Jesus comes near to the disciples when they are afraid and doubting, puzzling over everything that had happened. The disciples are unable to believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. Even when he approaches and stands close by, they struggle to believe that what they are seeing is true. The Christian experience is that in the midst of daily life, when trouble seems close and when things have not turned out as anticipated, Jesus draws near.

This week's news

This week the world seems a disturbing place. Many stories deal with the faultlines of suffering and wrongdoing that break societies and shatter peace, both individual and corporate.

In Norway, the trial of Anders Breivik has begun attracting media interest. ‘I would do it again,’ he said in court. The Prime Minister of Norway, Jans Stoltenburg, has said: ‘The Norwegian response to violence is more democracy, more openness and greater political participation.’

In East Africa many children are abducted and taken to be child soldiers in the LRA under Joseph Kony. The children are brutalised and their childhoods are stolen from them, making the long term effects severe. Child soldiers are used in other parts of the world as well.

In Syria there are calls for a UN mission to ensure that the ceasefire holds. Daily evidence suggests that the ceasefire is not working.

The British library has purchased the Cuthbert Gospel. We have the script but how do we make it live today?

Reflection

The reading from 1 John tells us that ‘we are God’s children now’. Not when we are less doubting and braver witnesses – but now. Wherever we are and whatever our situation, we are called to tell the story of resurrection hope and the God who draws near to us.

‘Now’ is an important word in the Scriptures. Now – a time of change, a time of choice, a time of turning away from wrong and walking as children of light. It doesn’t seem to matter if we are old or young – the time is now. We don’t have to grow up or be perfect or know more about God. We don’t have to be expert speakers or even particularly talented people. We just have to be ourselves and ready to trust in the promises of God and the resurrection power of Christ. We are never too old and never too young to be witnesses to the resurrection hope and the transforming presence of Jesus.

The encounter with Jesus described in Luke is one of those transforming moments. Now. It is a kind of sacrament in reverse. Jesus is fed by the disciples, who then are called to be witnesses to go and share their food – both spiritual and practical – with everyone they meet. We are witnesses to the promise of Scripture and to a life in touch with God’s life even in difficult situations. Now. Post resurrection, the gospel is for all people and for now. It involves choices about our lives. Now. It is noticeable in Acts that the first effect of the Spirit’s outpouring is shared lives, shared possessions and daily sharing of bread and prayer in each other’s homes. The disciples build lives that are lived in the ‘now’ moment – uncluttered and ready to act and speak and live in ways that demonstrated the ‘nowness’ and nearness of God. Are we ready for God’s ‘now’?

Prayer

For personal prayer and meditation or to use at the end of intercessory prayer as a reflection.

Now

Now is the time
to turn around and live.
Now is the time
to let go of past hurt.

Now is the time
to hope again, dream again, breathe again.
Now is the time
to tell the story, sing a new song,
make peace with your neighbour,
write that letter, send that text,
offer kindness.

Now is the time
to tell your friends, carers,
sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers,
what they mean to you.

Now is the time
to spring clean your heart,
to prepare the ground for planting,
to pull up the weeds.

Now is the time
for the young to dream
and the old to keep the vision alive.

Now is the time
to answer the call.
Now is the time
to say yes to God.

Questions

• Is there anything about our church life that prevents us from making ‘now’ responses when needs present themselves?
• How flexible are our patterns of pastoral care and ministry? We are not in the same situation as the disciples – do our structures get in the way of God’s call to be witnesses?
• How easy is it to share our faith? What helps us and what gets in the way?

Action

Commit to one small action that will help build your relationship with your neighbours.
Find a card or postcard or send a text to someone who is in need of encouragement.

Young People

When life is stressful where can you go to find some peace? Do you think peace is about escape from difficulties or about something else?
Send a text to someone you know who is in need of support this week.

Diane Craven, a teacher and education consultant, is a Reader in the Church of England.

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