Resurrection (Easter A)

The readings this week flow like a story.

First Peter gives the beauty of the sweeping story of the risen Christ. He concludes saying,

"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

The prophet Jeremiah picks up the strain from the book of consolation, declaring a time of resurrection for the people of Israel who survived the sword. He calls forth praise,

31:6 For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: "Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God."

The Psalmist answers the call.

118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

"So," Paul adds in response to the joy of resurrection, "if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

These readings create a beautiful liturgy of response to the Gospel. I curse my low liturgy tradition; it would probably be too much for me to read all the readings like my Lutheran friends do. Cliff can't understand why any one would choose to cut down on the reading of the Word of God, where so much grace is found. I have always thought that the grace comes as my soul engages the Spirit and the scripture is unpacked. For me that process favors smaller portions of scripture. This week I tend to agree with Cliff. There is so much grace in all the readings.

At the same time I'm afraid of the Gospel. How can I do justice to this pivotal celebration? To tell you the truth, I feel like I bombed last week, and this week leaves me with the same fear. Do I then trust the Spirit with a long reading, or trust him to unpack it with a shorter reading and somehow use my questionable preaching skills? Either way, it comes down to trust. Lord, help me! Help us all!