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Many, if not most, of the religions of the world teach some form of life after death. The Christian church borrowed its belief in the resurrection of the dead from Judaism, and Judaism, in turn, may have borrowed it from ancient Iranian religion. But the resurrection of Jesus is without parallel in Jewish sources. For Christian faith declares that a historical person, Jesus of Nazareth, has been raised to life with God while this present age continues to run its course. Christ’s resurrection reveals a power beyond this world, but it is played out in this world before human witnesses.

In Judaism the resurrection of the dead is a stage in the apocalyptic scenario, according to which this wicked world must be totally destroyed, in order for the glorious kingdom of God to be revealed. But the message of the risen Christ is not about any such cataclysm; it is not about some future kingdom. It is a solemn commission to Jesus’ disciples:

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
Mark 16:15

Christ’s resurrection leads to a continuation of his saving work, after the apparent catastrophe of his shameful death on the cross. Christ’s resurrection is revealed in this world and for this world. It means that Jesus’ cause goes on.

But there is also another side to the Easter event: it brought the disciples to a new insight into who Jesus was and is. The most ancient summary of Christian faith is the simple affirmation, "Jesus is Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:3). It was seeing Jesus after his death which led Paul and the other apostles to an insight into his true nature.

Today in our society there are many people, including young people, who are searching for religious insight. Sadly, they are not finding it in the churches. Although 80% of Canadians believe in God, only one in four regularly attends religious services. Despite all the good works which our church performs for the poor, the homeless, and refugees, people are not looking to the church to find meaning in their lives.

But soul searchers who are turned off by organized religion are visiting monasteries and ashrams in ever greater numbers. Clearly, people are seeking to grow spiritually, but I wonder whether the solitary reflection fostered by the retreat movement is the whole answer. Private meditation and community worship can go together. Silent adoration may lead to prayer and song.

Here at the Good Shepherd we have a style of worship which is admirably suited to support the personal quest for spiritual insight. Our worship here creates a sacred space and a sacred time during which "the changes and chances of this transitory life" are held up in prayer, but are not permitted to disrupt the sacred mysteries.

In our worship, where scripture is at the centre, there is no danger that the ideas or personal agenda of the celebrant will ever dominate. Our worship sends us back into the world supported and sustained by the illumination of God’s holy word, and by the power of God’s holy spirit.

March 31, 2002

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