, hearing Mary’s words?

“Unbind him and let him go”

I imagine everyone just standing around in shock as Lazarus walks out of the tomb, still trapped in the burial cloths. Finally, Jesus says “Unbind him and let him go!” and everyone jumps to the task.

What do you think was the first thing Lazarus did?

While we are not dead, I am already imagining how good it will feel when the restrictions are lifted and we are unbound and let go. What do you think the first thing you will do will be?

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Something to Learn

The Question of Resurrection

Resurrection is central to Christian faith but that doesn’t mean we always really understand what we mean by it. In “Jesus Resurrection and Christian Origins“, theologian N.T. Wright offers a fascinating overview of ideas of resurrection in ancient Greek thought, Jewish thought, and Christian thought.

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Something to Pray

Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

The Story
Fourth Sunday in Lent

John 9:1-41

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.

Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped him. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” 

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Something to Do

Play in the mud

Notice Jesus’ rather gross healing technique – making mud with his saliva and rubbing it on the man’s eyes! If you are of a certain age, you probably don’t want to play in the mud (but more power to you if you do!) so just remember that what is good for us is not always pleasant to begin with.

If you are of a different age, you might be up for something a little more hands on. Head outside and make some mud (not with your saliva, please). Get your hands good and dirty (don’t rub the mud on your eyes!). What does it feel like? What shapes can you make with it? Then go wash your hands and enjoy the feel of the water rinsing the mud away.

I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see…

We are all flying a little blind these days, as we feel our way into social distance, isolation, and new ways of maintaining community. Explore what learning this time might have to offer you. Set aside some time for intentional silence. Read a book you have been meaning to get to. Learn a new skill. Figure out how to use a new communications platform. Call someone you haven’t spoken to for a while. How will Jesus open your eyes?

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Something to Wonder

he was born (blind) so that God’s works might be revealed in him

Jesus is clear that the man’s blindness has nothing to do with anyone’s sin but rather has to do with God’s work in him. The danger with this line is that it can sound an awful lot like God burdened the man with blindness for God’s own purposes. What we need to remember is that we are all born, with whatever characteristics we have, for the same reason – so that God’s works might be revealed in us.

How are God’s works being revealed in you? In your strengths? In your struggles? Joys and sorrows?

In their shoes

Imagine you are the man’s parents. How are they feeling? What are they thinking? What do you think they do next?

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Something to Learn

Blindness in John’s Gospel

The use of blindness as a metaphor can be highly problematic when considering the reality of actual people with actual blindness. In “Out of the Darkness: Examining the Rhetoric of Blindness in the Gospel of John” the authors discuss the consequences of John’s images and the importance of befriending complicated texts.

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Something to Pray

Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.