Christians tied Easter to spring and new life. What happens outside in the spring may be more important than what happens inside church buildings on Easter. Maybe. I will go to Church to be with friends, and especially to listen to what Jesus’ friends had to say. That’s all we have. Jesus wrote nothing down, and there were no recording systems. What we have is what Jeus’ friends wanted to tell us.
I am thinking of the country western song that includes a refrain, “I have friends in low places.” Jesus had friends in low places, and the people in high places noticed and were afraid that the occupying Romans would notice. That’s why Jesus had to be eliminated. So, what am I likely to hear from Jesus’ friends when I go to Church on Easter?
At a dinner, Jesus knew he was in trouble and asked his friends to remember him when they shared bread and wine together. Eating together was really important then. We could do better by gathering around a table with friends often. Jesus washed his friends’ feet! Washing feet is not part of our culture, but being nice and helping our friends, especially those in need, certainly is. We could do better. People thought Jesus wanted to be “King of the Jews” – he didn’t. He was killed anyway.
His friends scattered, even hid, because they were afraid of what might happen to them – except the women who wanted to anoint his body and found the tomb empty. Even when the women told the men what they found, the men didn’t believe them – we have the same problem today. The Church gives a long and short Gospel option on Easter. The long version includes Mary Magdalen talking with Jesus and being told to go tell the brothers. Women are still trying to tell the brothers, but if the priest cuts to the short version, the people will never hear that part of the story.
Lots to listen to and sit with. More dinners with friends, yes. More helping people in need, yes. Jesus didn’t want to be king – I don’t want any kings! Jesus had it right. People are still afraid. People are being made to feel afraid by politicians who want their vote. They tell you that you should be afraid because you are going to be replaced by _____ _____, fill in the spaces, and only I can save you, B.S. And women are still not being believed. Sigh.
I will go to Church on Easter to be with friends, and to listen to the story that Jesus’ friends tell about the man who didn’t want to be king. I will go even though I am presently not on the Church’s guest list for dinner with Jesus. That’s OK. Jesus had friends in low places.
John Houk, JPC