Principal Service

[Genesis 8.1–19]

Acts 7.55–end †

Psalm 31.1–5, 15–16 [or 31.1–5]

1 Peter 2.2–10

John 14.1–14

† The reading from Acts must be used as either the first or second reading.

I have to say when I first read the two readings from scripture we have heard this morning, I was wondering why we have these two stories at this point during the Easter season? We have the stoning of Stephen, which is quite graphic for a Sunday morning, especially with a Baptism! Then we have one of the farewell discourse stories where Jesus is preparing his disciples for when he leaves them.   

What is this all about? Fundamentally deep down these stories are about the trinity. They are at this point in this season so that we don’t get caught up in the joys of Easter and forget about the fundamental fact that Jesus and God are one as part of the trinity and that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is for all.   

The stoning of Stephen is not that well known and only comes up in the lectionary once every three years. Basically Stephen is being challenged by the Jewish leaders for blasphemy because he is challenging them for not listening to the many prophets who have come before them and now for not believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a fellow Jew he knows the consequence of challenging these leaders will lead to his death, but he believes so deeply in his conviction, that he is willing to take this risk if it means that others may come to understand and believe. At the moment of his death he looks up and sees Jesus on the right side of God. He sees with his own eyes what he has been trying to tell everyone around him and shares that vision with them.

The reading from John’s gospel is probably a lot more familiar to some people as it is often one that is used at funeral or memorial services. This is because Jesus is describing heaven and reassuring the disciples that although he would no longer be with them physically, he is preparing a place for them when the time is right. Although this exchange between Jesus and the disciples talks about the many dwelling places of God, this piece of scripture has sadly often been used to exclude people from God’s love. An exclusive stance on this piece of scripture has lead to anti-semitism within our Christian community and an inability for inter-religious dialogue. As our world around us changes and becomes more multi cultural, there is an even greater need for us to communicate with all our brothers and sisters of different faiths and non, so that we can live alongside one another.

What else do we think Jesus is telling his disciples as he prepares to meet the cross? What is it to follow the way, the truth and the life? It means living the way Jesus lived. Jesus is proclaiming a way of life that through his death and resurrection, we are all free to follow the ways of Jesus. A way of life that Jesus taught his disciples not just through his words but his actions. He came down on earth and humbled himself by becoming human. He washed the disciples feet and told them they must do the same. On the cross he forgave all those who had persecuted him so that we could forgive. We are reconciled to God and so pursue reconciliation with those we have become estranged to. Jesus death and resurrection for all people gives us hope and encourages us to live boldly. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can proclaim the gospel without invalidating the experience of others and respecting other peoples beliefs. The God we serve is much bigger and bolder than we can ever imagine. If Jesus was talking about God as exclusive in this passage, he would have more likely said, ‘there are a small amount of dwelling places that can only be entered if you do this this and this.’ But this is not what Jesus says. Jesus talks about the many dwelling places that have been prepared.  

If we close our ears and eyes to the changes in our world around us, are we condemning the marginalised to not be welcomed into the family of God?

As a Church is our focus on Jesus’ way of life which welcomes the stranger, or have we become more interested in making sure only those who fit in can participate?

In Acts Stephen was trying to explain that not listening or being open to the changes around had meant that they had closed themselves and others off to the abundance of God’s love. This story is therefor a warning to us all that we can lose our way if we are not willing to listen to the changing world around us. Both stories therefore are there to help us pursue the way, the truth and the life for ourselves and also for our church.

So although at first these readings may not seem to make sense for this part of the Easter season, they are here to remind us to continue living our lives as Jesus has taught us and that God prepares a place for us all, the two parts of the Trinity that work together with the Holy Spirit. Today we welcome Lily to become a new member of the family of Christ and her parents and godparents are charged with teaching her to live as Jesus lived. The way, the truth and the life. Let us all therefore remind ourselves of the way Jesus lived and enable this place to be as open as the many dwelling places of heaven.

Amen.