This week we continue with readings illustrating three very different types of Easter experience.
For John of Patmos his mystical experience now extends from the personal and individual that he started with, to encompass “everything in the universe” (Revelation 5:11-14). This is a common feature of mysticism in all religious traditions, combining the intensely personal with an experience of unity with the whole of creation. Most of us see at most a glimpse of this ecstasy, and most likely will know it through poetry or other great art.
At the other extreme, in what we might think of as the official history of the early Church, the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the steadfast witness of the apostles standing against the intimidation of the religious authorities of the time (Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41). They will go on to conflict with the civil authorities. The gospel does not sit comfortably with those in power.
Strangest though is the reading from John’s Gospel (John 21:1-19 ). This elaborates a common theme of the Easter story – often Jesus’s followers failed to recognize him after his resurrection. We hear the same in the story of Mary Magdalene finding the empty tomb, then turning to see Jesus, and at first thinking he was the gardener (John 20:14)! The disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them (Lk 24:13–35).
Part of the Easter story is that even those closest to Jesus could fail to recognize him. So our struggle sometimes to see him amidst the mess and muddle and disappointment of our lives shouldn’t surprise or disappoint us. We have great forebears who experienced just the same. But they also tell us to persevere. He is there in front of us, whether to be found in the routine of our working lives (fishing, or whatever it may be); in the Eucharist, when he breaks bread with us; or even when he looks for a moment like the gardener or some other tramp – until he calls our name sharply and our awareness suddenly clicks into focus.
He is there, in front of us, waiting for us to see him.