EASTER VII
May 12, 2024
“Asking, Searching, Knocking”
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7)
The season of Easter is drawing to a close with this Sunday, as these weeks have focused on the events and experiences of Jesus’ followers following his resurrection from the dead. A variety of accounts are familiar stories, such as the disciple Thomas, who was conflicted by skepticism and faith; or the men who shared the road to Emmaus with Jesus but didn’t recognize him. Even though we may have heard these stories since our Sunday School days, listened to sermons about them, or discussed them in a study group, new insights and understandings may still emerge.
An ongoing theme that shows up during these Easter Sundays is that of preparation — Jesus is teaching and inspiring his disciples to be strong and confident going forward in ministry when he returns to his heavenly home. Lessons and principles were taught through parables, short illustrative stories, and straightforward instructions, as our Lord knew and understood that not everyone learns in the same way.
The next few weeks will be filled with confirmations, graduations, and commencements as churches, schools, and communities share in celebrating these milestones. When the pandemic forced these events to be canceled, sharply limited, or held virtually, there was a significant sense of loss for all involved. Coming together, being part of a celebratory gathering is important for both graduates and those in the audience. We’re probably a little more likely to appreciate being able to attend rather than seeing it as a chore!
I love using the word “commencement” to denote the completion of a specific stage of education. After all, to commence is to begin, and learning certainly doesn’t end once we leave the classroom! In fact, that’s when the “real” education begins, as we learn new skills and life lessons. It’s been said that an important part of education is realizing just how much we don’t know, and what a joy it is to continue learning throughout our lives. This passage from the Gospel of Matthew may sound like lives of faith are easy and uncomplicated, but read again. Jesus didn’t assure the disciples that the future would be one big ride down easy street. Sometimes to ask, to search, and to knock on a door is the hardest part of fulfilling the tasks we are called to accomplish. As 21st century Christians, we have a great deal in common with the early disciples. We have opportunities to ask people what they need and how we can help; to search for those who need to hear Christ’s message of love and hope; and to knock on closed doors, as we share the Good News with all people.
We are blessed to have a faith that has taught us of God’s love for us, and that Jesus came into this world to teach us, to love us, and to bring us into relationship with him. If we are searching with little success, he will find us, and he will open doors for us, as he knows what we need.
Grateful to know there’s always more to learn,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers