Second Sunday of Easter (ANZAC week)

John 20. 19-31 St Peter’s E.H. 2022.

Tomorrow, Anzac Day, the nation pauses to remember those who stormed that lonely, inaccessible Turkish beach so long ago, all who gave so much in both world wars, and sadly, in too many wars since.  Australia must be one of very few countries who celebrate a lost battle. Nor do we have on our National Day of Remembrance a great military parade and show of power.  It’s because we are not celebrating the State and its might, but ordinary men and women who fought, suffered and died. Whether particular battles were won or lost does not in any way detract from their sacrificial giving.  We also celebrate the legendary Digger’s courage and mateship. 

This year Anzac Day will be celebrated under a cloud of fear triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Fear of war, fear of nuclear weapons… fear stalks humanity like a shadow.

What are you frightened of? Ridicule? Rejection? Old age? Fear of heights? Spiders, snakes, dogs? 

Today’s Gospel speaks of fear. When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week and the doors of the house where disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews… The disciples had good reason to fear being rounded up and executed, judged guilty by association with Jesus. What did they do? They locked the door – as if that could protect them!  In desperate situations fear can cloud our thinking; this phenomenon has become apparent during COVID 19 as people feeling threatened and helpless lean into conspiracy theories.  Others, in the face of the stormy world wide political scene and environmental crisis, predict the collapse of civilisation, and driven by fear, are preparing for the Apocalypse, learning to shoot and fight, stockpiling weapons and food. [Google ‘Australian Preppers’]

Of course fear does have a positive, protective face too; seen when it triggers an adrenalin rush that protects us from immediate danger – for instance, the fear of falling keeps us back from the cliff edge. Ultimately all fears are expressions of the fear of death. From the brooding pressure of fear arises violence, anxiety, despair and other negative emotions which exert a strong influence on people’s lives.

Luenig, Melbourne’s secular prophet, wrote:

There are only two feelings, Love and fear:
There are only two languages, Love and fear:
There are only two activities, Love and fear:
There are only two motives, two procedures,
two frameworks, two results, Love and fear,
Love and fear.

The power of fear fades into insignificance beside the power of love.

St John writes God is love, and all love emanates from God. Love lifts us up, gives us wings, assists us through difficult times – when we trust in God we can exult with the psalmist ‘with my God I can leap a high wall’ Ps 18.

Today’s pericope from John’s Gospel demonstrates that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. Not locked doors – not our doubts - not our fears - not even death itself.

The Risen Christ came to the Disciples when they were frightened and grieving: through a locked door he came, and gave them peace. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them for strength and comfort.  The Holy Spirit gives courage to believers in troubled times – and the disciples were entering very troubled times.  We too face troubled times and need the Holy Spirit. Thomas’ doubts were dissipated and he was struck with awe in Christ’s presence, recognising him as God and Lord.

Choosing love over fear in our responses to daily life and decision-making can become second nature, so that we habitually live in love and hope rather than fear. Choosing love is choosing God and thumbing our nose at humanity’s greatest enemy – fear - who is prowling around like a hungry lion, ready to drag us down, hem us in, or hold us captive.

Jesus’ love was so strong he was willing to die so that we may live – however death could not hold him, His life is eternal, and we who are in Christ have life eternal: we need not fear death. Having overcome the power of sin and the fear of death on the cross, Jesus the Christ, by his appearance in that locked upper room, transformed his bunch of trembling disciples into confident people that carried the Gospel to the ends of the known world, unflinching and fearless in the face of danger and opposition.

Remember our baptismal vows!  Do you turn to Christ? If you say, I do! you have chosen Life and Love over fear and death. Remember who you are! A believer, a child of God, Jesus’ disciple, a light in the world. Turn to Christ at every moment of fear, doubt, grief, indecision, trouble, need, or joy. Turn to Christ now, and each hour of your life: in his presence you will be free from fear, and grow in grace.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

Mthr Pirrial