Sermons

Third Sunday of Easter

Sunday 6 April at 8am and 10am

Kathryn Elliott
Readings: Acts 2. 14a & 36-41; Luke 24.13-35

Wasn't it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?
I wish we had a recording of the two disciples saying these words! What would it sound like? Did they speak joyfully, excitedly, with amazement?

Peter in Acts 2 had a lot of talking to do and we're given a clue as to how he spoke to the crowd - he appealed and urged…

In both cases - the two disciples on the Emmaus road and the crowds in Jerusalem, listening to Peter and the apostles - the words had a startling effect.

In Acts, those listening to Peter were so moved by his account of Jesus that they asked, What shall we do to be saved? And they went on to believe and be baptised.

In Luke, the effect for the two unnamed disciples was not only a change of heart but of direction too! Bewilderment and heavy sorrow became joy - their reception a Jesus' living presence with them caused them to leave Emmaus and head back to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other disciples.

And what about us? Us, a fellowship of Jesus' disciples at Saint Edmund's? Easter Sunday, with its message of sins forgiven, death overcome and new life in Christ - is that Easter message changing us or challenging us in any way? What is God asking of us?

May I suggest Mission?

Mission is on my mind at the moment partly because I have recently spent a week with the Northern Ordination Course looking at Christian Mission in a Plural World and partly because I have been reflecting on Saint Edmund's.

Since Easter 2007, both Simon and Lesley have moved on to new ministries. During this time of vacancy, the daily and weekly church activities and worship have continued with the contribution of many people's time and gifting, but it will be good to have a new incumbent at the helm - - a vacancy is not an easy time as the people at S Mary's, Hawksworth where Lesley is now serving, will tell us. I recall Bishop James encouraging Lesley at her installation to pray for God's vision for S Mary's. Lesley will be doing just that, and talking to her congregation and parishioners to get a sense of that next step.

It is not too soon for us to pray and listen to God for his vision for Saint Edmund's. I suggest that part of that vision will be to complement our strength as a welcoming, pastoral and caring church with that of mission. It is a strong theme of our Easter readings. For example in Matthew, we read of Jesus telling the two Mary's:
Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me (28.10)
Luke records Jesus' words to the frightened disciples in the upper room:
Repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in my name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.(24.47-8)
Mark records how Jesus commissioned the disciples: Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation (16.15)

So we have a snapshot of both men and women disciples telling each other the good news they have received, then they in turn are commissioned to tell others and we have heard this morning how Peter on that first Pentecost morning, is moved to share his story with a whole crowd of people.

Peter and the early apostles, including Paul, felt a great sense of urgency in their mission. They were living in the light, as they understood it, of Jesus' imminent return and wanted as many as possible to be saved from the consequences of God's judgement on sin. Peter was something of an up front evangelist.

Certainly, evangelism is a part, but not all, of mission. Mission as I understand it, is not evangelism alone. It would be ideal to spend an hour or so, sharing with each other our insights about mission, but there isn't time. Here are some of my personal suggestions on what mission is, and how we go about it.

What is mission? Mission is proclamation of God's love and good news for all people. Importantly, it is God's mission. God's Holy Spirit will lead us into specific activities of mission which include a variety of worship styles, ministries and acts of kindness, welcome, hospitality and prayer, healing and teaching. John Taylor, author of The Uncancelled Mandate wrote: The primary aim of all Christian mission in all its varied activities is to present the person of Jesus Christ, to make him visible… so that he, rather than us, may draw all to himself

How do we go about mission? It is good to know that we are not called to go about mission on our own. On 11th May, Pentecost Sunday, we will learn more about the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Notice in our readings for today, there were two disciples who ran back to Jerusalem to share their story; Peter was with the apostles when he stood up to speak. We are to work together, support and pray for each other in our call to God's mission.

Finally, I think the Emmaus road story has something to say to us about mission techniques or skills. Up front, in the face evangelism may well have its place - indeed I know some who have become Christians because at the time, that approach was right for them - yet I personally value what I see in the Emmaus road story.

Jesus drew near. He met them where they were. He noticed them and he joined them. In the same way, mission simply involves noticing the other and coming alongside whoever naturally comes into our everyday lives.
Jesus spoke. He took the initiative - in this case, he simply asked two questions which opened up the way for the disciples to share and talk if they wished.
Jesus listened. The gift of listening - what a gift! This opportunity to share their news and their experiences with someone who listened was so valuable. Mission involves listening - to God, to each other and to others.
Jesus explained. (v27) Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the scriptures. We read later that the disciples found their hearts burning within them. As Jesus shared and explained, a new, warm understanding was ignited.
I learn from this that, yes, our understanding of scripture is important to help in explaining our faith to another, but so is the simple sharing of our own life story, of how we became Christians, of who Jesus is and what he means to us.
Jesus gave space. Notice that Jesus did not force himself upon them. He acted as if he was going further. It was up to them to invite him in. He did not push them into a response.
Hospitality. The two offered hospitality - a place to rest and something to eat and it was in that sharing of bread that they recognised him. Jesus offers us and others hospitality in this communion service. In our hospitality of others, whoever they are, Jesus is present and may well make himself known to our guests.

Jesus drew near. Jesus spoke. Jesus listened. Jesus made space. Hospitality became blessing and the start of a new understanding of the risen Lord Jesus. In the coming weeks, I hope that we, like the two disciples and Peter will, with the same joy take our part in God's Easter message and mission.

Holy Spirit, Guide us so that we recognise the person you are sending to work in this parish. As we meet, may there be mutual joy and loving acknowledgement of your will for our community. Lead us on together to serve you and to work for the coming of your kingdom. Amen.

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay