Scripture Introductions

Easter 4 May 3. 2009 Scripture Introductions by Stewart Clarke
In our first reading, we are (again) in the middle of a story.[2] A crippled man is healed, and he naturally rejoices. This leads to Peter's sermon, which draws official attention. So Peter and, presumably, John, who was with him at the healing, are called to account for their behaviour. They appear before Annas and Caiaphas, the same two who were named at the beginning of the story of John the Baptist, and the same ones who were part of Jesus' trial! Peter speaks in their defence, witnessing to Jesus, and proclaiming that there is salvation only in Jesus' Name. (This may reflect the tension between the early Church and the Pharisees and Sadducees at the time of Luke's writing, more than Jesus' own attitude. Luke quotes Jesus as saying "he that is not against you is for you." [Lk.11:50]. But it sometimes seems that we prefer "he who is not with me is against me,' [ Mt. 12:30] which, redirected from Jesus, can lead to a pride and exclusivism that are hardly in keeping with Jesus' teaching or manner.) The Church's beginnings were in real and risky situations! Let's listen, alert to the dynamics and drama of the scene. Acts 4:5-12 You may wish to hold your acclaim until after the Gospel, or say something like: Mat we be filled with Holy Spirit and proclaim Jesus as Lord. Amen.
For many, Psalm 23 is a statement of personal faith: with such a Shepherd, we are willing to be his sheep. (BTW, there is no need to shift, as some suggest, from the metaphor of sheep to the "royal guest" image: if we consider the hillside as the sheep's table, and the enemies to be poisonous herbs or brambles[3]. You may note the role of shepherd calling for attributes we like to consider feminine and masculine, of nurture and defence, of care and command. ) Let us... Psalm 23 (VU p.747-749)
In the Epistle reading, John calls for an expression of love in practice, and what we might call "a clear conscience." There is also a reference to God's commandment: whereas Jesus had condensed the commandments to love of God and love of neighbour, John has Belief in Jesus' name, and love of one another. The writer is emphatic about the practical implications of this love, taking precedence over possessions, a difficult challenge in our possession-adoring culture and a culture in recession, and even over life, itself. Let's listen to his explanation and challenge: 1 John 3:16-24 May we proclaim our faith in word and action. Amen.
The Gospel reading is one of the great 'I am" statements[4]. "I am" traditionally referred to the Lord ("Adonai" YHWH) God. Here it refers to Jesus. In the 23rd Psalm, God is the Shepherd. Here it is Jesus. There can hardly be a more powerful statement that, if we want to know what God is really like for us, we look to Jesus' words and actions! (As in Ps. 23, there are sheep references that come directly from sheep herding in Jesus' land.) (The reference to "hireling" may not necessarily be a blanket derogatory statement about "servants," as such, but compares sheep being served and belonging. It may also speak more of the writer of John's Gospel [5] than of Jesus!) Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in: (Or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us in: ) John 10:11-18 May we recognize and honour the shepherds in our midst Amen.. It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.
Notes:
  1. With thanks to CAM and MRR.
  2. This passage continues the Acts story, but its connection to the other readings may be tenuous, at best. RSC.
  3. We can picture David, at court, reflecting on the risks he has known from his youth. RSC.
  4. This, I suggest, is one of the best-beloved passages in Scripture, along with the "Shepherd's Psalm." While the words are likely the author's, the message is a powerful witness and statement of his/(her?) faith about Jesus, the Christ.
  5. This wording betrays my preference for thinking of the Gospel writings as coming from the church community which John founded. RSC.
(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)