In that liminal space between what was and what would be, they had a choice. They could give themselves over to despair or they could trust Jesus’ promise. And in the Ascensiontide of our lives, we have the same choice.
We cannot forget who and whose we are, if we wish to have a legacy in this world. It will not be for the money, or success or achievement that we are remembered—Jesus’ gifts are not the way the world works, remember. It will be in the ways we loved.
Friends, we live in a sinful, broken world. We do not have to look farther than today’s headlines to see that. But we are people of resurrection hope. A community rooted in “agape”; the love of Jesus Christ. And we are called to be signs of that love. To be a healing, reconciling, despair-conquering sign of joy to the world.
Instead of focusing on our “production” – our doing – we affirm our place in God’s fold, and we love one another. We nurture dispositions of compassion and generosity. We cultivate graciousness and mercy. And when we love well, that love – God’s love of us, and our love of one another – it’s that love that will inspire our service and collective action: we cannot reorder this process and fulfill God’s hopes for the world!
While it has already been 2 weeks since Easter, we are still glowing with the Easter morning joy. The disciples were surprised with God’s new and different way of sharing his love with the world. What are the ways that you hear God calling you by name to share the story of hope into the world in new and creative ways?
Our job is not to Lord judgment over others, but to be those light bearers in the world, helping others see God’s love and to find Jesus. Some will respond and some will not. As an earlier text says, dust off your feet and move on. Always be in search of those who want to receive the good news.
For only kindness can win the world for kindness, only generosity can win the world for generosity, and only love like lightning can win the world for love.
The Rev. Brandon C. Ashcraft Good Friday, Year B / John 18:1—19:42. April 18, 2025 Trinity Church in the City
