The Third Sunday of Easter (Year A), April 10, 2005

BCP: Acts 2:14a,36-47 or Isaiah 43:1-12; Psalm 116 or 116:10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23 or Acts 2:14a,36-47; Luke 24:13-35

RCL: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-3,10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35

Several strong themes are presented in the lessons for today. There is the theme of irresistible divine power. The final sentence of the lesson from Isaiah is "No one can deliver from my hand; when I act, who can thwart me?"

There is the theme of ransom, of exchange. "I have given Egypt for your ransom ... I give people in exchange for you, and nations in return for your life" (Isaiah 43:3b, 4b). In 1 Peter, the lesson says, "You know that the price of your ransom from the futile way of life handed down from your ancestors was paid ... in precious blood as of a blameless and spotless lamb, Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18-19).

The theme of ransom moves on from the message of nations given in exchange for the captives, through the lesson in 1 Peter about the blood of Christ being paid rather than "anything perishable," into the lesson from Luke. In the account of the appearance of the risen Jesus to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Lord says, "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer before entering into his glory?" (Luke 24:26). He then goes on to explain to them, beginning with Moses and proceeding through the prophets, to clarify the passages "throughout the scriptures [i.e. the law and the prophets] that were about himself."

These two themes can seem to be contradictory. One who possesses divine and irresistible power nevertheless chooses to pay a ransom that costs his life — that is, chooses to put himself into the power of others, weaker than himself, who work violence upon him, even to death. Yet the themes of "power" and "ransom" are brought together in a third theme: overwhelming love for those who are ransomed. "I regard you as precious," says Yahweh in Isaiah 43:4a, and refers to the people as his "sons" and "daughters" (43:6). Those who receive that love are bound to live in it and thereby extend it to others. "Since by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves so that you can experience the genuine love of brothers, love each other intensely from the heart" (1 Pet. 1:22). The love of the fellowship is expressed in concrete actions. "They sold their goods and possessions and distributed the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed" (Acts 2:44-45). They also worshiped gladly together, "with one heart," and met in their homes for the breaking of bread, and shared their food "gladly and generously."

The lesson is clear: When one receives the immeasurable and sacrificial love of God, one is dramatically changed and is therefore bound to love others.

Look It Up

How does Psalm 116 express the themes of power, ransom, and love for God and neighbor?

Think About It

How can "genuine love," as 1 Peter has it, be an obligation? Under what circumstances can love be commanded?

Next Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A), April 17, 2005

BCP: Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a,51-60 or Neh. 9:6-15; Psalm 23; 1 Pet. 2:19-25 or Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a,51-60; John 10:1-10

RCL: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Pet. 2:9-15; John 10:1-10