An Invitation - 1 John 1 - Easter 2B

An Invitation to Fellowship…

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Reflection based upon 1 John 1-2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133

Opening Prayer

Happy Easter: the sequel! “Thomas Sunday”

Today, we read about Thomas and how he gets to witness the resurrection by seeing Jesus and touching him. 

The resurrection happens not for us to eat chocolates and candies around the house or dress in beautiful spring dresses. The resurrection is here for us to remind us that no matter who you are or where you on this life journey, you too can experience resurrection. 

Jesus appears to the ladies at the tomb, then the disciples in the room except Thomas is not there.

Thomas didn’t want to be left out, and so Jesus comes to Thomas. That is, Jesus comes to those who want to experience and to witness.

Last week, we were given the possible while witnessing the power over death as Jesus walks before us and with us.

Jesus appeared to Mary and the ladies, despite forgetting what Jesus had told them time and again. 

Jesus appears to the disciples who were behind locked doors and in fear. Who knows if Pilate or if guards were going to come after them too. 

Yet, they are together, in community, wondering and waiting for something.  They don’t know what is to come, but they are in community.

Psalm 133 says, “How very good it is when people live together in unity."

Jesus appears and says “Peace be with you” for fear and anxiety was clearly with them.

God meets us where and when we need. In that meeting, God brings peace.

We know the mundane. We know the daily gruel. We know the poison of social media. We know how the world outside is harsh, violent and scary, but God meets us with peace.

Today, then asks of us what have we done. What do we believe and why?  Does Thomas believe because he has seen or does Thomas simply witness for Thomas also wants to witness what his friends were able to witness?

Yes, God meets Thomas where and when Thomas needs - and God meets us many years later where and when we need. This is the example of abundant grace given to us.

Then, people are want to separate themselves out for this abundant grace, however as if it is only abundantly for them.

To that, the letter from 1 John offers a reminder, “If we say we have no sin… If we say that we have not sinned, we make them a liar, and their word is not in us.”

How often do we point the finger? How often do we throw shade? Perhaps we doubt the tangible nature of Jesus as for everyone. 

This letter reminds us not to be a hypocrite. Some might say, that isn’t me, but look deeper.  How many times do we cast judgments and shade onto people around us. All God’s children isn’t all people ?

Our judgment and ego hides the abundance of grace poured out not just for oneself but for all of God’s children.

Yes “if we walk in the light as Jesus walked in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”

When we let our judgment and prejudice shade God’s love from each other we do not walk in fellowship but apart, and we will fail to see that God is so much more.

Despite this.. when we fail and we will, Jesus comes to forgive and resolve these failures because “Jesus’s blood cleanses us from sin.”

Even if we happen to be absent the first time, Jesus comes to meet us - when we fail so that we might see the light. Jesus comes to us just as Jesus came to the disciples: when and where they needed. In that moment, Jesus brings peace to assure and to lift up all.

Jesus does this despite having a broken body with puncture wounds in hands and side: flesh that has endured so much for us. Understand that Jesus does not bring retribution for the violence or some revenge, but Jesus brings, instead, peace.

So confess your sins, atone, and experience Jesus not just as token words, but verifiable light and open heart. Experience the Spirit move you, talking to you.

God is light, and you who walk in darkness, it is time to come to the light. Ask for Jesus and find Jesus coming to you. 

Beloved, experience Jesus and find peace. Let us be in fellowship with this light.

Thanks Be to God.