2nd Sunday of Easter

Acts 5.27-32 John 20.19-end

When something unexpected happens, you can be caught wrong footed. It is like when meeting someone you have not met for quite a long while and you suddenly see them. Does your mind go to a momentary stop while you search to recall the person’s name. All the points that you use to locate them have gone. It is as if they are floating in air and there's nothing to lock them into any particular location or set of circumstances.

In the gospel reading the disciples are gathered together. The news of Jesus being seen after his death was hot on the agenda. One can imagine how they must have felt when Jesus suddenly appeared amongst them. The reading tells us that they were startled and terrified. I would've thought frightened out of their wits was a good description.

Jesus tries to settle them, calm them down. He shows the disciples the marks of his crucifixion on his hands and his feet. In addition he ate some food in their presence to show that he was not a ghost. Once they were in a more receptive condition he explained to them the situation as it was and the role that they would play.

Here is where people of all ages can derive great comfort from what Jesus says. Initially Jesus sets the position that the words of scripture have been fulfilled, the Messiah would suffer and rise on the third day. The Good News continues as Jesus proclaims that the repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations. This means that it applies to anyone everywhere. The disciples were witnesses of this by their very presence.

Ever since, this important piece of news has been proclaimed. All through the infant Church right up to the present day. Service by service people are offered the opportunity to confess their sins. In the majority of cases it is through the use of a general confession. But occasionally this may not be felt that it is sufficient. That a greater unfolding of the troubled soul is required.

Many people think that the confessional approach as used by the Roman Church is special to them. However, the same approach of making a particular confession can be used in the Church of England. Confession of particular sins can be made on a one-to-one basis. After suitable words of advice an absolution is given by a priest and the slate wiped clean. The sins have been forgiven.

To wonder through life with our soul burdened down by the sins from the past is a heavy burden to bear. But it need not be so. From the very words that our Saviour himself said if there is true repentance, real desire not to repeat them, our sins committed in the past will be forgiven us. The burden that we have been carrying around for so long can be removed. It has been likened to having a yoke around the neck, like a beast working in the fields. It's removal gives us a lightness of foot, a weight removed from the shoulders.

Collect for the Second Sunday of Easter.

Almighty Father,

you have given your only Son to die for our sins

and to rise again for our justification:

grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness

that we may always serve you

in pureness of living and truth;

through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.